Position Title: Senior Manager, Federal Affairs
Reports to: Senior Vice President, Federal Government Affairs
Position Summary:
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) is seeking a Senior Manager of Federal Government Affairs. The candidate will serve in a dedicated role on the federal government affairs team to develop public policy positions, engage with Congressional offices, and advocate on behalf of the lodging industry before public officials and staff in Washington, DC. In this role, the candidate will work directly with Congressional staff, lead meetings on Capitol Hill, attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders, establish and effectuate advocacy strategy, and build relationships across diverse constituencies.
A successful candidate will bring experience on Capitol Hill or in adjacent roles in Washington, DC dealing with federal government affairs, public policy, or other similar work. They will be comfortable developing legislative and advocacy strategy, engaging directly with elected officials and their staffs, and contributing to political strategy. The position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial approach, strong political acumen, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
• Build and maintain relationships with Congressional, administrative offices, and other influential stakeholders as appropriate.
• Develop and execute government affairs strategies that advance AHLA's public policy priorities and support the interests of its membership.
• Monitor appropriate legislative hearings, markups, briefings, regulatory workshops, conferences, and other events in Washington, DC.
• Track political, legislative, and regulatory developments to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities for engagement.
• Help coordinate political strategy with the association’s political affairs team, and represent the industry at political events in Washington, DC, as appropriate.
• Participate in, and potentially lead, issue coalitions with stakeholder organizations to leverage support for policy initiatives.
• Draft and edit member-facing communications including action alerts, letters, and briefings to inform and motivate member engagement.
• Collaborate with AHLA’s communications team on strategic messaging, news releases, public statements.
• Assist with planning and execution of DC-based events to support AHLA’s advocacy and political goals.
• Work with AHLA’s political and events teams to arrange engagements for public officials, assist with planning the association’s annual member fly-in to Washington, DC, and invite officials to association meetings and events as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Attributes:
• Comfort with public speaking to groups and stakeholders as well as in networking and relationship development situations.
• Excellent project management skills with great attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.
• Positive, team-oriented, can-do attitude with an ability to work independently and also contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Self-motivated and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, while managing multiple projects simultaneously, managing competing priorities, and establishing clear objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to represent AHLA effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit advanced communications for internal and external audiences.
• Advanced experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Other:
• Position based in Washington, DC area.
• Moderate travel required.
• Salary range: 85-95K.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by advocacy efforts and political engagements.
• Hybrid work schedule: In-office Tues-Thurs
Requirements
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in government affairs or on Capitol Hill preferred.
• Understanding of federal legislative processes and demonstrated ability to analyze legislative and regulatory language.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing legislative efforts on Capitol Hill, legislative advocacy initiatives, issue campaigns, political campaigns, or other strategic public affairs efforts.
Benefits
AHLA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employer-paid disability and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)