Manager, State and Local Affairs - Washington - Associated Builders and Contractors

Description

COMPANY OVERVIEW - Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps members offer a robust employee value proposition, develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at .

A high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.

JOB OVERVIEW - Reporting to the Senior Director of State and Local Affairs, the Manager of State and Local Affairs will lead ABC National's engagement with state and local governments and coordinate across the broader government affairs team. This role requires a strong understanding of the association's policy priorities, the legislative process, and the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with lawmakers, association partners, and industry stakeholders across the country.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Carries out ABC National's state and local government affairs program under the supervision of ABC National's Senior Director, State and Local Affairs and Vice President, Government Affairs.
• Promotes the merit shop agenda to state and local political organizations, private construction owners/users/contractors and state and local lawmakers via educational outreach and direct lobbying.
• Manages and works with contract lobbyists assisting ABC chapters at state and local level.
• Engages in state political groups in which staff has membership and access alongside other members of the ABC National Government Affairs team, developing relationships with state elected officials and other industry stakeholders to promote ABC's mission and augment chapter and ABC National policy and political advocacy efforts.
• Identifies and monitors key legislation and alerts ABC National and ABC chapter staff about legislative, regulatory and political developments in a timely manner.
• Produces ABC National state and local government affairs publications.
• Addresses state and local government needs and requests from ABC members and chapter staff related to core ABC issues.
• Partners with National and ABC chapter staff on efforts to eliminate project labor agreements and other discriminatory requirements on federal, state and local projects.
• Assists chapters and ABC National staff with advocacy campaigns and other long-term initiatives alongside ABC chapters and membership around core ABC issues.
• Monitors the development and upkeep of key ABC National resources, including a blog and several publications.
• Guides ABC chapters in developing outreach materials, including creating and managing grassroots advocacy campaigns.
• Monitors government proposals and media for stories related to core ABC issues, engages in social media, relays intelligence and suggests strategy to appropriate stakeholders.
• Ensures ABC stakeholders have necessary resources and expertise to address core ABC issues.
• Contributes to fundraising efforts for ABC National's PAC and Free Enterprise Alliance advocacy activities.
• Stays informed about federal legislation and regulations that will impact state and local governments, members and chapters.

Specialized Skills:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of legislative process at the state and local levels.
• Ability to research and analyze issues related to governmental actions and policy proposals.
• Public speaking before industry and association stakeholders and lawmakers.
• This position is based in Washington, D.C. and requires a moderate amount of travel to ABC National and chapter conferences, industry events, state legislative conferences and state legislatures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated success in a Congressional or state legislative office, a legislative monitoring/consulting firm, a public policy advocacy organization, or a government/Congressional affairs office.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, including local and out-of-state travel, by ground or air as needed.
• Experience working with a trade or professional association is preferred.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

At ABC, we believe great work starts with great people. To help us achieve our strategic priorities, we seek energetic, positive, and team-driven individuals who bring the following strengths:

• Organized and Self-Motivated: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Self-starter who takes ownership with a continuous improvement mindset
• Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across diverse audiences. Trusted communicator who earns respect at all levels
• Collaborative and Professional: Team player with a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Strategic and Solutions-Oriented: Capable of developing and executing strategic goals, with awareness of organizational dynamics and a resourceful approach to problem-solving
• Technically Proficient: Skilled in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint; leverages tools effectively for efficiency
• High Ethical Standards: Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and the highest level of personal and ethical conduct.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Nondiscrimination: ABC is committed to fostering a respectful, professional workplace and making employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing talent from a broad and competitive candidate pool.

Employment Accommodations: ABC is committed to complying with all applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is the Association's policy not to discriminate against a qualified employee or applicant with regard to any terms or conditions of employment because of such individual's disability or perceived disability, so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. ABC provides reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, who is an applicant or an employee, unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to:

• Move throughout the office or other work locations, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Hear and understand verbal communication at normal speaking levels, with or without assistance, and communicate clearly in person and over the phone.
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer, handle documents, and control tools or office equipment.
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by the task or location.
• Visually read and interpret information on computer screens, printed documents, and visual aids both near and far, including distinguishing colors when necessary.
• Safely navigate construction sites or event locations, which may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs or ladders, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and standing for extended periods.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety vests, eye protection, or other safety gear, as appropriate to the site or activity.

Work Environment: This role is primarily performed in a standard office setting with minimal noise and typical working conditions.

• Depending on job responsibilities, work may also be conducted at off-site locations such as construction sites, industry events, or partner facilities. These environments may involve variable weather, uneven terrain, or other safety considerations.
• ABC supports flexible work schedules to accommodate various lifestyles and promote a healthy work-life balance. With manager approval, a hybrid remote work arrangement may be available, with the ABC office as the primary work location.
• Employee health and safety are top priorities. xhmxlyz All applicable health, safety, and site-specific protocols must be followed—whether working in the office, remotely, or at off-site locations.