VP, Government Affairs

VP, Government Affairs

Reports to: President & CEO

Job Summary

The Vice President (VP) of Government Affairs leads AAF’s government affairs programs, monitoring legislative developments, coordinating with industry partners, and prioritizing equipping grassroots members with timely advocacy tools and communications. The VP represents AAF on Capitol Hill and at industry forums, while planning core programs such as the Government Affairs conference, Day on the Hill.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight and Leadership

• Participate in AAF’s Executive team, contributing to long-term strategic planning.
• Manage the government affairs department budget, fundraise for Day on the Hill (~$50k) and ensure compliance with lobbying and contribution reporting.
• Lead AAF grassroots advocacy by providing timely templates, toolkits, and communications.
• Develop strategies for supporting or opposing federal, state, and local legislative proposals, collaborating with AAF members and allies.

Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy

• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory proposals at federal, state, and local levels.
• Draft position papers, testimony, and amicus briefs. 
• Represent AAF before legislative or regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate with allied lobbyists and coalitions if engaged.
• Coordinate with national and state associations, and state corporate members as needed.

Grassroots Development

• Support local clubs in developing government relations activities, providing materials, securing speakers, and assisting with recruiting or supporting legislative chairs.
• Lead legislative workshops and speak at AAF district and federation meetings.
• Facilitate meetings between AAF members and elected officials.

Member Education and Communication

• Produce the monthly Government Report newsletter and distribute Legislative Alerts as needed. 
• Maintain regular communication with AAF’s legislative network.
• Provide government affairs updates to AAF’s Board of Directors, Government Relations Committee, and local federations.

Program Planning and Implementation

• Plan the biennial Day on the Hill including agenda, budget, marketing, and sponsorships.
• Organize “meet and greets” between AAF members and policymakers in Washington, DC. 

Representation and Industry Collaboration

• Represent AAF in coalitions such as the Advertising Coalition and Privacy for America.
• Serve on the Board of the Digital Advertising Alliance. 
• Maintain relationships with corporate member representatives in Washington, DC.
• Develop relationships with prospective corporate members’ DC-based representatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience: Must be a registered lobbyist. 8–12 years in government affairs, advocacy, or related experience; prior work in a legislative office, association, or corporate government relations preferred. Must have experience in budget management and be able to comprehend financial statements. Heavy expertise in policy, current events, and their impact on our organization, our partners, and the advertising industry.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred but not required.
• Leadership: Confident, relationship-oriented, and passionate about delivering impeccable customer service and membership experience to our volunteers, members, and other stakeholders.
• Technical: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, association databases (IMIS highly preferred), and keep abreast of emerging technology to increase efficiency.
• Organizational: Strong project and event management skills, attention to detail, and ability to juggle shifting priorities while working within a modest budget.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professionalism: Must have high maturity and sound judgment.
• Light travel is required.