AVP, Government Affairs

Candidate will handle top priority legislative projects at the AAR and will have independent responsibilities.  The position will report to the Senior VP, Government Affairs and work closely with the Government Affairs team.  The candidate will develop consensus and formulate Association policy positions on key legislative issues.  Candidate will possess strong working knowledge of Congress and the legislative process, especially transportation and appropriations.  They will work to influence congressional consideration of legislation, consistent with the objectives of the Association and will be a registered lobbyist.  Will be required to communicate legislative developments to the Association’s senior team, the Washington representatives, and to other senior railroad officials. 

Candidate must have demonstrated ability to foster the development of consensus positions in the face of differing and sometimes conflicting policy views held by the Association’s membership.  The candidate will be responsible for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on legislative developments of importance to the industry.

Candidate will be required to meet frequently with Members of Congress and their staffs and promote industry goals and positions. Ability to develop and maintain close working relationships with congressional staff and Members is necessary to the position. The purpose of these relationships is to facilitate access to information and willingness to consider arguments advanced in support of the industry’s goals. To this end, thorough knowledge of congressional organization and procedures, Administration and agency initiatives is critical.

Development of rail industry positions on priority legislative issues, preparing talking points, and forging support coalitions where appropriate will be necessary to the position. Candidate should have a working knowledge of important technical issues and should have excellent speaking, writing, and computer literacy skills.  Other required attributes include initiative, planning, problem solving, decision making, and organizational skills.

Requires ability to articulate and advocate policy positions to broad range of audiences.  Ability to work quickly, digest complex legislation, and produce accurate information is of utmost importance.

• Coordinates key policy issues for the industry, with particular emphasis on railroad safety; transportation; and appropriations.
• Performs analyses of key legislation; facilitates the development of consensus positions; works closely with senior AAR officials and Washington representatives in devising legislative strategy; coordinates with senior Association officials and Washington representatives in implementation of such strategy.
• Works with the Association’s contract lobbyists in furtherance of the industry’s legislative goals.
• Participates in (and initiates, as necessary) Association working groups on key policy topics.
• Cultivates appropriate relationships with members of Congress and their staff, presenting the Association’s views on legislation.
• Recruits the support of business and labor groups as necessary to advance the Association’s legislative objectives.
• Maintains active participation in relevant professional groups.
• Monitors, interprets, and summarizes congressional proceedings for Association officials and Washington representatives.
• Acts as a legislative and information resource for the Washington representatives.
• Supervises performance of original research and analysis, as required.

Represents the Association as a spokesman at various events including legislative conferences, industry meetings, governmental forums, and fundraisers.