Steel Manufacturers Association

steelnet.org

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

At SMA, we believe in principles of good stewardship – balancing economic trade with environmental sustainability.

SMA members are vital to our national security, infrastructure, and economy. We represent more member companies, more steelmaking capacity, more steel production, more capital investment, and more steelmaking employees than any other North American steel association.

SMA is also advancing sustainability. We represent a growing, clean segment of the steel manufacturing industry: Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel – a vastly more energy efficient and lower carbon emitting than traditional steelmaking. An independent study by the Commodity Research Unit validates that steelmaking by EAF manufacturers in the U.S. produces 75% lower carbon emissions. And it’s 100% recyclable at the end of its useful life.

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES YOU WILL ADVANCE

More than 80% of our advocacy priorities live at the intersection of sustainability, trade and public policy. As you lead our government affairs strategies, you will advance the following key initiatives:

Trade

• Pursue trade policy that protects American steelmakers from unfair foreign trade practices.
• Collaborate with federal agencies to improve enforcement of trade laws.
• Help American steelmakers get a fair treatment from international trade organizations.

Sustainability

• Educate policymakers that our members make steel the low-emissions, scrap-based way.
• Support policies that strengthen electric grids and support renewable power.
• Inform procurement officials that buying clean steel means buying steel from our members.

Raw Materials

• Advocate for policy that protects and encourages the use of recycled materials in manufacturing.
• Ensure that policymakers understand that America has an abundant supply of ferrous scrap.
• Pursue policies that protect the supply of ferrous scrap, iron metallics and ferroalloys.

For additional details on these and other SMA policy priorities, please visit this page of our website.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

In this newly created, legislative / regulatory affairs position, you be a vital voice in bolstering SMA’s advocacy strategy. Reporting to the President/CEO and supervising the Director of Government Affairs and two external lobbying firms, your success will be demonstrated in your ability to lead the following legislative and regulatory affairs initiatives.

• Amplify our visibility with policymakers as the go-to source for information about the steel industry. You will actively engage with the Congressional Steel Caucus and draft testimony on key advocacy priorities. In addition, you will strengthen relationships with the following government bodies:
  • Office of the United States Trade Representative
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Department of Energy
  • Department of Commerce
  • House Ways and Means and Finance Committees
  • General Services Administration
  • Congressional Steel Caucus
  • Federal Highway Administration

• Secure access to high level government officials for SMA’s CEO and board members. This will be achieved in part through Congressional fly-ins and Capitol Hill visits.

• Promote the sustainability of EAF steel manufacturing by ensuring that government, environmental, and domestic procurement policies treat EAF steel production fairly while acknowledging its role in lower carbon future.

• Articulate the SMA sustainability message through international forums including participating in the OECD Steel Committee in Paris.

• Promote strong trade policy and trade enforcement legislation.

• Engage in internal and external stakeholder relationship building including leading SMA’s Government Affairs committee; preparing monthly briefs on key advocacy issues for the board of directors; and participating in industry coalitions such as the Steel Industry Coalition.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with the following experience will receive priority consideration:

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible government relations roles within a manufacturing (or related sector) trade association
• Solid advocacy experience advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives through grassroots, grass tops, and coalition-building techniques
• Familiarity with environmental, sustainability and trade issues
• Established relationships with USTR, EPA, DOE, Commerce and/or the House Ways and Means and Finance Committees
• Successful experience leading people, organizations, annual plans, and budgets.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS YOU EXHIBIT

• A strategic visionary
• A capable influencer
• A bi-partisan relationship builder
• An effective industry ambassador
• A consensus builder
• A mentor and team motivator

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1988, with a staff of seven (anticipated to grow to 10), and a budget $3.5 million, our highly collegial, lively team is passionate about telling our American success story. In our work-hard-play-hard environment you’ll find us enthusiastically attending to the needs of our members…and sometimes attending a Nats game. It’s all part of being in the SMA family.

WHERE YOU WILL WORK

Because we believe that teams are best nurtured in person, we offer a hybrid, flexible work schedule with a goal of 3 days/week in our DC office. Please be available to travel several times per year to trade conferences, steel mill visits, and board meetings.

TARGET COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$275,000 + discretionary bonus and competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, SEP IRA contributions, paid vacation, and 11 paid holidays.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran.

FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION

This is a retained search conducted by Shira Lotzar of Purposeful Hire, a national search firm.  All candidates must submit their candidacy through the firm. Your application should include a customized resume and a thoughtfully crafted cover letter explaining how your background and interests align with SMA’s advocacy goals. Email to: Shira at shira@purposefulhire.com