Government Affairs Associate

The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) is the voice of the nation’s largest publicly owned metropolitan water systems on federal water policy issues. AMWA thrives in creating a community of water sector leaders to advance policies to protect public health and economic viability via safe, affordable, and sustainable drinking water.

AMWA is seeking a Government Affairs Associate responsible for supporting the policy team’s efforts to advance an agenda of federal regulatory and legislative priorities relevant to drinking water utilities. The position provides support to members of the policy team and is tasked with completing assignments necessary to advance AMWA’s policy portfolio. These include representing AMWA at meetings with federal regulatory and congressional staff, writing newsletter articles, assisting in the drafting of comments and correspondence, coordinating relevant committee meetings and calls, helping to produce two annual conferences, and assisting in the management of the Water Utility Climate Alliance.

Experience level and other factors will determine the final salary level, in the starting range of $60,000-$65,000. The person in this position will have work-related travel a few times per year.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Policy Support

• Under the direction of the Chief Policy Officer and members of the policy team, aids in the drafting of comment letters, testimony, one-pagers, correspondence, and other materials that articulate AMWA’s policy agenda.
• Schedules and participates in meetings with federal officials from EPA and other federal agencies, members of Congress and their staff, and other water sector associations to advance AMWA’s agenda and increase awareness of its policy priorities.
• Conducts research and compiles information to support the development of AMWA comments and position papers.
• Assists in tracking regulatory and legislative proposals that could impact the association, its members, and the water sector.
• Attends hearings, briefings, webinars, and other relevant events, and summarizes contents for the policy team and AMWA members.
• Completes other tasks as assigned by members of the policy team.

Member Relations

• Supports the activities of AMWA’s policy committees (Regulatory Committee, Sustainability Committee, Legislative Committee, Policy Resolutions Committee), by scheduling meetings, taking notes, and summarizing decisions and outcomes.
• In conjunction with the Senior Manager of Government Affairs and Sustainability Policy, provides support for regular meetings, communications, and administration of the Water Utility Climate Alliance, an alliance of twelve of the nation’s largest water utilities committed to advancing climate adaptation and resilience in the water sector.
• Contributes articles as assigned for the weekly Monday Morning Briefing newsletter.
• Responds, as appropriate, to inquiries from members on policy issues related to drinking water.
• Works with members of the policy team to develop and execute a program for the annual Water Policy Conference, and aids in program development and planning for the annual Executive Management Conference.
• Composes social media content relevant to association’s policy programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Organizational Responsibilities

• Participates in developing workplan goals, objectives, and systems.
• Participates in administrative staff meetings, organization-wide meetings, staff team meetings, training programs, and attends other meetings and seminars as designated in professional development plans and organizational needs.
• Assists in development of annual reports, plans, Board updates, and other organizational communications in relation to established goals.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• An understanding of the federal policymaking process, environmental policy, and regulatory analysis.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to multitask numerous projects and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with federal agency staff, congressional staff, and colleagues at other stakeholder organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with Google Workspace, Asana, and MacOS a plus.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of four years of college with coursework in Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Natural Resources, or a related discipline from an accredited university.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience. Knowledge of the water sector a plus.

All AMWA staff are required to work in the D.C. office at least 2 days per week.

To apply:

If this position sounds like a great fit for you and you’re excited to make an immediate impact at AMWA, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] and reference Government Affairs Associate in the subject line.

AMWA is a 501(c)(6) organization. AMWA offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance. AMWA also offers health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan, paid time off and other benefits. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. AMWA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.