ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES

IME is the trusted voice of the commercial explosives industry.

For over 100 years, the Institute has represented manufacturers of commercial explosives and other companies that provide related products and services to the industry. Commercial explosives manufacturers contribute $4 billion annually to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 10,000 workers in the United States.

Commercial explosives are essential to energy production, communications, technology manufacturing, highway and building construction, the healthcare delivery system, agriculture, and the manufacturing of nearly all metals and mineral products.

If you use or consume it, explosives make it possible.

WHAT WE DO

Public Policy/Advocacy

Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

Technical Expertise

Educational Resources

Communications

Conferences/Networking Opportunities

Industry Data and Statistics

OUR MISSION

IME's mission is to promote the safe and secure manufacture, transport, distribution, and use of commercial explosives.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for advancing IME’s Public Policy Priorities before Congress, the Administration and other key stakeholders as necessary to achieve positive policy outcomes for the commercial explosives industry. The Director must be highly organized, self-motivated, and a collaborative team player.

This position reports to the President.

Key Responsibilities Include:

· Communicate with member companies to understand the industry-wide issues and needs and develop and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy to address the public policy priorities.

· Manage the budget for government affairs activities, including lobbying expenses, PAC contributions, and advocacy campaigns.

· Create opportunities to strengthen and expand IME’s profile, reputation and influence with Congress, the Administration and other key stakeholders and educate them about the importance of the commercial explosives industry.

· Develop and maintain relationships with key congressional committees including but not limited to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House Committee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

· Monitor and analyze federal, and occasionally state, legislation and regulations which could have a significant impact on the commercial explosives industry.

· Alert membership on relevant legislative and regulatory proposals and activities and solicit their input and active participation in drafting and developing consensus policy positions.

· Collaborate with other members of the IME team and IME members to develop impact assessments and written comments on legislative and regulatory proposals.

· Convene and collaborate with allied trade associations and coalitions including the National Mining Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and the International Society of Explosives Engineers to advance shared policy goals.

· Draft letters to Congress, written congressional testimony, newsletter items, and analytical documents to support IME’s advocacy efforts.

· Serve as lead for Spring Fly-In.

· Organize Congressional site visits.

· Serve as the staff liaison to the IME Government Affairs Committee (GAC), working closely with the committee chair to set committee agendas, record meeting minutes, and provide timely responses to committee member requests.

· Work closely with IME’s director of communications and other members of the IME team to develop educational materials/issue briefings on legislation/regulation to be used by IME staff and IME members as part of our advocacy efforts.

IMEPAC

The Director manages the day-to-day activities of the IME Political Action Committee (IMEPAC).

Responsibilities include:

· Develop and implement a balanced PAC budget.

· Attend and organize fundraisers (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

· Work closely with the PAC Treasurer to prepare, maintain and submit all mandatory reports and filings.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s degree (political science or public policy are preferred).

· 5 years of government affairs at a trade association or relevant experience on Capitol Hill or at a federal agency.

· Ability to travel (overnight travel is necessary approximately six times per year to participate in member facility site visits and meetings of the Institute).

· Ability to attend fundraisers/events that take place before or after traditional work hours.

· U.S. citizenship is required.

· Familiarity with Lobbying Ethics/Disclosure Requirements.

· Newly hired IME personnel must pass a background check and are subject to drug testing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Thorough understanding of the legislative and regulatory process and how to navigate through complex issues.

· Existing relationships on Capitol Hill or at the federal agencies with which you might be working are a plus.

· Excellent organizational skills.

· Strong written and verbal communication/presentation skills.

· Comfort working with a small team with limited resources.

· Strong work ethic, attention to detail and a service-oriented attitude.

· Ability to work under pressing deadlines across multiple projects and portray calm in the face of difficult situations.

· Track record of managing legislative issues with multiple stakeholders, and a record of successful outcomes and a positive reputation on Capitol Hill.

· A good sense of humor.

· Familiarity with regulatory agencies relevant to the explosives or hazardous materials industries.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Starting annual salary will be determined based on individual qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities.

The position is based in the District of Columbia and therefore the incumbent must reside in the District of Columbia metropolitan area.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@ime.org

Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME)

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Director of Government Affairs