The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is seeking a Director, Government Relations.  

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and systems. Together, our members contribute 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide nearly 460,000 American jobs, contributing more than $250 billion to the U.S. economy. NEMA serves its members by living our core values in every aspect of our work: respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership. 

The Director, Government Relations will focus on tax, environment, energy efficiency, and domestic manufacturing policy as it pertains to the electro industry and related electrical technology issues primarily at the federal level. The position involves working closely with association Member executives; evaluating implications of legislative initiatives; and developing and advocating policy positions that benefit the industry. Activities include interacting with legislative/regulatory staff and elected officials, preparing memoranda, talking points, position papers and comments, covering hearings/markups, representing NEMA and its members in various forums, and implementing advocacy strategies that achieve Member objectives.  

The position reports to the Managing Director, Government Relations. The position is located in Arlington (Rosslyn), Virginia and includes some domestic travel. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Accountable for managing outcome-based advocacy efforts at the federal level

• Monitor, analyze, and track federal legislative developments relevant to NEMA’s priorities
• Environmental policy, including but not limited to chemical and critical materials issues
• Energy efficiency, climate, and other sustainability policy issues
• Tax policy relevant to electrical manufacturing and energy generation, transmission, and distribution 
• Prepare timely updates, alerts, and summaries to keep members informed of relevant developments
• Lead development and implementation of legislative strategies to include involving Member company representatives
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, and coalition partners
• Form and direct coalitions to achieve assigned objectives by teaming with other trade associations and/or professional organizations
• Represent the association at Federal activities with legislators, regulators, other stakeholders
• Develop and manage persistent lines of communications with stakeholders and collaborate with Member company representatives Working with the NEMA Communications team, develop communications and media plans that effectively advance advocacy goals

2. Stakeholder and Member Engagement

• Serve as a point of contact for member companies on tax and environmental policy matters
• Organize and manage grassroots efforts that include organizing Capitol Hill meetings, “Fly-ins”, and visits by legislators to Member company facilities
• Develop innovative ways to create Member-based efforts to influence pending rules and legislation
• Assist with member education efforts, including webinars, toolkits, and briefings

3. Collaborate with colleagues in NEMA’s matrix-based operating model to deliver integrated solutions to members and other industry stakeholders, with a close partnership with the Regulatory and Industry Affairs team. Participate in industry sector leadership meetings and contribute to sector strategies. 

Experience and Qualifications 

• Minimum of eight years of experience, with at least five to seven years of experience on Capitol Hill preferred
• Undergraduate degree required in political science, public policy, or related fields – advanced degree a plus
• Demonstrated success in achieving outcomes, preferably in legislative processes, with a particular emphasis on tax-related legislation or tax and environmental policy issues
• General knowledge of the electric sector and manufacturing challenges a plus
• Strong relationship builder with ability to meet goals in policy-making processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to persuasively advocate in private and public settings at all times displaying executive presence
• Innovative thinker and leader who is individually proactive, outcome-oriented, and a team builder/player 
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment with challenging timelines for multiple projects occurring simultaneously
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn Capitol Hill ethics requirements and programs
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other legislative/issues tracking software

NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including paid holidays and personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health/dental insurance, and partial pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy.  

Veterans are encouraged to apply. EOE/M/F/V/D.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is seeking a Manager, Government Relations.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and systems. Together, our members contribute 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide nearly 460,000 American jobs, contributing more than $250 billion to the U.S. economy. NEMA serves its members by living our core values in every aspect of our work: respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership.

The Manager, Government Relations will provide comprehensive support across all aspects of federal and state government relations for NEMA. They will be responsible for conducting research and analytics, tracking legislative and policy issues, and preparing briefings, reports, and similar materials. This position requires a strong emphasis on excellent analytical abilities, written and verbal communications skills, project management, and critical thinking skills.

The Manager reports to the Managing Director, Government Relations. NEMA is based in Arlington, Virginia. The work schedule for this position is provisioned for a hybrid work schedule.  

Key Responsibilities

1. Monitor key legislative dates and deadlines, create a strategic calendar that aligns with goals, and ensure resources are allocated effectively and tasks are completed on time.
2. Manage special projects related to government affairs, including policy research, stakeholder engagement, public relations, and the development of advocacy materials, providing strategic recommendations.
3. Draft policy communications, including position papers, legislative proposals, briefing materials, and memos, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in messaging.
4. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Technical Affairs, Business Intelligence, Membership, and leadership, to ensure consistent and effective government relations strategies.
5. Track and analyze federal legislation and regulatory developments that impact NEMA’s business, stakeholders, and growth.
6. Organize and maintain detailed list of NEMA member company facility footprints for federal advocacy and political mobilization purposes.
7. Summarize, track, and manage action items for relevant department meetings.
8. Support / contribute to special projects/initiatives for Public Affairs.
   

