Senior Vice President

American Petroleum Institute•Washington, DC

1h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Vice President for Public Affairs is responsible for developing and leading an integrated public affairs strategy that advances the organization’s policy, legislative, and reputational objectives. This role oversees strategic communications, advocacy campaigns, and political programs, ensuring alignment across internal teams and external partners. The SVP serves as a key advisor to the President and CEO, senior leadership and works closely with the government affairs, legal, and policy teams to drive measurable advocacy outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience, advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 20 years of senior experience in public affairs, advocacy, or political campaigns.
Minimum of 10 years of management experience including ability to manage people, programs, and projects.
Demonstrated expertise in integrated advocacy strategies.
Strong understanding of political and regulatory environments.
Proven track record of leading, influencing and managing their team, members and stakeholders through change and growth.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including presentation of views to corporate executives.
Familiarity with issues that have an impact on the natural gas and oil industry.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that support advocacy and political objectives across earned, paid, and owned channels.
Shape and deliver clear, compelling narratives to policymakers, stakeholders, members, media, and the public.
Oversee message development informed by research, polling, and audience insights.
Serve as a senior spokesperson or messaging advisor, as appropriate.
Oversee acquisition, cultivation, and activation of API’s national and state-level grassroots and grasstops programs.
Direct issue advocacy campaigns advancing organizational priorities.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and campaign finance laws.
Coordinate political programs with broader communications strategies.
Oversee campaign planning, execution, and reporting.
Provide strategic leadership to public affairs and communications teams, including providing opportunities for growth and development.
Partner with the Management Team to ensure a collaborative, positive and productive culture consistent with API principles.
Lead member-driven Communications Committee in partnership with the member co-chair.