Political Affairs Assistant

ABC - NATIONAL OFFICE

Position Title:  Political Affairs Assistant
Location:             Washington D.C.
Reports To: Senior Director of Political Affairs
Salary:  $55k/yr + Bonus 

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COMPANY OVERVIEW

Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 67 chapters representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with nearly two million employees. ABC Northern California represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors of the industry. ABC promotes free enterprise in the construction industry and this fundamental belief is core to all we do.

JOB OVERVIEW

The political assistant supports the Senior Director of Political Affairs and the national government affairs team to help advance the political priorities and legislative agenda of the merit shop construction industry. In this role, the political assistant will provide administrative and research support, and assist with fundraising efforts, compliance work and event management. Additionally, this role will assist with tracking legislative and political movements and actions, supporting ABC chapters and working with internal and external team members.

The ideal candidate is an organized, self-started with a passion for the merit shop construction industry.

This role is primarily onsite, with virtual work as needed.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

  • Support the day-to-day operations of the ABC Government Affairs team.
  • Work with the Senior Director of Political Affairs on ABC’s political strategy and fundraising efforts.
  • Draft donor communications including emails, briefings, call sheets, thank you notes, etc.
  • Manage team databases and work with national and chapter staff to track compliance paperwork, contributions, etc.
  • Oversee the printing and shipment of ABC PAC badges and donor collateral.
  • Works with Government Affairs Team to plan and execute events at National and state-based meetings.
  • Join meetings as appropriate and take meeting minutes as directed.
  • Works with team to develop materials needed to communicate political and issue advocacy campaigns to chapter staff and members.
  • Works with legal counsel to uphold ABC’s compliance standards.
  • Facilitate aspects of ABC’s annual Legislative Week.
  • Work alongside ABC Government Affairs team to draft communications, including columns for ABC’s emails and publications.
  • Other duties as necessary and assigned to support ABC’s merit shop philosophy.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university required.
  • Two (2) years of working experience in a professional environment required.
  • Prior experience as a Political Affairs Assistant or similar role, preferred.

Specialized Skills:

  • Demonstrated use of intermediate computer operations (basic programming, relational databases and operating systems) and intermediate software packages.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

At ABC, we believe great work starts with great people. To help us achieve our strategic priorities, we seek energetic, positive, and team-driven individuals who bring the following strengths:

  • Organized and Self-Motivated: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Self-starter who takes ownership with a continuous improvement mindset
  • Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across diverse audiences. Trusted communicator who earns respect at all levels
  • Collaborative and Professional: Team player with a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
  • Strategic and Solutions-Oriented: Capable of developing and executing strategic goals, with awareness of organizational dynamics and a resourceful approach to problem-solving
  • Technically Proficient: Skilled in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint; leverages tools effectively for efficiency
  • High Ethical Standards: Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and the highest level of personal and ethical conduct.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Nondiscrimination: ABC is committed to fostering a respectful, professional workplace and making employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing talent from a broad and competitive candidate pool.

Employment Accommodations: ABC is committed to complying with all applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is the Association’s policy not to discriminate against a qualified employee or applicant with regard to any terms or conditions of employment because of such individual's disability or perceived disability, so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. ABC provides reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, who is an applicant or an employee, unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to:

  • Move throughout the office or other work locations, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
  • Hear and understand verbal communication at normal speaking levels, with or without assistance, and communicate clearly in person and over the phone.
  • Use hands and fingers to operate a computer, handle documents, and control tools or office equipment.
  • Occasionally stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by the task or location.
  • Visually read and interpret information on computer screens, printed documents, and visual aids both near and far, including distinguishing colors when necessary.
  • Safely navigate construction sites or event locations, which may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs or ladders, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and standing for extended periods.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety vests, eye protection, or other safety gear, as appropriate to the site or activity.

Work Environment: This role is primarily performed in a standard office setting with minimal noise and typical working conditions.

  • Depending on job responsibilities, work may also be conducted at off-site locations such as construction sites, industry events, or partner facilities. These environments may involve variable weather, uneven terrain, or other safety considerations.
  • ABC supports flexible work schedules to accommodate various lifestyles and promote a healthy work-life balance. With manager approval, a hybrid remote work arrangement may be available, with the ABC office as the primary work location.
  • Employee health and safety are top priorities. All applicable health, safety, and site-specific protocols must be followed—whether working in the office, remotely, or at off-site locations.