Director, Regulatory & Industry Affairs, Smart Manufacturing & in Arlington, Virginia at National Electrical Manufactures Assoc

Director of Regulatory & Industry Affairs, Smart Manufacturing & Industrial Policy

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 of Regulatory and Industry Affairs, Smart Manufacturing & Industrial Policy leads NEMA’s regulatory agency engagement and issue management relative to NEMA members with industrial application products and technologies, including leading edge industrial automation, motors, and wire/cable. The Director engages with agency officials at the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other relevant federal and state agencies on rulemakings and other programs of interest to NEMA members. The Director leads teams of members to develop positions and strategies that advance member interests. The Director also works with NEMA members to develop strategies to advance NEMA members interests in the Industrial space, by bringing to bear other NEMA competencies such as federal and state legislative affairs, internal and external communications, standards development and market insights.

The position reports to the Senior Vice President, Regulatory & Legal Affairs. NEMA delivers value to members using a matrixed, multi-faceted model, supported and facilitated by the Director.

The position is located in Arlington, Virginia, allows for a hybrid work schedule, and may include up to 30 percent time on travel, including both domestic and international.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversees NEMA’s engagement with regulatory agencies of jurisdiction in the Industrial space, including DOE, EPA, and relevant state agencies, among others. Maintains constructive working relationships with senior officials within relevant agencies. Develops regulatory comments, inputs and engagement strategies. Oversees activities within member committees and teams on relevant regulatory engagements.
2. Coordinates closely with staff in NEMA Technical and Public Affairs Departments to advance NEMA’s policy positions and desired regulatory outcomes. Contributes to and leads Industrial-related aspects of NEMA’s priority issue Campaigns: Supply Chain and Energy Resiliency.
3. Oversees member leadership committee dedicated to the Industrial Sector to develop and implement NEMA’s strategy for activities across the Sector. Coordinates efforts across NEMA functions to ensure alignment of activities in support of the Sector strategy.
4. Serves as subject matter expert and spokesperson on industrial systems and products for internal and external audiences. Builds NEMA reputation, capabilities, services, and value for NEMA members with industrial systems applications.
5. Coordinates with the NEMA Membership Department to provide excellent customer service to retain existing members, while seeking opportunities to grow NEMA’s membership and the industry’s profile in the industrial space.
6. Develops constructive, respectful and effective relationships with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, both domestic and international, to deliver value-add strategies.
7. Represents NEMA publicly, presenting at conferences, and serving on committees to advance NEMA objectives.

Experience and Qualifications

Undergraduate degree required; advanced/technical degree a plus

• Ten or more years full-time experience in related field(s)
• Deep knowledge of existing and emerging industrial technologies desired, especially knowledge of the intersection between industrial manufacturing and technology (e.g., AI, digital twins, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity, robotics)
• Knowledge of issues related to critical minerals sourcing and diversification, chemicals management, packaging, labeling, and extended producer responsibility desired
• Demonstrated results-oriented team leadership
• Past experience analyzing, influencing, implementing, or adapting regulatory issues affecting industrial technologies preferred
• Excellent program management abilities including strong planning, time management, and budgeting skills
• Ability to clearly and persuasively write and speak with executive presence
• Ability to resolve conflicts quickly, fairly, and diplomatically
• Motivated to seek new challenges with a creative and learning mindset
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience using online collaboration and communication software (e.g., SharePoint, Teams) a plus

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.