Experience and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree is required, preferably in political science, public policy, or a related field; advanced degrees in public policy or related field a plus
• Five or more years of related experience in government relations, public policy, public affairs, or a related field. Experience in a staff role on Capitol Hill and/or a similar trade association is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and persuasive messaging, create concise briefings
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights
• In-depth knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes, as well as the ability to interpret and analyze complex policy issues. Federal government or Capitol Hill experience desirable
• Trade association experience desirable
• Knowledge of political trends, key dates, and deadlines, and the ability to anticipate potential impacts on NEMA’s business objectives
• Must be able to work in a manner consistent with NEMA’s core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership

  NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including paid holidays and personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health and dental insurance, and pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy. 
  

  Veterans are encouraged to apply. EOE/M/F/V/D.  
  

  Interested candidates should apply at NEMA CAREERS

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is seeking an intern to undertake projects that will help them learn about the electrical industry and medical imaging industry and how NEMA operates as an industry trade association to promote the interests of the industries we represent. 

NEMA represents the manufacturers of electroindustry. Through the collective impact of our 325 member companies and 68 NEMA staff, we are leading a renaissance of ever-more electrified future—one defined by network-enabled devices and connectivity, high-performance transportation and building systems, more resilient electrical grids, advanced manufacturing automation, and nanogrid technologies. NEMA is committed to expanding market opportunities and removing business barriers by developing industry standards, advocating on behalf of the industry at the federal and state level, and delivering world-class market intelligence.  NEMA serves its members by living our core values in every aspect of our work: respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership.

Position Description and Responsibilities: 

NEMA offers 3 separate summer internships in one of the following areas: public policy, electrification and emerging technologies, communications, marketing, finance, and information technology. Under the direction and guidance of Vice Presidents with responsibility for government relations, communications, technical standards, business intelligence, legal, finance and information technology, this hands-on internship will provide meaningful training and education opportunities across diverse topics and job functions.  The intern will learn from industry and subject matter leaders by engaging in meetings, strategizing with NEMA leaders and staff, and preparing research and analysis.  Topics of engagement may include electric vehicles and other electric transportation, microgrids, digitalization, electrification, supply chain challenges, infrastructure implementation, the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables, energy storage, and smart grids. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a college student or a recent graduate to gain experience working to promote the adoption of emerging electrical technologies. Approximately 20 hours a week of valuable experience will be offered over the summer period during a 90-day period. NEMA offers a hybrid schedule (working a minimum of two days per week in the office) located in Arlington (Rosslyn), Virginia.

Candidate Requirements and Qualities: 

• Demonstrated commitment to self-learning to advance personal professional goals
• Eager to take on new challenges and willingness to jump in where needed 
• Excellent Communication skills and analytical skills
• Evidence of enrollment in a program of studies at an accredited college or university in the United States, or newly graduated (in 2024) from an accredited college/university

Intern Pay Range: 

• Monthly stipend $1,000

Interested individuals can apply at: NEMA Careers

About NEMA:

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is the trade association for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926, NEMA promotes the competitiveness of its member companies by advocating for policies and standards that advance the industry's growth and innovation. NEMA is a respected authority on electrical and medical imaging technologies and provides leadership, expertise, and advocacy in the development and implementation of industry standards and innovative business solutions. NEMA serves its members by living our core values in every aspect of our work: respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will be responsible for oversight of all accounting and reporting activities for NEMA and the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESF). The Controller will be involved in supporting the development of presentations to the various boards and board committees.

The Controller will lead all day-to-day accounting operations for both NEMA and ESF’s budget and supervise one full-time and one part-time NEMA staff members.  This includes functional responsibility over the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed asset, payroll, and grants administration activities. The Controller will ensure that the finance department has systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and achieve a “clean” audit opinion each year. The Controller will work closely with all departments and program leaders and their staffs, to explore how the finance and accounting team can best support their operations as well as to enhance their awareness of finance and accounting procedures that drive NEMA’s operating model. This position is based in Arlington, VA, and requires working a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for assets, revenues, and expenditures.
• Coordinate all annual financial audit activity with auditors.
• Analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assist in the annual budgeting and forecast processes.
• Support the CFO with board and board committee materials.
• Oversee all grants accounting activities and ensure that expenses are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant period.
• Manage and track the performance of NEMA investment in accordance with policies and investment guidelines.
• Assist with the annual dues calculation and billing process

Team Leadership

• Leverage strengths of the accounting team members to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization.
• Create and promote a positive and supportive work environment, modeling the NEMA core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Leadership.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required
• CPA preferred
• MBA a plus
• At least 8 years of solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, fixed asset accounting, general ledger, payroll, and investments
• Experience with supporting an association 501c6 and a philanthropic 501c3 organization is a plus
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting is essential.  A-133 audit experience preferred
• Technologically savvy with experience overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a accounting team and delegate all tasks that will maximize the efficiency of the finance and accounting team
• Strong analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting
• Keen interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to department leads and senior management
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers
  

NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including paid holidays and personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health/dental insurance, and partial pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy.  

Veterans are encouraged to apply. EOE/M/F/V/D.

Apply here: NEMA Careers