Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications
American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)
Washington, DC | Hybrid
Salary: $120,000-$135,000 + up to $20,000 annual performance bonus
Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications
American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Reports to: President & CEO
Position Level: Senior Leadership
Position Overview
The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) seeks an experienced, collaborative, trusted, and results-driven Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications to strengthen the Association's government affairs, strategic partnerships, external engagement, and policy communications. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this senior leader will serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner, combining policy expertise, relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and management experience to translate organizational priorities into measurable results.
The President & CEO retains primary responsibility for AAEI's strategic direction, lobbying priorities, formal policy positions, Board relations, and senior-level government relationships. The Senior Director will support these efforts through effective coordination, implementation, and accountability while providing strategic oversight of the Marketing & Communications function. The Marketing and Communications staff will retain responsibility for day-to-day operations and executions.
Key Responsibilities
- Government Affairs: Support the CEO's advocacy priorities, monitor trade policy developments, and coordinate congressional, agency, and coalition engagement.
- External Relations: Build strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and represent AAEI at industry and government events.
- Communications Leadership: Oversee Marketing & Communications and align messaging with AAEI's advocacy, membership, and organizational priorities.
- Executive Communications: Support speeches, policy statements, presentations, and thought leadership initiatives.
- Organizational Execution: Coordinate cross-functional initiatives, manage deliverables, supervise staff, and ensure accountability for results.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
- 8-12+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, public affairs, communications, trade associations, corporate affairs, advocacy organizations, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating government affairs initiatives and working with policymakers, federal agencies, industry associations, or coalitions.
- Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
- Experience managing professional staff, establishing performance expectations, and coordinating cross-functional activities.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and effective messaging.
- Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience working directly with senior executives and implementing leadership priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and exercise sound professional judgment.
- A collaborative management style and demonstrated ability to build trust across organizational functions.
- Experience supporting external relations, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with international trade, customs, tariffs, supply chains, export controls, trade facilitation, or related policy issues.
- Experience in a membership-based trade association or nonprofit organization.
- Familiarity with federal agencies responsible for international trade, including CBP, Commerce, USTR, and other relevant agencies.
- Experience coordinating outside consultants, government affairs firms, or strategic partnerships.
- Prior federal government service or senior-level experience in government affairs.
Former and retired government professionals are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a resume and brief statement of interest outlining their qualifications and interest in advancing AAEI's mission and public-affairs work. Please send resumes to [redacted].
