The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) is the only U.S.-based trade association dedicated to the specialty and fine chemicals industry. Our members play an indispensable role in the global chemical supply chain, providing specialty chemicals to companies in markets ranging from consumer products and electronics to pharmaceuticals and agriculture. As Director of Government Relations, you will cultivate relationships with federal agencies, congressional offices, coalitions, and industry stakeholders to drive progress in key areas, including chemical regulation, environmental policy, health and safety, trade and tariffs, and supply chain policy.

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal and Government Relations, your primary focus will be regulatory advocacy and member compliance support, with a secondary focus on legislative advocacy. You will lead advocacy initiatives within assigned policy issues, represent SOCMA before federal agencies such as EPA, OSHA, and the Department of Commerce, manage engagement with member committees, and collaborate with SOCMA’s communications and membership teams to translate complex policy and regulatory developments into practical guidance that keeps members informed and prepared. A significant part of your role will also involve providing direct regulatory assistance to members, helping them resolve issues and stay ahead of changing federal requirements.

This is an opportunity to join a thriving, well-respected trade association at a time when strengthening American manufacturing, reducing regulatory burdens, and ensuring a competitive business environment are front and center in Washington. In this highly visible role, you’ll build strategic relationships across government and industry and help shape outcomes that maintain global leadership for the specialty chemical industry.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Your work will strengthen SOCMA’s influence with federal agencies and on Capitol Hill, while ensuring the industry’s voice is heard in regulatory and legislative decisions that affect member companies’ ability to innovate, compete, and grow. Success in your first year will be demonstrated by:

• Representing SOCMA at high-stakes meetings, hearings, and events, and leading engagement with coalitions and partnerships to advance and protect industry priorities.
• Managing and serving as the government relations liaison for key member committees.
• Partnering with the communications team to develop accurate content on regulatory and policy issues, and with the membership team to ensure SOCMA members get tangible value from government relations activities.
• Effectively leveraging SOCMA’s technical regulatory and public relations consultants to expand the association’s visibility and engagement with policymakers.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with two in-office days each week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) at SOCMA’s Arlington, VA, headquarters. Additional in-office time may be needed during onboarding. The role also includes occasional travel to represent SOCMA on Capitol Hill, attend events, and visit member facilities.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $130K–$140K with an outstanding benefits package, including medical and dental insurance with an HSA option, short- and long-term disability coverage, tuition and professional development reimbursement, a 401(k) plan with employer match, generous paid time off including 23 company holidays, transportation assistance or a home office stipend, and more.
• You’ll be joining a small but mighty team with a high degree of communication, trust, and mutual respect. Our members are well-informed industry leaders who are eager to connect, share their work, and contribute toward advancing and protecting the interests of manufacturers nationwide.

Responsibilities

Member Support & Regulatory Guidance

• Serve as a trusted resource to member companies by interpreting and applying complex federal regulatory requirements.
• Guide individual members on rule implementation, compliance timelines, and technical requirements, particularly around TSCA and related EPA actions.
• Translate policy developments into practical impacts for the batch, specialty, and custom chemical sectors.
• Develop member-facing tools and materials that facilitate understanding of regulatory obligations.

Advocacy & Representation

• Represent SOCMA before federal agencies, congressional offices, coalitions, and other external forums to advance the association’s advocacy priorities.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with relevant federal agency officials, industry peers, and trade association partners to enhance SOCMA’s visibility and influence.
• Engage actively in coalitions and working groups focused on shared regulatory and legislative issues, ensuring SOCMA’s perspectives are effectively represented.
• Support SOCMA’s input into policymaking processes through public comments, collaborative initiatives, and industry coordination.

Policy Development & Communication

• Lead tracking and analysis of federal legislative and regulatory developments affecting SOCMA members and the specialty chemical industry.
• Draft high-level comment letters, testimonies, regulatory filings, internal briefings, and policy summaries that inform SOCMA’s advocacy positions.
• Support the development of content for policy-related member alerts, newsletters, and digital platforms in coordination with the communications team.
• Monitor rulemakings and guidance from agencies such as the EPA, OSHA, and USTR; translate implications into actionable updates for members.

Organizational Support

• Maintain clear documentation of meetings, agency actions, and member engagement to support organizational transparency and strategy.
• Support planning and execution of government affairs–related events, including fly-ins, webinars, and stakeholder roundtables.
• Collaborate with other SOCMA departments to integrate government relations into broader organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, or government relations, preferably within a trade association, federal agency, or the chemical or manufacturing sector.
• Deep working knowledge of federal regulatory processes. Experience with EPA and OSHA is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and communicate policy positions clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, both internal and external.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into practical guidance.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships and representing an organization before government agencies, coalitions, and industry stakeholders.
• Highly organized, proactive, and self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced policy environment.

About SOCMA

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates® (SOCMA) empowers our members with the latest industry knowledge, an unparalleled peer network, highly customized resources, and dedicated technical and professional staff. Our mission is to support and foster the growth of the specialty chemical industry by delivering legislative and regulatory advocacy, promoting the highest levels of safety, and strengthening business intelligence and manufacturing operations.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.