Association of American Railroads
Assistant Vice President - Government Affairs
The Association of American Railroads (“AAR”) has an opening for an Assistant Vice President
(“AVP”) - Government Affairs. The AVP - Government Affairs’ primary responsibility is to
develop consensus and formulate AAR policy positions on key legislative issues; influence
congressional consideration of legislation consistent with the objectives of the AAR; and
communicate legislative developments to AAR’s senior team, the Washington representatives
of member railroads, and to other senior railroad officials. In addition, the AVP - Government
Affairs is responsible for managing AAR’s participation in various coalitions with the aim of
heading off harmful initiatives and working closely with railway labor on issues of common
concern.
The AVP - Government Affairs must have a demonstrated ability to foster the development of
consensus positions in the face of differing and sometimes conflicting policy views. A thorough
knowledge of congressional organization and procedures, executive branch and agency
initiatives is required. A working knowledge of important technical railroad issues, such as
those addressed in positive train control, balanced regulation, truck size and weight, railroad
safety, locomotive emissions, hazardous materials, climate change, and railroad retirement
legislation is required. A successful candidate must have at least 10 years of congressional
and/or administration experience in an area of importance to the railroad industry.
Excellent speaking, writing, and computer literacy skills are required. Other required attributes
include initiative, planning, problem solving, decision making, and organizational skills.
Founded in 1934, the Association of American Railroads is the world's leading railroad policy,
research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and
productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. Headquartered in Washington DC, AAR is a
501(c)(6) trade association. Its members include the major freight railroads in the United
States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. AAR owns two for-profit subsidiaries,
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, which focuses on
research and test activities, and Railinc Corp. in Cary, North Carolina, which provides
information technology products and services.
The Association of American Railroads offers a comprehensive benefits package including
medical, dental, life, short and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, flexible
spending plans, voluntary life and long term care insurance plans, in addition to vacation,
personal, and sick leave.
Applicants should e-mail their resume and salary requirements to the Association of American
Railroads Human Resources Department at [email protected]. Please note in the subject line
“Assistant Vice President - Government Affairs.”
Association of American Railroads
425 Third St., SW
Washington, DC 20024
AAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.