Serving as a senior government affairs professional acknowledged as the number two in the department, the Senior Government Affairs Officer will have an understanding of the substance of the financial regulatory, tax, pension and international policy issues associated with the financial services industry and generally with the investment company industry.   Working in close partnership with the Chief Government Affairs Office, incumbent will develop and implement an aggressive strategic plan for successfully achieving specific legislative results that are favorable to ICI’s member companies and their shareholders.

In formulating and implementing a successful Government Affairs program for the Institute, the incumbent collaborates extensively and works as part of a senior team with other Institute staff, particularly in the Law, Research and Public Communications areas.

Incumbent possesses significant political acumen and has established bi-partisan contacts (with emphasis on the incumbent’s primary political affiliation), with members of Congress and Congressional staff, agency government affairs offices, as well as in the Administration.  

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A thorough understanding of U.S. Congressional and Cabinet policy-making processes, including an understanding of the roles and decision points in the Executive agencies, The White House, the Senate and the House, as well as the role of think tanks, associations and related organizations.
• A strong knowledge of ethics rules governing lobbying and a clear reputation for ethical conduct.
• Experience managing professionals and staff members effectively, as well as appropriately advising/influencing senior-level corporate executives. 
• The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs at the highest levels of government and business.
• Strong personal relationships with members and staff on relevant House and Senate Committees and within the leadership of the House and Senate; strong committee contact is essential.
• Ability to harmonize competing interests of industry segments into workable government affairs strategies.
• Strategic thinking skills -- able to develop a vision of where the ICI should go, can put a large number of issues in priority order, and can anticipate emerging issues.
• Ability to work comfortably and effectively with top-level government officials on either side of the political spectrum and with ICI members and Institute staff.
• Strong communications skills, both written and oral.
• Strong people skills and a reputation for being a team player.  A keen sense of protocol.
• Acute political sensitivity.
• A proven record of advancing important issues through the legislative processes.

Education & Experience

• An undergraduate degree is required.  An advanced degree such as a J.D., M.B.A. or M.P.A. would be highly desirable.
• Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years experience in business as a Washington Representative, Congressional staffer, or a government affairs executive.
• Strong management experience is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.  Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.