Executive Director, Government Affairs

ABOUT

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) serves the unique needs of approximately 3,000 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service.

MCAA’s mission is to guide and support member success to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the mechanical contracting industry. Through member-driven resources, comprehensive education, and strategic partnerships, we empower members to shape a future 

of unparalleled innovation and growth. 

At MCAA, we pledge to deliver the highest quality educational resources, best-in-class networking, labor relations, and legislative advocacy with unmatched member benefits. We’ll  be your trusted guide and voice in the ever-evolving mechanical contracting industry, helping you navigate change and embrace new opportunities with confidence. 

With a comprehensive blend of educational resources, proactive advocacy, labor relations and trusted partnerships, MCAA is the leading authority for mechanical contractors. We are unwavering in our commitment to support our members and advance the industry. 

CULTURE

At MCAA we strive to promote a collaborative environment that will support our mission and pledge to our members. The following are the internal MCAA core values:

• “M” Members: As an association, our members always come first. Our goal is to move the industry forward and advance the best interests of the community we represent. 
• C” Collaboration: We work as a team, succeed as a team, and grow as a team. When we work together, we do so with respect and openness. We learn from each other and build off strengths. 
• “A” Accountability: We hold ourselves to the highest degree of integrity and transparent communication to cultivate a culture of accountability where every team member actively takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, and the resulting impact on the team. We empower each team member to make informed decisions and choose to create an environment where seeking guidance is not just accepted but encouraged. 
• “A” Advancement: We are dedicated to continuous growth and development. We encourage everyone to take advantage of career development tools and be open to new opportunities.

LOCATION

In-Person. Hybrid opportunity after 90 days. The national office is located in Rockville, Maryland and has over 90 affiliated chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

SALARY

$175,000 or based on experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Executive Director of Government Affairs leads MCAA’s federal legislative, regulatory, and political engagement strategy. This senior leader is responsible for executing the association’s public policy agenda (developed through MCAA Strategic plan and coordination with MCAA leadership); coordinating with federal, state, and local stakeholders; and strengthening MCAA’s influence on Capitol Hill, within federal agencies and throughout the broader construction industry. 

The Executive Director works closely with the CEO, senior association leadership, MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC), industry partners, MCAA local affiliates, external consulting teams, and internal staff to advance the interests of union mechanical construction and service contractors. This position also provides strategic leadership for MCAA’s PAC and ensures compliance with laws and regulations governing MCAA’s PAC as well as compliance with federal lobbying laws and gift rules.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in federal government affairs, legislative advocacy, association lobbying, or public policy leadership. 
• Demonstrated experience working directly with Congress and Congressional staff, Federal regulatory agencies, and external lobbying firms and political consultants 
• Prior experience in a trade association, construction industry, or labor‑management environment, including work with signatory employers and an understanding of the unique contractual, workforce, and labor‑relations considerations associated with that setting, is strongly preferred
• Proven experience staffing or leading a senior-level committee (e.g., government affairs, legislative, or policy committee). 
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholder groups, including industry partners, allied associations, and local or regional affiliates. 
• Direct experience with PAC fundraising, political strategy, and FEC compliance strongly preferred. 

REPORTING & TRAVEL

• Executive Director of Government Affairs reports directly to the CEO. 
• Weekly or bi-weekly report of activities that impact MCAA or the mechanical industry. 
• All issues concerning MCAA key partnerships (UA in particular) must be communicated prior to taking action. 
• Maintain excellent communication of all travel, meetings and events.
• Travel for MCAA GAC committee, industry alliance, MCAA Local Affiliate and other federal legislative necessities is expected and will be communicated and coordinated with GAC chair and MCAA CEO. 
• All travel will comply with MCAA travel guidelines and industry (501 C6) standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Planning 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advocacy strategy aligned with MCAA’s mission, strategic plan, and policy priorities. 
• Monitor federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory developments and provide timely analysis on impacts to member contractors. 
• Collaborate with internal departments, MCAA leadership, and the GAC to develop policy positions and ensure organizational alignment. 

Government Affairs Leadership & Advocacy 

• Serve as MCAA staff liaison to the GAC. 
• Provide regular updates to the CEO on political and regulatory developments. 
• Along with the GAC Chair, provide annual recruitment of new committee members, rating of existing committee members and recommendations to the MCAA Executive Committee. 
• Serve as MCAA’s lead representative to federal policymakers, regulatory agencies, Congressional offices, and political stakeholders. 
• Draft issue briefs, position papers, comment letters, and testimony for approval and signature of MCAA Leadership. 
• Coordinate Capitol Hill engagement and direct lobbying efforts in partnership with the Longbow Public Policy Group (MCAA’s current lobbying consultant). 
• Lead the planning and execution of fly-ins, Hill visits, and advocacy events. 

Member & Chapter Engagement 

• Engage and support MCAA local affiliate chapters with legislative updates, grassroots tools, and advocacy education. 
• Deliver policy and regulatory briefings at MCAA events, conferences, and chapter meetings. 
• Develop and implement a structured system that enables and encourages local affiliate chapters to actively participate in federal lobbying and regulatory efforts, including outreach, advocacy toolkits, briefing materials, and standardized engagement processes. 
• Provide resources, training, and continued support to strengthen grassroots advocacy capacity across the chapter network. 

Industry Partnerships & Coalition Coordination

• Serve as primary legislative liaison to NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC. 
• Communicate all labor sensitive legislative and regulatory issues with MCAA CEO. 
• Coordinate joint legislative and regulatory initiatives. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with allied associations, coalitions, and federal agencies. 

Political Action Committee (MCAA PAC) Leadership 

• Lead fundraising strategy and donor outreach in compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing political action committees, as well as MCAA policies. 
• Manage all PAC operations and ensure full compliance with laws and regulations governing political action committees. 
• Oversee preparation and timely submission of quarterly PAC reports. 
• Internal Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration 
• Serve as spokesperson for MCAA’s advocacy initiatives. 
• Develop policy briefs, talking points, fact sheets, public statements, and presentations. 
• Provide regular updates for MCAA publications and digital platforms. 
• Work in partnership with MCAA colleagues and consultants to champion our Strategic 
• Plan, embrace Staff Core Values, and consistently uphold organizational policies. 
• Ensure timely communication with all MCAA initiative leads.