Manager, Midwest Government Relations

Position Description Title: Manager, Midwest Government Relations Reports To: Director, State Government Relations Department: Government Relations & Advocacy Location: Remote COMPANY OVERVIEW The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade association for the U.S. and Canadian recreational boating industry (nmma.org), the primary advocate for the boating business community and boating consumer, and the leading producer of consumer boat shows in the United States. Member-owned and driven, the NMMA team manages an annual budget in excess of $50M. As part of this work, NMMA runs the industry’s consumer-facing Discover Boating initiative (DiscoverBoating.com), attracting over five million potential boat buyers to DiscoverBoating.com. Additionally, Discover Boating Consumer Boat shows attracting 500K attendees to its fourteen events each year. NMMA represents 85% of the U.S. and Canadian recreational marine manufacturing market including companies that make boats, marine engines, and accessories. NMMA members deliver an estimated $45 billion in new marine products each year to consumers around the world to enjoy the boating lifestyle. On behalf of its members, who sell products to countries around the globe, NMMA provides business intelligence and statistics; product standards and certification; regulatory and government affairs; and consumer and B2B promotion. NMMA is a frequent and influential collaborator with the leading business trade organizations focused on advancing recreation in America including the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Recreational Boating, and Fishing Foundation, American Sportfishing Association, Center for Sportfish Policy, and many others. NMMA Mission Our Why: Creating Transformational Experiences Our Vision: Recreational boating is the #1 leisure activity in America. Our Mission: To ensure the growth and success of the recreational boating industry. Our Core Values: Respect/Serve Others/Be Curious/Collaborate/Consumer Lens Our Promise to Members:

• Convene, unify, and expand the North American recreational boating market.
• Foster a favorable business environment for members.
• Cultivate a best-in-class boating experience for consumers.
• Encourage continuous improvement of recreational boating products.
• Champion industry information, learning, and knowledge.
• Ensure the health and success of NMMA and Discover Boating.

COMPANY SIZE AND LOCATION NMMA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has an office in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, most of the team is working remotely, and some are hybrid. In addition to Washington, D.C., and Chicago, members of NMMA’s team are based in regions where it produces its consumer boat shows including Boston, Atlanta. Minneapolis, and New York. NMMA offers a flexible work environment. NMMA has an inspiring story to tell, and a growing brand focused on improving the lives of millions of people while getting them outdoors to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of the boating lifestyle. NMMA is one of the most financially sound trade associations in the global recreation industry. As a $45B industry sector, companies across recreational boating provide meaningful outdoor and leisure experiences for millions of Americans and Canadians. The recreational boating market is strong. Looking ahead, as Americans continue seeking ways to spend quality time with family and friends, and experience a life well-lived on the water, we are estimating strong demand for recreational boating products in the years to come. The Discover Boating and NMMA brands play a leading role in building long-term demand and sustainability for industry.

Overview

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade association representing the U.S. and Canadian recreational boating industry, seeks a Manager, Midwest Government Relations to join its growing Government Relations team. This position reports to the Director of State Government Relations and serves as NMMA’s primary state-level advocate across the Midwest region, covering approximately 11 states. The Manager will lead regional legislative and regulatory strategy, manage key political relationships, and advance NMMA’s policy priorities affecting recreational boating, marine manufacturing, and boating access. The state government relations team operates as a highly integrated, results-driven unit in close coordination with NMMA’s federal government relations, PAC, public affairs, and policy teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as NMMA’s state government relations representative across the Midwest, building and maintaining relationships with governors’ offices, legislative leadership, key committee chairs, regulatory agencies, and allied stakeholders.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to state legislative and regulatory activity impacting the recreational boating industry, including identifying emerging threats and opportunities.
• Develop and execute proactive state advocacy strategies in coordination with NMMA’s federal GR, policy, and communications teams.
• Manage and direct contract lobbyists as needed to advance NMMA priorities in targeted states.
• Plan and execute grassroots, grasstops, and PAC engagement strategies, including coordinating plant tours, district meetings, and political engagement with NMMA members and elected officials.
• Represent NMMA in state capitols, coalitions, industry meetings, and conferences.
• Draft and contribute to testimony, legislative analyses, advocacy materials, and internal strategy memos to support NMMA’s policy objectives.
• Serve as a regional intelligence lead, providing timely updates and strategic recommendations to NMMA leadership and member companies.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in state government relations, political campaigns, legislative affairs, or association advocacy.
• Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes, with the ability to navigate complex political environments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain bipartisan relationships with elected officials, staff, and agency leadership.
• Experience working within coalitions and managing external partners or lobbyists.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort drafting testimony, policy analyses, and advocacy materials.
• Highly self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Familiarity with boating, outdoor recreation, manufacturing, or related industries is strongly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the Midwest, sometimes on short notice.
• Willingness and ability to travel to our Washington, DC, Headquarters, as needed

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in government relations, political campaigns, legislative offices, or trade associations (more experienced candidates encouraged to apply).

As a member of this team, you will receive a competitive salary, full benefits, 401(k) match, summer hours and more! If you are an outstanding Policy and Engagement Manager with a solid background, we want you to join our crew. EOE Apply tot his job Apply To this Job