Competitive benefits, including 200 hours paid time off, 12 paid holidays, vested 401(k) with matching, medical/dental/vision, and 160 hours paid parental leave.
Please send a resume and cover letter to resumes@americanwaterways.com; reference “State Advocacy Representative” on the subject line of the email.
Position Summary: The State Advocacy Representative will build and manage legislative relationships and activities in states in coordination with the AWO regional team.
Essential Responsibilities:
Develop substantial relationships and build legislative and regulatory maritime support in targeted states.
Establish maritime caucuses and champions in targeted states.
Increase AWO’s ability to participate in and influence legislation and regulatory development in targeted states.
Coordinate with AWO members and colleagues to engage legislators and regulators.
Coordinate with AWO members and colleagues to define industry impacts of legislative and regulatory actions.
Monitor and respond quickly to state and local issues that impact association members’ businesses.
Develop and lead coalitions to ensure effective and pro-active work on critical industry issues.
Create and manage state associations and/or coalitions as needed.
Create and manage state PACs and/or fundraising strategies.
Track and monitor policy, industry, or geographical-related issues and execute initiatives by prioritizing, engaging relevant parties, and escalating matters as appropriate.
Provide members and colleagues with timely updates on critical industry issues.
Ensure that safety and environmental concerns are integrated into advocacy strategies.
Work collaboratively, transparently, and cross-functionally with colleagues.
Required Qualifications:
Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to interact at all political and industry levels effectively and comfortably.
Ability to collaborate within a team.
Proven ability to quickly learn the issues and policies impacting the interests of AWO’s members.
Ability to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
Ability to identify and understand key policies and issues pertaining to the maritime industry in legislative and regulatory proposals, understand business implications, and communicate synthesized information to members and colleagues.
Demonstrated political acumen and effectiveness in sensitive situations.
Motivated self-starter who is comfortable working independently.
Effective project and time management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues and tasks.
Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of public policy experience, including state policymaking and legislative and regulatory processes.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience working within trade associations or equivalent organizations.
Experience with policy areas that impact the domestic maritime industry and its environment.
Experience with campaigns and understands the important elements of directing an advocacy campaign to influence policy outcomes.
Ability to use technology to increase effectiveness and communication to colleagues, members, and state legislators/regulators.
The American Waterways Operators is the national advocate for the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry, which serves the nation as the safest, most environmentally friendly, and most economical mode of freight transportation. AWO members operate on the rivers, coasts, Great Lakes, and harbors of the United States, moving vital commodities safely, reducing air emissions, water pollution, and highway congestion, protecting homeland security, and providing family-wage jobs for tens of thousands of Americans. AWO promotes the long-term economic soundness of the industry and works to enhance its ability to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation.
