Managing Director, Legislative Affairs

Job Type: Full-Time

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Position Summary

The Managing Director of Legislative Affairs is responsible for developing and advancing the Cargo Airline Association’s legislative priorities and representing the interests of CAA members before the U.S. Congress and, as appropriate, federal agencies and other government stakeholders.

This individual will lead the Association’s legislative strategy across a broad range of issues affecting the air cargo industry. The Managing Director will work closely with CAA members, congressional offices, industry associations, coalition partners, and other stakeholders to shape policy outcomes, strengthen awareness of the air cargo industry’s contributions, and advance the Association’s strategic objectives.

The position reports directly to the President. Some travel is required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of CAA’s federal legislative strategy on issues affecting the air cargo industry.
• Represent CAA and its members before Congress, federal agencies, and other government stakeholders; advocate for industry priorities throughout the legislative and policy process.
• Monitor and analyze legislation, hearings, congressional activity, and emerging policy developments; identify risks and opportunities and provide strategic recommendations to CAA leadership and members.
• Engage CAA members to understand policy priorities, operational concerns, and business objectives; build consensus and develop coordinated legislative positions, goals, and advocacy strategies aligned with the CAA Strategic Plan.
• Develop and maintain relationships with congressional offices, committees, federal agencies, aviation and transportation associations, labor, and other industry stakeholders.
• Build and manage coalitions and partnerships to advance shared legislative objectives and coordinate industry advocacy.
• Plan and lead congressional meetings, briefings, educational programs, and events that increase understanding of the air cargo industry and its policy priorities.
• Develop and coordinate advocacy materials, including position papers, legislative correspondence, testimony, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging.
• Provide timely legislative intelligence and written and oral briefings to CAA leadership and the Board of Directors; advise the President and Board on legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and policy implications.
• Collaborate with CAA staff and member representatives and contribute to broader strategic planning, member service, and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience preferred in legislative affairs, government affairs, public policy, or advocacy, with significant experience on Capitol Hill, within the aviation industry, or at a national trade association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative process and congressional operations, with a proven record of successfully advancing legislative or public policy initiatives.
• Strong understanding of aviation policy and the federal agencies that oversee the industry, including the FAA and DOT, is preferred.
• Strong political acumen, sound judgment, and strategic thinking, with the ability to assess complex policy and political environments, anticipate emerging issues, and develop effective advocacy strategies.
• Proven success building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Established network of professional relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, aviation stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to establish credibility and effectively engage executives and policymakers, coalition partners, and member companies.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues to a variety of audiences.
• Self-motivated leader with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results.

Salary Information

The annual salary range for this position is $200,000 to $230,000. New hires are typically offered a starting salary between the minimum and midpoint of the established salary range, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

Strong benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance. Employees are eligible to participate in a retirement plan with contributions from CAA after one year of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: Lauren Beyer, President, at ContactCAA@cargoair.org.

About CAA

The Cargo Airline Association promotes and advocates for the air cargo industry and serves to support and encourage policy that ensures the safety, security, efficiency and resiliency of this essential segment of the global supply chain. Located in Washington, D.C., the Cargo Airline Association actively fosters relationships with aviation industry partners and policymakers to ensure the U.S. all-cargo air carrier industry remains a global leader. Our members deliver to every zip code in the United States, maintain global networks and support the growing air cargo marketplace.