Client:

Founded in 1958, IBWA is the authoritative voice for the bottled water industry. With a membership comprising U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers, IBWA unifies and represents the bottled water industry and its uncompromising commitment to the safety and availability of bottled water. Its vision is to be the leading voice for the bottled water industry and its role in healthy hydration and drinking water conservation. For more information, please see https://bottledwater.org/.

Overview:

Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Government Relations has overall responsibility for representing the industry before elected officials and regulators at the state and federal levels, as well as reporting and monitoring state and federal legislative and regulatory developments. The selected candidate coordinates industry government relations efforts, preparing and presenting testimony, directly communicating with elected officials, and managing relationships with contracted lobbyists. In addition, the Vice President develops and works with coalitions on matters of mutual interest, is responsible for IBWA’s Political Action Committee (PAC), as well as supervises the Senior Director of Government Relations and several contracted federal lobbyists.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide comments for the record on proposed legislation and regulations of interest to the industry.
  • Draft policy positions and other materials on issues of concern to the industry.
  • Organize and direct grassroots activities to support state and federal government relations goals including coordinating letter-writing, phone or e-mail campaigns, helping companies initiate plant tours for policymakers, including members of Congress, congressional staffers, state legislators, and/or state regulatory officials.
  • Responsible for the management and regulatory compliance of the IBWA PAC.
  • Work with regional bottled water associations in coordination with the Senior Director of Government Relations and coordinate grassroots efforts.
  • Contribute to association publications.
  • Work with other IBWA departments to develop positions and statements on issues of concern to the bottled water industry.
  • Develop and manage a budget of approximately $1M.
  • Develop the Government Relations section of the IBWA Annual Business Plan.

Committee Assignments:

  • Liaise with the IBWA Government Relations Committee.
  • Liaise with the IBWA State Task Force.
  • Liaise with the IBWA Regional Associations Committee.
  • Assistant Treasurer of the IBWA PAC.

Requirements:

  • At least ten years’ experience in policy development/representation with a strong and practical understanding of both the legislative and regulatory processes.
  • Highly effective oral and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated success in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Able to provide leadership to the Senior Director of Government Relations in state-level activities, providing support as necessary as well as insight and guidance on inter-state dynamics and how these may impact federal level activities.
  • Experience with sustainability/circular economy issues, food safety, health, and general experience with food industry issues preferred but not required.
  • Understanding how to work in the consensus-driven environment of a trade association, effectively building maximum engagement across an industry to promote and enhance its impact.
  • Success in working with and through coalitions and able to take a leading role in their development, management and impact.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and get results in a dynamic environment.

Education: BS/BA degree is required; advanced degree a plus.

Location: While IBWA maintains an office in Alexandria, VA, this is a 100% work from home position. The candidate must be based in the DC region.

Travel: Minimal travel to conferences, events, and possibly state capitals for legislative meetings.

Compensation: Base salary between $215,000 - $228,000 with generous benefits package; position may be eligible for recruitment incentive.