Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications

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Date Posted:

November 3, 2026

Position Title:

Office/Company:

American Association of Exporters and Importers

Party:

N/A

Office Code:

Job Number:

HC-13894

Reports To:

Location:

Washington, DC

Contact:

Salary:

Salary: $120,000–$135,000 + up to $20,000 annual performance bonus

Primary Role

Secondary Role:

Job Type:

Description:

Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) seeks an experienced, collaborative, trusted, and results-driven Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications to strengthen the Association’s government affairs, strategic partnerships, external engagement, and policy communications. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this senior leader will serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner, combining policy expertise, relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and management experience to translate organizational priorities into measurable results. The President & CEO retains primary responsibility for AAEI’s strategic direction, lobbying priorities, formal policy positions, Board relations, and senior-level government relationships. The Senior Director will support these efforts through effective coordination, implementation, and accountability while providing strategic oversight of the Marketing & Communications function. The Marketing and Communications staff will retain responsibility for day-to-day operations and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Government Affairs: Support the CEO’s advocacy priorities, monitor trade policy developments, and coordinate congressional, agency, and coalition engagement. • External Relations: Build strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and represent AAEI at industry and government events. • Communications Leadership: Oversee Marketing & Communications and align messaging with AAEI’s advocacy, membership, and organizational priorities. • Executive Communications: Support speeches, policy statements, presentations, and thought leadership initiatives. • Organizational Execution: Coordinate cross-functional initiatives, manage deliverables, supervise staff, and ensure accountability for results.

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will possess: • 8–12+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, public affairs, communications, trade associations, corporate affairs, advocacy organizations, or related fields. • Demonstrated experience coordinating government affairs initiatives and working with policymakers, federal agencies, industry associations, or coalitions. • Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes. • Experience managing professional staff, establishing performance expectations, and coordinating cross-functional activities. • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and effective messaging. • Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities. • Experience working directly with senior executives and implementing leadership priorities. • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and exercise sound professional judgment. • A collaborative management style and demonstrated ability to build trust across organizational functions. • Experience supporting external relations, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. • Experience with international trade, customs, tariffs, supply chains, export controls, trade facilitation, or related policy issues.

Instructions:

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Other:

About AAEI The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) is a leading national trade association representing companies and professionals engaged in international trade. For more than 100 years, AAEI has served as a respected voice on customs, trade policy, supply chains, tariffs, export controls, and other issues affecting the global movement of goods. Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) Reports to: President & CEO Position Level: Senior Leadership AAEI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates should submit a resume and brief statement of interest outlining their qualifications and interest in advancing AAEI’s mission and public-affairs work.