Vice President, State Affairs and Political M

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents more than 190 companies engaged in the business of chemistry—an innovative, economic growth engine that is helping to solve the biggest challenges facing our country and the world. Our members are the leading companies engaged in all aspects of the business of chemistry, from the largest corporations to the smallest, and everything in between. They are the people and companies creating the groundbreaking products that are improving the world all around us by making it healthier, safer, more sustainable and more productive.

ACC’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing.

To achieve this, we:

• Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government;
• Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®;
• Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and
• Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. 

Position Summary

The position is responsible for formulating and implementing a successful state affairs program which achieves specific legislative results that are favorable to the interests of ACC and its member companies.   The position is also responsible for effectively representing the substantive policy issues associated with ACC’s advocacy efforts before state and local lawmakers as well as government officials.  The position is further responsible for overseeing ACC’s political outreach activities within targeted congressional districts.  The position interacts frequently with ACC member company representatives as well as senior business and government officials.  The position reports directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains appropriate contact with state and local lawmakers as well as government officials, and other appropriate organizations to achieve policy objectives.
• Ensures synergy and cooperation with independent state-based chemical industry councils.
• Analyzes and evaluates proposed and pending state and local legislative trends, local government product attacks, etc. that may potentially impact ACC and coordinates development of overall regional strategies.
• Oversees development and execution of grassroots and grass tops campaigns within targeted state legislative and congressional districts.
• Manages and ensures overall coordination/alignment of outside consultants relative to ACC’s state and local priority issues.
• Establishes and maintains a sophisticated “insider” political network within state and local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as with other related organizations.
• Provides updates to the ACC Board of Directors and senior staff on key issues and programs and initiates necessary follow-up on appropriate items. 
• Guides product-specific group/legislative or regulatory strategies and ensures applicable resources are cost effectively applied.
• Serves as a member of the ACC senior management team and maintains responsibility for ensuring the coordination and alignment of State Affairs and Political Mobilization with other ACC departments/divisions. 
• Ensures all lobbying and campaign filings, registrations and related expenses are in full compliance with state and/or local laws.
• Oversees the overall work activities of employees within the State Affairs and Political Mobilization departments, including establishing performance objectives, conducting performance reviews, and facilitating employee development for direct reports.  
• Oversees development of the department’s annual operational budget.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 12 years’ progressively responsible professional level experience in state advocacy.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing grassroots and grass tops campaigns.  
• Proven ability to work well with both Republicans and Democrats.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, as well as the ability to give internal and public presentations.
• Ability to cultivate and manage high quality stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to build consensus, work in a team environment, and coordinate across multiple groups within a large organization.
• Ability to process complex, technical, abstract verbal and written information for purposes of establishing strategy, direction and action plans.
• Expertise as a senior-level leader with demonstrated skills in leading, coaching and mentoring local and regional-based staff.

Preferred

• Juris Doctorate or Master’s degree in related field.
• Strong network of contacts in 50 states.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the chemical or related industry.

ACC Benefits

ACC offers medical, dental, vision as well as a 401(k) matching contribution up to 6% of eligible compensation and an automatic 6% contribution of eligible compensation to the Profit-Sharing Plan, both vested immediately at 100%. Staff enjoys a hybrid work schedule and is eligible for performance-based merit increases and discretionary bonus programs as well as access to a no cost onsite fitness center.