Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

Job Summary

The Senior Vice President for Government Affairs acts as API’s chief advocate to Members of Congress, Congressional staff, the White House, and certain executive branch agencies. The position is also responsible for state and local advocacy. This position develops and maintains open and constructive relationships/partnerships with key government officials, including congressional, Administration, and executive branch staff, as well as outside organizations and ensures that API has a strong relationship network in the states. The position is responsible for the leadership and management of the Government Relations team (i.e., federal, state, and external mobilization) as they  develop and execute API’s policy priorities, lobbying strategy, grassroots advocacy and political giving and works closely with the SVP of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs to develop API’s policy priorities.  

The SVP for Government Affairs provides strategic thought leadership to the CEO and COO and is an executive on API’s Management team. This position will work with all API member company lobbyists as well as internal departments to ensure the API legislative, policy and political agenda is successfully advanced. The role requires a high degree of executive leadership and judgement, internal and external communication, and relationship building, and organizational management.

Duties/Responsibilities

·        Provide vision, strategic and operational leadership and for API’s advocacy and political efforts.

·        Oversees the development and successful implementation of key organizational advocacy efforts at the state level, on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch.

·        Lead API’s grassroots and political program initiatives, including optimizing the PAC, to support API’s legislative priorities.

·        Works collaboratively with colleagues on the Management Team in establishing and implementing API’s strategic goals.

·       In collaboration with the General Counsel’s office, ensure legal compliance for all advocacy and political activities.

·        Responsible for development and executing of the Government Affairs budget.

·        Represent API in legislative and regulatory issue coalitions when senior level participation is required.

·        Build and maintain contacts with other trade associations and industry members regarding legislative and regulatory initiatives or common interests to ensure industry priorities are well represented and coordinated.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Key Success Factors

·        Provides staff leadership to the Government Affairs department with direct reports including VP of Federal Relations, VP of State Relations and VP of External Mobilization.

·        Key success factors for this role include a strong sense of team and collaborative focus. The preferred candidate must be an organized, detail-oriented, self-starter. Demonstrated consensus building, decision-making and interpersonal skills are essential. This is a highly visible, fast-paced position that is both internally and externally facing. Accordingly, the successful candidate should be adaptable, able to reprioritize and shift gears quickly, comfortable in a high-pressure environment, responsive, and skilled in conflict management. 

Key Relationships

·        Reports to CEO. Strong collaboration with all members of the Management Team, particularly the COO, to ensure organizational alignment. This includes policy, communications and legal compliance.

·        Develops and maintains professional and effective working relationships with API staff and external contacts including, but not limited to member company representatives, consultants, vendors, coalition/trade association partners and government agencies.

Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred.

·        Successful political strategist with minimum of 20 years of advocacy experience with proven track record of success in congressional, executive branch, trade association government relations or related experience.

·        Minimum of 8 years of management experience including ability to manage people, programs and projects.

·        Proven ability to lead a complex functional area

·        Proven track record of leading, influencing and managing their team, members and stakeholders through change and growth.

·        Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including presentation of views to corporate executives, Members of Congress, congressional staff, executive agencies and the White House.

·        Experience in navigating and working successfully in multi-stakeholder models, consortiums and other industry consensus building organizations.

·        Familiarity with issues that have an impact on the natural gas and oil industry

·        Ability to advocate effectively on API’s policies and positions and pursue opportunities to advance API’s views and objectives in a variety of forums.

·        Expert knowledge of congressional and executive branch protocols and processes.

Physical Requirements

·        Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer

·        Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion

·        Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines

·       Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirement

·         25% to 50%

Percentage of travel time expected for the position, where the travel occurs, such as locally or in specific countries or states, and whether the travel is overnight.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.