AFPM employees combine both in-office and remote work into their schedules using up to 6 remote workdays a month. Only local candidates will be considered at this time.
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is a dynamic trade association representing high-tech American manufacturers of virtually the entire U.S. supply of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, other fuels, and home heating oil, as well as the petrochemicals used as building blocks for thousands of vital products in daily life, from paints to plastics, space suits to solar panels, and medicines to mobile phones. As a national trade association representing American refineries and petrochemical companies, AFPM brings together staff, members, affiliates, and thought leaders at major conventions and smaller gatherings, both virtual and in-person, throughout the year.
At AFPM, our greatest asset is our team of talented professionals who consistently fuel our success. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are excited to announce an opening for a Vice President, State Affairs. The VP leads and executes AFPM’s state-level advocacy strategy to advance the association’s policy priorities and protect the interests of member companies. This role directs state government relations, legislative and regulatory engagement, coalition building, and member coordination across priority states, while ensuring alignment with AFPM’s federal advocacy, legal, communications, and technical teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and continually refine AFPM’s state affairs strategy across priority states, aligning objectives, timelines, and resources with AFPM’s annual advocacy plan.
- Lead state legislative and regulatory engagement on issues relevant to AFPM members (e.g., energy, fuels, environmental regulation, transportation, taxation, permitting, workforce, and related matters).
- Build and maintain effective relationships with governors’ offices, state legislators, agency leadership, attorneys general, and key staff; serve as a trusted resource on industry and policy topics.
- Direct the monitoring, analysis, and reporting of state policy developments; translate complex proposals into clear decision points and recommendations for AFPM leadership and members.
- Lead and manage state and local outreach team members by setting clear expectations, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and fostering accountability.
- Manage and coordinate internal and external state advocacy resources, including consultants, coalitions, and contract lobbyists; oversee performance, deliverables, and budgets.
- Partner with AFPM Communications and member teams to develop integrated advocacy campaigns, including messaging, stakeholder engagement, grassroots/grasstops activities, and rapid response.
- Support political engagement consistent with AFPM governance and applicable laws, including planning and execution of state-focused political programs and events (as applicable).
- Represent AFPM in coalitions and alliances; identify opportunities to expand influence through partnerships with aligned organizations and stakeholders.
- Coordinate closely with federal government relations teams to ensure consistent policy positions and leverage federal-state intersections (e.g., implementation of federal rules at the state level).
- Prepare briefings, testimony, presentations, and written materials for internal and external audiences; present to AFPM leadership, members, and boards/committees as requested.
- Establish and maintain a disciplined operating cadence, including priority-setting, goal tracking, and metrics to evaluate advocacy effectiveness and outcomes.
- Uphold AFPM standards for ethics, compliance, and professionalism in all advocacy activities; ensure adherence to lobbying registration and reporting requirements with all AFPM staff and contract lobbyists.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in state government affairs, public policy, legislative or regulatory advocacy, or related roles.
- Demonstrated success leading state advocacy strategies across multiple states, including legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and campaign execution.
- Strong working knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes and the ethics/compliance requirements applicable to lobbying activities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior executives and member leadership with clarity and credibility.
- Proven ability to manage teams, consultants, and budgets; strong project management and prioritization skills in fast-paced environments.
- Ability to travel as needed and work extended hours during peak legislative periods.
- Experience representing an association, multi-member coalition, or complex stakeholder environment.
- Background in energy, fuels, petrochemicals, refining, midstream, transportation, environmental policy, or related industrial sectors.
- Established network of state policymakers and third-party stakeholders in key states.
- Experience integrating communications, digital advocacy, and grassroots/grasstops efforts into policy campaigns.
- Familiarity with political engagement programs and compliance considerations (as applicable).
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and education required; advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA) a plus.