Associated Builders and Contractors - National Office

Position Title:	Director of Legislative Affairs
FLSA Status:	Exempt
Functional Area/Department:	Government Affairs
Reporting Supervisor:	VP of Legislative & Political Affairs

 

Position Description

ABC values the highest levels of personal and corporate standards of behavior characterized by responsibility, accountability and integrity, with demonstrated personal and industry professionalism by all participants.

ABC’s position descriptions are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position. ABC’s position descriptions do not create a contract, express or imply, or other legal rights between ABC and any staff member, nor do they guarantee employment or specific duties for any specific duration. ABC may add, change, delete, suspend or discontinue any of these positions and descriptions at any time without prior notice.

TO APPLY: click here to apply online.

JOB OVERVIEW

Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abc.org.

The Director spearheads ABC’s efforts with respect to Federal legislative advocacy and develops the legislative strategies for a portfolio of the associations many priority issues.  The issue set primarily consists of labor and employment, construction and small business issues. Primary responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and evaluating proposed legislation and regulations, and taking action through meetings with Members of Congress and their staff and White House officials, providing key vote recommendations, and authoring letters to Congress, the White House and federal agencies.
• Working with broad-based coalitions of businesses, trade associations, and other organizations to promote ABC priorities on issues affecting member companies and the construction industry.
• Communicating to ABC members the importance of government affairs, including updating members with the most recent information on issues that will affect them and their business, and encouraging members to be involved in the political process.

Candidate must be a self-starter with strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, and have an expert understanding of Capitol Hill and the legislative process.  Applicants must possess a strong knowledge and background in all aspects of federal affairs with a firm grasp of legislative, grassroots, and political strategy, with an understanding of how they interact. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Specialized Skills:

• Proficient personal computer skills including electronic mail, routine database functions, and word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint and some web design.
• Strong public speaking skills are required. 
• Requires extensive understanding of the legislative process and strong contacts in the House and Senate.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in a related field from a four (4) year college or university.
• Five to seven years in government affairs setting including some experience on Capitol Hill or in a federal agency.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

To achieve our mission, we hire energetic and fun-loving individuals who possess the following skills:

• Professional demeanor and presentation of self
• Ability to organize and manage several priorities simultaneously while working under pressure and deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication, proofreading and editing skills.
• Organizational awareness & resourcefulness - understanding of whom to engage in order to identify solutions & resolve issues
• Strong organization, multi-tasking and time management skills with the ability to work in a demanding work schedule.

• Effectively utilizes tools/resources to work efficiently.
• Ability to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
• Demonstrates the highest level of personal and ethical standards.
• Work accurately with close attention to detail.

Travel

•               Moderate overnight travel (up to 20%) by land and/or air.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Nondiscrimination:

• It is the continuing policy of ABC to take affirmative action to assure equal opportunity for all current and prospective employees without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, past convictions or incarceration, prior psychiatric treatment, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders. ABC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disability Specifications:

• ADA: ABC will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the responsibilities of the State and Local Affairs Coordinator job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment:

• This position is performed in a typical office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.