Description

About OIA

Based in Boulder, Colorado, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association. Our member-led collective is the outdoor industry's catalyst for meaningful change. We unite and serve manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through a focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, research, advocacy, and outdoor participation. OIA also established and sponsors the Outdoor Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, with a mission centered on engaging American youth in active, outdoor lifestyles and nature-based education and activities.

 
About the Position

This role is based in Washington, DC. OIA is seeking a seasoned and strategically minded government affairs professional to serve as Senior Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs. This senior leader will own and drive OIA's policy agenda, serving as the Association's primary voice on Capitol Hill and with the Administration. You will be the leading advocate for the $1.3T outdoor recreation economy and outdoor industry as a whole. This role requires consistent engagement with Congressional offices and Administration officials, ensuring OIA is viewed as a constructive, solutions-oriented partner. The ideal candidate has legislative director experience, strong leadership, sound judgment, and a track record of strong bipartisan relationships, engaging high-level officials and senior executives. This role is central to advancing OIA's mission and positioning the Association as an essential voice for the outdoor industry, and you’ll get to work with the premier global outdoor brands, retailers, and media companies.

 
Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Policy Strategy & Advocacy

• Assess the political and policy landscape for risks and opportunities — including emerging developments — to devise proactive strategic positioning for OIA.  Basically, you’re setting OIA’s strategic direction as it relates to government affairs.
• Craft and oversee execution of OIA's federal policy advocacy strategies in collaboration with trade, recreation, and other advisory committees.
• Lead OIA’s Capitol Summit (our annual fly-in to meet with government officials and legislators) and participate in other key OIA convenings, including Rendezvous, Switchback, Catalyst, and similar events.
• Identify needs for and guide development of issue briefs, research, infographics, and talking points that support advocacy efforts.
• Establish, prioritize and maintain a sophisticated bipartisan network of relationships with key Capitol Hill lawmakers, congressional staff, and Administration officials.
• Represent OIA and its membership directly on Capitol Hill and with the Administration, serving as a credible, solutions focused voice for the outdoor industry.
• Build and steward coalitions with allied organizations to amplify OIA's policy priorities and strengthen the industry’s collective influence.

2. Leadership & Team Management

• Build, lead, and manage a government affairs team that may include multiple federal and state lobbyists and OIA staff.
• Partner with the OIA leadership team to develop a policy fellow position and fundraise from members to finance the role.
• Set strategic direction, priorities, and performance standards for the government affairs department, ensuring alignment with OIA’s mission and member needs.

3. Member Engagement and Internal Collaboration

• Maintain a membership-driven approach that prioritizes collaborative relationships with member company government affairs teams.  
• Translate OIA’s advocacy work into clear, measurable ROI for members and train members to advocate alongside OIA.'
• Engage regularly with the OIA Board, advisory councils, and broader membership to ensure policy priorities reflect member needs.
• Serve as a trusted resource and strategic partner for member companies navigating federal policy issues.
• Partner closely with Membership, Sustainability, Research, and Communications teams, as well as the Outdoor Foundation, external consultants, and a network of state-based business organizations to align and amplify OIA’s public affairs efforts.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure advocacy strategies are well-resourced, integrated, and communicated across OIA's work.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 3-6 months, the Senior Director will have:

• Established strong bipartisan relationships with key Hill offices and Administration contacts through consistent ongoing engagement,
• Built a high-functioning federal and state policy advocacy agenda with member input, and
• Demonstrated OIA's value as a credible, proactive, and solutions oriented voice for the outdoor industry in Washington, D.C.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic advocacy campaigns to influence public policy and legislation.
• Minimum 7–10 years of leadership experience, including lobbying, Congressional or Administration experience, coalition leadership, or strategy-based government affairs consulting.
• Prior experience leading a congressional office, government affairs team or function, or equivalent.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government officials, and key stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of the legislative process and ability to educate and advocate effectively across a range of policy issues.
• Exceptional communicator — able to distill complex policy information clearly in writing and in presentations for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative, collegial work style with the ability to manage multiple high-priority strategies simultaneously.
• Experience working in or with trade associations preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required.

 
Salary Range

$150,000 – $175,000

Final offer amounts may vary based on candidate experience, expertise, and geographic location.

 
Work Environment & Location

This role requires the candidate to be based in or around the Washington, D.C. region to regularly represent OIA on Capitol Hill. While OIA is a remote-first organization, domestic travel for OIA events is required throughout the year.

Fast-paced, performance-oriented culture
Remote-first with a collaborative, team-oriented environment
Outdoor-oriented workforce passionate about the industry
 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible schedule
• Phone allowance

 
FLSA Classification

Full-Time Exempt — not eligible for overtime.

 
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

OIA recognizes that the team members we hire come from all walks of life. We believe that people from underrepresented backgrounds not only make us stronger, but also allow our team to connect, belong, and grow. If you share our values and passion for the outdoors, we highly encourage you to apply — even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The Outdoor Industry Association is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

 
This job description is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

If you are interested, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Andy Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer, Outdoor Industry Association, afletcher@outdoorindustry.org

Hybrid for OIA means working from home, with proximity to Washington, D.C. for in-person meetings.