Senior Director, Political Affairs

Senior Director, Political Affairs

Hybrid

Full time

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Description

Position Summary:

AHLA is seeking a full-time Senior Director, Political Affairs. The Senior Director, Political Affairs serves as a strategic leader within AHLA’s Government Affairs team, responsible for the comprehensive management, growth, and compliance of AHLA’s Political Action Committee (HotelPAC), and political engagement programs.

This position provides strategy, guidance, and execution on PAC operations, compliance, and political fundraising initiatives at both the federal and state levels. The Senior Director will lead cross-functional collaboration with senior leadership, internal departments, member companies, and legal counsel to align PAC strategy with AHLA’s legislative priorities and organizational goals.

The Senior Director will play a critical role in driving AHLA’s political influence at the federal and state levels and be responsible for overseeing all aspects of HotelPAC operations.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and PAC Oversight

• Lead and evolve the long-term vision, growth strategy, and operations of HotelPAC to enhance its influence and fundraising capabilities with a goal of reaching $1.5m per year in donor contributions.
• Serve as the primary architect of all PAC-related strategic plans, solicitation campaigns, donor engagement, and stakeholder communications.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior AHLA leadership and the PAC Board, including regular analysis, reporting, and recommendations to advance AHLA’s advocacy objectives.
• Develop high-level presentations and strategic reports for Executive Leadership, Board Members, and the PAC Advisory Council.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure full compliance with all FEC, IRS, and state-level regulatory and reporting requirements for PACs, c4 entities, and lobbying disclosures.
• Oversee the preparation and timely filing of federal and state lobbying and campaign finance reports in coordination with legal and compliance vendors.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on campaign finance law, corporate PAC governance, lobbying compliance, and ethics.
• Direct external compliance consultants and legal counsel to maintain audit-ready records and mitigate risk exposure.

Fundraising and Political Engagement

• Design and manage year-round PAC marketing, communications, and fundraising strategies targeting member companies and industry leaders.
• Drive donor cultivation initiatives, including executive-level engagement, peer-to-peer outreach programs, and customized solicitation campaigns.
• Lead execution of high-impact PAC fundraising events, donor recognition programs, and political engagement opportunities.
• Oversee donor database strategy and performance, including analytics, segmentation, and donor pipeline development.

Cross-Functional and Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as a senior liaison with key internal teams (Communications, Membership, Events, Government Affairs) to integrate PAC objectives across AHLA’s broader member and vendor engagement activities.

Political Strategy & Research

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the political landscape, federal and state legislative trends, and political risk affecting the hospitality sector.
• Provide political intelligence and research to inform AHLA’s engagement strategies and contribution planning.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, Communications, or related area or equivalent work experience.
• 5-10 years of experience in PAC management, political fundraising, campaign finance compliance, and/or related public affairs roles.
• Extensive knowledge of FEC compliance, federal and state campaign finance laws, and lobbying disclosure requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior role managing a corporate, association, or other PAC program with national reach. 

Skills and Attributes:

• Proven strategic thinker and collaborator with the ability to lead complex projects and drive a large political program.
• High-level project management, analytics, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills, including for executive-level audiences
• Strong political acumen and understanding of the political campaign ecosystem.
• Professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive political and legal matters.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, while also being an excellent collaborator.

Other:

• Occasional travel requirements for industry events with a political component.
• In-office position – Based in DC. 
• Targeted Salary Range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000