Job SummaryThe Vice President of Downstream leads all of API's work associated with fuels and refining, as well as marketing and refinery safety programs. The Vice President manages the Downstream Committee, a segment level committee comprised of senior executives from API's downstream member companies which reports to the API Executive Committee. In this leadership role, the Vice President will advance regulatory and legislative policy that supports a strong U.S. refining industry and will be a leading voice and advocate for the industry. The Vice President will be a member of the API Leadership Team and reports to the Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics & Regulatory Affairs.
Duties/Responsibilities- Leads API's Downstream Committee and on policy, advocacy, and member engagement strategy, working closely with member companies to establish policy priorities for the U.S. refining industry, shape advocacy strategy, and advance API's strategic objectives.
- Serves as API's leader on Downstream issues, driving coordination and alignment across the organization, including policy, regulatory, legal, communications, and safety programs.
- Advocates for the Downstream industry, representing API and its members as needed before multiple stakeholders, including Congress, federal and state agencies, industry forums, member leadership, and the media.
- Directs the development and execution of Downstream initiatives, ensuring programs, advocacy efforts, and resources are aligned with member needs, organizational priorities, and measurable outcomes.
- Advises API senior leadership on Downstream industry trends, risks, opportunities, and emerging policy issues, helping shape the association's strategic direction and advocacy agenda.
- Leads, develops, and inspires a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and excellence across the organization.
Supervisory Responsibilities- Leads the Downstream department, comprised of a ~10 person team covering the full suite of regulatory issues impacting the U.S. refining industry as well as coordinating with API's standards and certification functions to ensure safety programs meet industry objectives.
Key RelationshipsQualifications- 15+ years of experience in the refining, fuels and energy industry, with trade association, industry and/or government experience.
- Deep subject matter expertise in the U.S. refining industry, including refining operations, transportation and liquid fuels markets, refinery safety and process safety management.
- Demonstrated expertise in fuels policy, environmental regulation, energy policy, and legislative affairs, with a strong understanding of the federal and state policies that impact refining, fuels production, and fuel distribution.
- Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in business, engineering, law, public policy, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience working with senior corporate executives, government officials, regulators, industry associations, and external coalitions. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible environment while managing multiple priorities and competing demands.
- Strong strategic, political, and business judgment, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues, assess risk, and develop effective advocacy and engagement strategies.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams, managing budgets, and aligning organizational resources to strategic priorities.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, including experience speaking before industry audiences, policymakers, regulators, the media, and other key stakeholders.
- Strong member and stakeholder orientation, with a track record of building trusted relationships, achieving consensus among diverse interests, and advancing shared objectives.
Physical Requirements- Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
- Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
- Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
- Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion
Travel RequirementsPercentage of travel time expected for the position, where the travel occurs, such as locally or in specific countries or states, and whether the travel is overnight.
This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.
Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.
API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.
