Government Affairs Associate -- National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association

Government Affairs Associate for Rail Lobbying Firm/Grassroots Congressional Visit Coordinator for Rail Industry Trade Association A DC-based government affairs/lobbying firm, Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell (CC&H: www.cch-llc.com), focused on the rail transportation industry seeks an Associate in its Washington, DC office. The Associate would be primarily tasked to a railroad trade association client of the firm, the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC: www.nrcma.org), and would also have the opportunity to work with the firm’s other clients, including freight railroads, commuter railroads, and rail transit agencies. Responsibilities related to the grassroots Congressional visits aspect of the job include: - Arrange and coordinate visits by Congressmen and Senators to NRC member facilities and work sites in their respective districts and states. This includes working with the NRC-member host company, Congressional schedulers and Chiefs of Staff, and local media to produce an event that gives the Member of Congress firsthand knowledge of the positive impacts that the rail industry has on the local and national economy, and the role that NRC member contractors and suppliers play in the rail industry. - Write stories highlighting the completed events for rail industry trade magazines, for the NRC bulletin, for presentation at the NRC Annual Conference, and for presentation to the NRC Board of Directors The first responsibility of this position will be organizing and attending events in the field as described above. In addition and as available, the Associate will also assist existing NRC staff in performance of existing duties as the NRC continues to grow, including: ‐ Implementation of the government affairs agenda (development of industry information, coordinating grassroots communication, participating in government‐industry events, etc) ‐ Management and execution of day‐to‐day business affairs of the association (website updating, marketing and membership development, staffing Committees, etc) Responsibilities related to work with the firm’s other clients will be general legislative associate work, which will include work on passenger rail authorization legislation, transportation appropriations, surface transportation re-authorization, and freight rail safety and regulatory issues. A bachelor's degree is required. Advanced degrees welcome. Ideal experience would include Capitol Hill work on transportation issues. Campaign or field event organizing experience, or experience with a transportation-related trade association, would also be welcome. Strong writing and communication skills, an outgoing and enjoyable personality, and an appetite for a fast-paced, challenging, and interesting job are essential. Proficiency with basic office computer programs is expected, any other technical skills (websites, mapping, design, database expertise, etc) are welcome. Initial annual salary range of $40,000 to $55,000 based on experience, in addition to health care benefits, paid vacation, sick leave, commuter benefits, cell phone benefits, 401(k) benefits, and paid professional development opportunities. 45-50 hours per week expected, occasionally more. Frequent travel required (at least 3-5 days per month out of town). Office located on Capitol Hill, walking distance from Union Station. This is a career-track position with opportunities for advancement. Please send a customized cover letter and resume ASAP to cbaker@nrcma.org. Tentative schedule: application deadline of June 12, 1st round phone interviews June 19, 2nd round in-person interviews June 25, start date July 10.