Sr Director of Advocacy

Sr. Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs

About OIA

Based in Boulder, Colorado, with an office in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), is a 501(c)6, nonprofit trade association. Our member-led collective is the outdoor industry's catalyst for meaningful change. We're a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting - and growing access to - the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, research, advocacy, and outdoor participation. OIA also established and sponsors the Outdoor Foundation, a 501(c)3, nonprofit, with a mission centered on engaging American youth in active, outdoor lifestyles and nature-based education and activities.

About the Position

We are seeking a seasoned government affairs professional to head our state and federal advocacy efforts. Our ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with trade association experience, who brings strong leadership, capable decision-making skills, as well as having experience engaging with high-level officials and senior executives. This role will be expected to advance relations at the state and federal levels with the goal of creating an environment conducive to advancing the Association's mission and position as a necessary voice at the table for the outdoor industry.

Areas of Leadership

Programmatic and Advocacy Leadership: This Senior Director of Advocacy will have overall responsibility for the development and execution of OIA's federal and state policy agenda in sustainability and trade. This role will be tasked with assessing the political and policy landscape aligned with industry priorities, as well as potential future political developments, to devise strategic positioning for the Association that also reflects OIA's values. They will craft the Association's policy advocacy and lobbying strategies in collaboration with trade and recreation advisory committees. In addition, they will oversee the implementation of this work by directing the federal affairs team, coordinating with external consultants, and collaborating with member company federal affairs professionals. They will present sponsorship opportunities to member companies to support advocacy priorities like funding fellowships or state-based lobbyists. Identify the need for the development of issue briefs, research, infographics, and talking points to buttress advocacy efforts. This role will deeply focus on government relations and right sizing member experience and building capacity in advocacy work for members which will require strategic leadership, relationship building with policymakers, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Key Qualifications:

A passion for the outdoors through lived and/or professional experience.

A strong advocacy and lobbying background, with at least 5 to 8 years of experience, including work on some or all of the following areas: Capitol Hill experience, knowledge of the federal policy-making process, knowledge of the legislative process, government relations, compliance, advocacy, and international trade policy ideally within a membership-based organization and/ or business advocacy.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic advocacy campaigns to influence public policy and legislation in alignment with the organization's mission and goals.

Experience managing multiple high-priority advocacy objectives simultaneously and ability to do so strategically and make informed decisions; zoom out and see the full picture from many different sources, identify implications for OIA, operationalize those implications into plans/priorities, and communicate them with clarity and nuance.

Experience in sales or fundraising, developing sponsorship strategies, preferably in corporate, member-based organizations, or non-profit environments.

Organizational and Team Leadership: The Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs will Build and manage a team including multiple Federal and State lobbyists. Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Membership, Sustainability, Research, Communications professionals, the Outdoor Foundation, and other consultants who extend the Association's capacity within Public Affairs and Government Relations. Strategically expand the team over the next two years and develop and mentor staff to progress in their career paths.

Key Qualifications:

History of successful leadership work that promotes a highly collaborative, collegial work style and an ability to coordinate, implement, and manage work across an organization.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential for engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and members effectively, alongside experience in team management and strategic planning.

Flexibility, adaptability, and a passion for increasing access to the outdoors along with commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Track record of successful, people-centered leadership in organizations, ideally of a similar size or larger than OIA.

External Relations and Representing OIA: This role will establish and maintain a sophisticated network of contacts among key Capitol Hill lawmakers, congressional staff, and the Administration. Represent the Association and its membership on Capitol Hill with the administration while maintaining a Membership-driven approach that prioritizes collaborative relationships with members, federal and or state affairs teams, as well as allied groups and coalitions

Key Qualifications:

Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with key policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders to advance advocacy objectives.

Proven work in being an exceptional policy strategist and communicator with the ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and oral presentations to a range of audiences.

Comfort with public speaking and engaging with diverse audiences. Ability to communicate effectively via multiple platforms and in person, in both small and large groups

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $175,000. Benefits include health and dental ( (90% Employer paid), life insurance (100% Employer Paid), generous paid time off (including 15 PTO, 8 Sick Time, Volunteer Time, and National Holidays), 401(k) match 4%, flexible work schedule, home office allowance, phone allowance, and professional development opportunities.

Work Environment

This is a remote role that will require the individual to be located or willing to relocate to the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area and will have access to shared workspace in Washington, D.C. Relocation support will be provided. This role will require local travel and some regional travel throughout the year.

FLSA Classification

Full-Time Exempt - not eligible for overtime.

How to Apply

This search is being managed by Axis Talent Partners, a talent strategy and executive search firm that partners with social impact organizations and centers equity and inclusivity in search. Interested candidates should apply, detailing their qualifications for the position and their interest in OIA's mission using this link.

OIA recognizes that the team members we hire come from all walks of life. We believe that people from underrepresented backgrounds not only help us to be stronger, but also allow our team to connect, belong, and grow. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Outdoor Industry Association, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

The Outdoor Industry Association is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

Application Questions to consider:

Tell us why this role feels like the right role for you at this point in your career.

What professional and lived experiences have prepared you for this role?

Based on the job description, what goals would you be excited to work towards for the Outdoor Industry?