Director Government Relations Society of Chemical Manufacturers Affiliates SOCMA

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…