Director of Federal Affairs
Employer: The New England Council, Inc
Job Title: Director of Federal Affairs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location & Presence: Boston Hybrid
Employment Status: Full Time
Reports To: Senior Vice President of Communications and Federal Affairs
Salary Range: $85,000- $102,500
About the New England Council:
The New England Council is a non-partisan alliance of businesses, academic and health institutions, and public and private organizations throughout New England formed to promote economic growth and a high quality of life in the New England region. The Council headquarters are in Boston, MA, and maintains a fully-staffed office in Washington, D.C.
Position Summary:
With a direct focus on financial services, housing, and tax policy, the Director of Federal Affairs will play a key role supporting the Council’s mission to identify and support federal public policies and articulate the voice of its membership regionally and nationally on important issues facing New England.
This position is responsible for representing the interests of the Council’s diverse membership at the federal level, monitoring federal policy, researching, writing advocacy letters to effectively communicate policy priorities to government officials and agencies.
This position also has a focus on maintaining and growing a network of relationships with members, supporting efforts to acquire new members and expand the Council’s association’s reach.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
May occasionally assist with supervising interns on various projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Policy & Programming
- Serve as the lead staffer for all Council advocacy and programming in several key issue areas, including Financial Services, Housing, and Tax.
- Monitor federal legislation, regulations, and policies impacting NEC members relating to Financial Services, Housing, and Tax and provide timely informative updates to members. This includes federal legislation current before Congress as well as federal rules and regulations proposed by federal agencies.
- Work closely with Council members to identify priorities, develop well-researched policy positions, and articulate those positions to the New England Congressional delegation and/or relative federal agencies through letters, meetings, op-eds, and events.
- Develop programming for members on issues and topics of concern to the New England business community, including arranging for legislative briefings, guest speakers and panel discussions in both New England and Washington, DC.
- Establish and nurture strong relationships with federal legislators, legislative staff, regulatory agencies, and relevant industry associations to advance policy agenda.
- Provide the NEC President with a comprehensive weekly status report.
- This position will work closely with the President & CEO and Council leadership.
Membership Services & Development
- Support membership development efforts by identifying prospective members in assigned industries, cultivating connections, and educating prospective members about the benefits of membership.
- Maintain and grow relationships with NEC members in the financial services, housing, and tax policy sectors by maintaining regular communication and meeting individually with members and organizing quarterly Committee/Working Group meetings.
- Attend member events and other related events and meetings in New England and occasionally in Washington, DC, representing the Council and occasionally presenting on behalf of the Council.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive messages and deliver compelling presentations.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to distill complex policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, as well as a keen political awareness.
- Proven experience in developing and executing effective advocacy strategies, including direct lobbying, , and coalition building.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with a track record of building and maintaining strong connections with government officials and stakeholders.
- The ability to think strategically and to anticipate and respond to emerging policy trends and challenges.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including both short- and long-term projects.
- Take the initiative to develop and execute projects with minimal supervision.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred not required.
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in government and / or government relations.
- Previous experience working for a business association, on Capitol Hill, in-house Government Relations or a Government Relations Firm is preferred.
Other Information Regarding the Role:
- Currently, this position is considered a hybrid with in-office attendance expected 3 days per week and subject to change.
In the interest of transparency and efficient communication and scheduling, employees are expected to provide visibility to their calendars.
- This role is subject to annual performance reviews.
- This role will require registration as a Federal Lobbyist.
Physical Requirements:
- The Director of Federal Affairs is a role that includes both office-based work and remote work as well as attending meetings, events, and conferences both in the New England area and in Washington, D.C. as needed.
- Occasional overnight travel is required.
- Physical requirements are generally limited to normal office activities, including sitting, standing and using a computer.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, to hr@newenglandcouncil.com.
Candidates selected for a 2nd interview will be asked to provide writing samples.
For more information about the oldest regional business organization in the nation visit The New England Council www.newenglandcouncil.com.
The New England Council is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.