Opportunity for a state-focused government affairs professional to advance the use of wood - the most preferred renewable and sustainable building material.

We are looking for an experienced professional to manage state and local political engagement nationwide, advocate for the interests of American Wood Council (AWC) members and support a government affairs portfolio. This position ensures the coordination of association state lobbying efforts to advance policy goals of association members, while expanding the reach and network of a government affairs portfolio.

Essential Functions Include:

• Advocate for member interests nationwide by tracking, analyzing, engaging in, and reporting on state legislative activities
• Coordinate with AWC staff, including the VP, Government Affairs, VP, Codes and Standards, and VP, Markets & Sustainability, to develop and implement state and local responses to pertinent issues
• Identify areas of opportunity to insert AWC priorities into state and local legislative initiatives
• Manage state contract lobbyists and other outside consultants as directed

• Conduct targeted advocacy initiatives related to policy issues
• Schedule and represent AWC before state legislators, local officials, and staff
• Establish and maintain relationships with key state legislative and agency staff
• Write supporting documents and distribute information to state legislatures and regulatory agencies
• Prioritize, monitor and attend congressional and state legislative committee hearings
• Conduct outreach with member companies, forestry groups, and other organizations to mobilize advocacy efforts
• Provide support to Vice President, Government Affairs
• Attend and report on meetings and hearings with various legislative and regulatory bodies
• Other relevant duties as assigned by the VP of Government Affairs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of five years related experience preferred
• State legislative experience or similar experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
• Policy management system (FiscalNote, Bloomberg Government, Quorum, etc.) experience preferred

Success Factors:

To be successful in this position, the individual must be a motivated, self-starter, with experience supporting projects from conception to completion; the ability to quickly learn new tools and technologies; interest and experience in using technology to improve work efficiency; and respect for complete confidentiality on all business matters. Qualified candidates must have excellent written and oral communication and editing skills. The candidate also must be able to work independently and must have the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment regarding matters of significance and complete tasks in a timely manner both independently and collaboratively. This position requires the proven ability to multitask and prioritize projects/responsibilities, and maintain poise, focus, consistency, and accuracy under the pressure of multiple deadlines.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to be between $75,000-$95,000. This is a good-faith estimate based on market data within the DC area for comparable positions, and the current budgeted amount for this role. Factors to be considered when determining the salary of the selected candidate include relevant skills, experience and knowledge, and the alignment of these qualities with those of existing staff, and job location.

We offer a generous benefits package that currently includes:

• Paid Vacation, Personal and Sick leave totaling 27-42 days per year, plus holidays
• 100%-85% paid CareFirst medical plans for employees (two options)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan with up to 9% employer contribution after waiting period
• Plus dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account...

Location:

This is a hybrid work environment, with the opportunity for fully remote employment. The individual may spend time working from their home, at our DC office at 601 Thirteenth Street, NW (above Metro Center), and in/around Washington, DC, or nationwide.

About AWC:

American Wood Council (AWC) values diverse backgrounds and capabilities and invites all talented individuals to apply to be part of our team and support our culture and mission. We encourage the exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and different perspectives to reach our goals and we support work/life balance.

AWC is the nationally recognized technical authority and advocate for the sustainable wood building products industry in the codes, standards, legislative, regulatory, and climate policy arenas.

We partner in the development of sound policies, codes, and regulations that allow for the appropriate and responsible manufacture and use of wood products in our built environment.

We represent an industry that provides more than 450,000 men and women in the United States with family-wage jobs. We are a leader in developing engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products. We are committed to ensuring their safe and efficient application, and educating about wood design, green building policy, and resiliency. We maintain an active presence on behalf of industry interests and advocate for balanced policies that impact wood products.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

At AWC, we value diverse backgrounds and capabilities and invite all talented individuals to apply to be part our team and support our mission. In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Your Rights:

Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. Information may be found on the Department of Labor’s website (https://www.dol.gov) as well as through these available notices: Know Your Rights; Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).