U.S. Travel seeks a Senior Director of Government Relations to join the U.S. Travel Government Relations team as they work to promote and enhance the association’s profile, presence and relationships across key audiences, including government officials on Capitol Hill, the administration, federal agencies, and others.

This position is responsible for managing a wide range of government relations and public policy strategies that will further the association’s mission, enable growth and advance legislative priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain business relationships with key policymakers and federal
  • Government officials, as well as their staff;
  • Identify and track legislation or regulations that impact the travel community and recommend necessary levels of support or opposition;
  • Help conceive and implement U.S. Travel policy positions and advocate the association’s agenda before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies;
  • Compose, edit, update and transmit legislative advocacy documents such as issue papers, talking points, testimonies, speeches and letters;
  • Monitor, attend and report on relevant hearings, briefings and meetings;
  • Collaborate on research, press, grassroots and other team initiatives;
  • Respond to the needs of U.S. Travel members, including on unique or sector-specific demands;
  • Work with outside stakeholders, including consultants and travel industry lobbyists;
  • Build/maintain business relationships with key associations, think tanks and non-profits;
  • Attend PAC events and other political and industry functions that often require attendance in the early mornings or evenings;
  • Represent U.S. Travel at public briefings, roundtables, conferences and workshops, which will require 25 percent domestic trave

Competencies

  • Teamwork: Demonstrating and promoting a spirit of cooperation within and outside work unit; working together toward a common goal; building good relationships with internal and outside work unit; building good relationships with internal and external contacts.
  • Communication: Conveying written and oral communications effectively; negotiating and mediating effectively; sharing information; listening attentively, and responding appropriately.
  • Initiative: Recognizing the need for action; confronting issues and taking appropriate action; pursuing an issue until the problem is solved.
  • Developing Staff: Training, coaching and counseling others continually to improve; developing capabilities through formal and informal training and coaching; developing backup capabilities; helping direct reports in their pursuit of career goals.
  • Problem Solving: Identifying problems affecting the work unit or U.S. Travel Association; taking early corrective action to avoid problems; generating new ideas and practical solutions.
  • Leadership: Influencing and motivating others to achieve a common purpose; developing and maintaining an atmosphere of trust and cooperation; demonstrating behavior consistent with the expectations communicated to others.

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree required; preferred degree Political Science. Master’s degree is a plus but not required.
  • 10 to 12 years of experience on Capitol Hill, in the political arena, public policy or government affairs.
  • Skilled in advocacy for the travel and tourism industry would be considered a plus but is not required.
  • Understands the legislative process and has good political instincts.
  • Has experience with U.S. Travel’s international and domestic agenda, from travel mobility and sustainability, to border security, visa policy, and immigration.
  • Preferably holds congressional committee experience with Homeland Security, Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, Commerce and Foreign Affairs.
  • Demonstrates strong work ethic, both as team player and self-starter.
  • Can juggle demands that alternatively require research, writing and interpersonal skills.

To apply submit your cover letter, resume, and reference list to careers@ustravel.org with "Senior Director, Government Relations" in the subject line of your email.