Director Government Affairs

Job Purpose:

The Director of Government Affairs (DGA) will be primarily responsible for developing and managing ISSA’s government relations and advocacy program on behalf of the commercial and industrial cleaning industry. The DGA will develop and implement lobbying strategies, including organizing grassroots advocacy efforts, the drafting of statements, letters and testimonies, and coordinating activities with other industry associations where appropriate. The DGA also prepares internal and external reports on government initiatives that impact the commercial and institutional cleaning industry as appropriate providing detailed summaries, recommended positions, and suggested advocacy strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Rebuild ISSA’s grassroots advocacy efforts by fostering membership involvement in the political process 
• Establish and maintain membership committees that are representative of the major demographic groups within ISSA’s membership to guide the association’s advocacy and policy directions 
• Work closely with committees to identify legislative and regulatory issues of importance to membership and help to develop the association’s position on such issues and communicate with ISSA membership on a regular basis on these issues 
• Develop agenda, as well as conduct meetings and/or conference calls with committees periodically and as needed. 
• Monitor federal legislation and regulations using an internet based tracking program for purposes of identifying, analyzing and tracking issues of concern to the cleaning industry including but not limited to cleaning product ingredient disclosure, hazard communication, disinfectant registration, occupational safety and health, and general business issues such as healthcare, taxation, and labor related matters 
• Grass roots activities: Responsible for engaging ISSA members in the political process by urging them to contact their elected officials and/or regulatory agencies on identified issues of concern using a software system designed to maximize such member participation 
• Coordinate efforts with association members to maximize grassroots support or opposition to an identified issue of concern 
• Periodically prepare comments, congressional correspondence, and other such official statements on behalf of industry 
• Develop, write and edit articles, and other legislative and regulatory related content for the monthly ISSA Legislative and Regulatory Update and other association publications, website, and direct communications to ISSA members 
• Work with aligned industry trade associations, government officials, industry and other stakeholders in advocating the association’s position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, management or a related field required; graduate degree a plus 
• Three or more years of experience in a similar position at a trade association is preferred 
• Deference will be given to those who also have worked with a state or federal congressional office 
• Association work, state or federal lobbying or legislative tracking experience a plus 
• Must be a motivated, results-oriented individual who pays attention to detail 
• Performs well in a team environment, but can also work effectively on their own with little supervision 
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills 
• Desire to learn as much about the commercial and institutional cleaning industry so the position can grow and broaden in scope over time.

Working Conditions:

This position will require working standard business hours, sitting for extended periods of time, standing, and some minor lifting. This position will also be required to attend ISSA’s annual trade show for a week which will consist of travel and overnight stay.

Direct Reports:

The position will have the opportunity to hire a direct report(s).