AWO Pacific Region Vice President position -- Seattle, Washington

Vice President-Pacific Region.

A national transportation industry trade association headquartered in Arlington, VA seeks a self-starter to manage its Pacific Region office, advocating for members before federal and state regulatory agencies and legislatures.  The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have exceptional analytical, writing and communications skills, and be able to thrive with constrained resources, effectively prosecute a federal and state advocacy program, productively engage coalitions, and provide excellent staff work and member service.  The majority of the work takes place in Washington and California. Other major areas of work are Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska.  Will include at least 50% travel.  Applications accepted until November 1. 

Send resume, cover letter and salary requirement to resumes@vesselalliance.com, or to Regional Affairs Office, The American Waterways Operators, 801 North Quincy Street, Suite 200, Arlington, VA  22203.   

About the organization:

The American Waterways Operators is the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry.  We represent more than 300 member companies in an industry of nearly 4,000 towing vessels, 28,000 dry and liquid cargo barges and 33,000 mariners.  www.americanwaterways.com

About the position:

Major Responsibilities:

Major Responsibility #1:  Monitor and track legislative, regulatory, trade, and public affairs issues 

Key Supporting Tasks:

·        Access StateScape and State legislative resources

·        Build relationships with key state and federal staff

·        Develop coalition partners on key issues

Major Responsibility #2:  Present information, observations, opinions, and arguments to federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory agencies

Key Supporting Tasks:

• Writing talking points and testimony to be delivered by staff or members
• Research issues to ensure presentations and opinions are made from an informed basis
• Manage the development of letters to appropriate legislators and regulators

Major Responsibility #3:  Conduct grassroots meetings with members of Congress and AWO members

Key Supporting Tasks:

·        Manage appointments based on a two-year Congressional cycle

·        Prep AWO members for the meeting

·        Record results of meeting and submit for grassroots database

Major Responsibility #4:  Achieve Board directed PAC goals

Key Supporting Tasks:

• Establish a regional PAC Committee
• Manage the process to ensure the region achieves the PAC goals
• Provide support and resources to the members to help them achieve the PAC goals
• Engage members to improve the process

Major Responsibility #5:  AWO 21- Goal 5:  Influence priority state and federally-proposed regional initiatives that broadly affect industry interests

Key Supporting Tasks:

·        Use StateScape policy tracking and analysis web tool to monitor state and regional

initiatives and responding to them in a timely manner

·        Maintain flexibility to address emerging state issues and proactively represent

industry interests

·        Create and utilize a database of relevant state and regional facts that can be used in AWO’s state advocacy program

• Monitor and engage, as appropriate, other organizations/associations whose missions or priorities affect or intersect with AWO regional priorities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree  
• Minimum five years total experience in one or more of the following positions: (a) a policy or analysis position in a legislative office or legislative committee; (b) a policy or analysis position in a private association or business; (c) a policy or analysis position for a lobbyist firm or law office; or (d) a lobbyist position.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills. 
• A goal-oriented self starter.
• Ability to effectively manage time and multiple issues.
• Ability to understand and plainly communicate complex concepts, including tax, safety and environmental issues.
• A proven sense of political sensitivity, judgment and discretion.
• An ability to maintain complete confidentiality and discretion in member relationships and exercise sound professional judgment. 
• A respect for proper policy and protocol.
• A reputation for ethical conduct. 
• Eagerness to help the association grow and become stronger. 
• Ability to work with leaders and decision makers on both sides of the aisle.