Summary 

The Director assists with government relations initiatives at the state and local levels across the United States and manages engagement with U.S. port stakeholders to advance CLIA priorities, cultivating a broad network of cruise community supporters. The Director also helps the Senior Vice President and Vice President with CLIA Government Affairs Committee meetings, prioritizing agenda items, background materials, and meeting follow-up items. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Lead a strategic cruise ports program, in coordination with other CLIA functions, that effectively address priority issues at specific ports that ensures CLIA members’ license to operate and grow sustainably. Issues can include legislative and other policy matters related to government fees and taxes, environment, customs, and pilotage, among other issues at the state and local levels.
• Responsible for covering legislative and other policy matters related to government fees and taxes, environment, customs, and pilotage, among other issues at the state and local levels.
• Support day-to-day monitoring of legislative activities at the state and local levels in the United States.
• Offer strategic advice on CLIA’s political engagement and support of candidates for elected office.
• Broaden and build solid relationships at the state and local levels, and with port partners.
• Devise and execute third-party stakeholder engagement strategies to build support for CLIA’s legislative priorities and/or provide bridges to important stakeholder communities.
• Manage state-level external government affairs consultants.
• Plan and execute, as appropriate, grassroots programs in support of legislative priorities.
• Prepare memoranda on legislation of interest to CLIA’s membership on bill introductions, hearings, mark-ups, floor action, etc.
• Represent CLIA at meetings with legislators, civic and community leaders, and other trade associations.
• Direct regular communications to CLIA members on important developments in government affairs.
• Engage with other departments in CLIA to leverage cross-functional expertise and coordinate strategic activities that advance government affairs priorities.
• Create and lead policymaker and policy influencer outreach programs to educate stakeholders on the industry’s best practices, operational excellence, and promote a positive image of the cruise industry.
• Represent CLIA members before elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels to advance the association’s positions on legislative policy.
• Represent CLIA at public events including statewide and local business organizations.
• Respond to media requests consistent with CLIA approved messaging.
• Develop briefs and strategic messaging on legislative policy priorities for use in meetings with policymakers and policy influencers.
• Draft articles for internal and external use with updates on legislative activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in government, political science, public policy or similar concentration. Advanced degree in the above areas of study a plus.
• Seven years or more of experience in a legislative policy position on Capitol Hill or at the state or local level.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to think and lead strategically.
• Successful track record of conceptualizing, drafting, and moving legislation.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and interests to achieve consensus.
• Familiarity with best practices and processes with lobbying and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of legislative strategy and the policymaking process.
• Maritime, shipping, cruise, travel and tourism or other related industry trade association experience a plus.

Work Environment

• This position is onsite 5 days a week in our DC office.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Required Travel

• Up to 50% of business travel. 

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

EEO Statement

CLIA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.