Vice President, International Trade

Retail Industry Leaders Association•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

At the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), we convene decision-makers, advocate for the retail industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is bold but simple: to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate. We are a dynamic, collaborative, team-oriented trade association in Washington, DC. Our employees are passionate about customer service and supporting our members and each other, and we are adding to the team! The Vice President of International Trade serves as RILA’s lead government affairs expert and advocate on international trade, customs, and responsible sourcing matters impacting the retail industry. This dynamic, multi-faceted role represents RILA before Congress, federal agencies, and other key stakeholders, advancing the interests of member companies and supporting the association’s policy objectives. The Vice President leads member engagement through RILA committee leadership and working groups, providing strategic policy guidance, updates, and platforms for member feedback and collaboration.

Requirements

Proven trade knowledge and issue expertise.
Experience gained through a combination of lobbying for a trade association or company and/or service on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or within a presidential administration.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and build relationships with members, external partners, and/or stakeholders.
Leverage strong judgment, critical thinking, and political awareness to develop and implement effective strategies for achieving public policy goals.
Strong operational skills, with the ability to effectively work both collaboratively with our team, RILA members, and independently.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, without compromising quality of work.
Ability to create, manage, and facilitate content for virtual and in-person committee meetings.
Curiosity, flexibility, and willingness to change and adapt with the fast-paced retail industry.
Travel to meetings and events as necessary.

Responsibilities

Serve as RILA’s primary government affairs lead on trade and customs-related matters.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees, and federal agencies.
Draft and submit comments on relevant rulemakings and notices published in the Federal Register.
Plan and lead congressional outreach and briefings on priority issues.
Draft and coordinate testimony for congressional hearings and letters to the Hill.
Lead and manage RILA member committees and working groups, including leading monthly calls, planning in-person meetings, and providing timely updates on trade and customs matters.
Manage and participate in various coalitions and coordinate industry input and ensure RILA’s members and perspectives are represented.
Oversee work of outside consultants and resources to ensure alignment with policy goals.
Supports junior Government Affairs staff through coaching, workload coordination, and professional development activities that strengthen individual and team performance.
Contribute thought leadership to RILA newsletters and policy publications.
Coordinate and collaborate with other RILA issue leads to deliver seamless member services and content.