The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), located in Arlington, VA, is the leading voice of the technology industry, representing innovators and shaping the future through advocacy, insights, and global events like CES®. CTA is seeking a Director of Government Affairs (Federal) to advocate for CTA’s policy priorities across a broad range of issues affecting the consumer technology industry. CTA offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. When you join CTA, you become part of a team that values collaboration, transparency, and meaningful impact. This position is based in Arlington, VA, and offers a hybrid work schedule of three days per week in the office.

Cessna & Associates, LLC has been retained by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to lead the recruitment and search process for this position.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Government Affairs (Federal) will develop and maintain strong relationships with Members of Congress and congressional staff and serve as a key member of CTA’s federal lobbying team, working across the organization’s policy portfolio and helping identify opportunities to advance CTA’s policy priorities on Capitol Hill. The Director will also lead CTA’s federal policy and regulatory work on transportation and mobility, including autonomous vehicles and emerging transportation technologies. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress and congressional staff across both the House and Senate and serve as a key [democratic] relationship lead for CTA on Capitol Hill.
Lead or co-lead CTA policy development and member working groups within the transportation portfolio.
Lead CTA’s federal policy and regulatory engagement on transportation, mobility, autonomous vehicles, and related emerging technologies.
Advocate for CTA’s legislative and policy priorities across the organization’s broader technology agenda.
Identify opportunities to advance CTA priorities through legislation, congressional engagement, coalition activity, and political relationship-building.
Prepare statements, testimony, talking points, briefing materials, and other advocacy materials for congressional engagement.
Draft and submit comments to federal regulatory agencies on transportation and mobility issues.
Organize and participate in congressional meetings, lobbying days, political events, policy briefings, technology demonstrations, and CES.
Represent CTA before policymakers and at industry meetings, policy events, panels, and, as appropriate, in the press.
Work closely with CTAPAC to develop and strengthen relationships with current and emerging technology leaders in Congress.
Monitor congressional activity and identify legislative and political developments affecting CTA and its members.
Liaise with industry coalitions and outside stakeholders, particularly on transportation and mobility issues.
Support CTA thought leadership through articles, position papers, blogs, and other policy communications.
Support CTA engagement on state and local transportation issues as appropriate.
Provide member companies with relevant updates on congressional hearings, agency actions, and other policy developments.
Support federal lobbying efforts outside the Director’s primary policy portfolio as needed.
Perform other duties as required by business needs.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Excellent political judgment and ability to identify opportunities to advance organizational priorities
Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to develop, maintain, and leverage internal and external relationships
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively across multiple policy areas and respond quickly to changing legislative priorities
Ability to travel
Flexibility to attend industry events in the early morning and evenings, and occasional weekends

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in political science or related field preferred, or commensurate experience
Minimum of six years of experience in federal government affairs, congressional affairs, or public policy
Significant experience working in or with the U.S. Congress
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress and senior congressional staff
Experience researching, analyzing, and communicating legislative and regulatory issues
Strong understanding of Congress, the legislative process, and the federal political environment
Experience with transportation, mobility, autonomous vehicles, or technology policy strongly preferred

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to Cessna & Associates to the submit button above.

Salary: $170,000 - $180,000, plus bonus potential

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or contact 202-232-1765.

ABOUT THE CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION

Want to work at the forefront of innovation and make an impact across the technology industry? The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is the leading voice of the technology industry, representing innovators and shaping the future through advocacy, insights, and global events like CES®. At CTA, the culture is built by its people who are:

Staff-Focused – They value every voice and seek input across teams
Transparent & Collaborative – They foster open communication and teamwork
Open & Honest – They encourage thoughtful feedback, open dialogue, and continuous growth.
Impact-Driven – They focus on work that drives meaningful results
Adaptable & Forward-Thinking – They embrace innovation and change

CTA has been recognized for its strong workplace culture, including honors such as the CARE Award (for 16 consecutive years), Washingtonian Best Places to Work, and the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation (Gold Level).

CTA is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ABOUT CESSNA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.