Senior Manager, Political Affairs

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Political Affairs will serve as a strategic leader within RCG’s Corporate Affairs team, responsible for the comprehensive management, growth, and compliance of RCG USA’s Political Action Committee, political engagement programs, and grassroots activations. The role is responsible for seeking opportunities to enhance industry education, cultivate cruise champions, and improve company visibility with key legislators and policymakers at the federal, state and local levels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• PAC and Political Giving:
• Provide strategy, guidance, and execution on PAC operations and political fundraising initiatives
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Public Affairs, Government Relations, Community Engagement, and legal counsel to align federal, state and local political giving strategy with RCG’s legislative priorities and business objectives
• Lead and evolve the long-term vision, growth strategy, and operations of RCG USA PAC, including strategic plans, solicitation campaigns, donor engagement, and stakeholder communications to enhance its influence and fundraising capabilities
• Champion Development:
• Develop member engagement and ship tour program to educate members and staff about RCG and the cruise industry
• Plan and execute convenings (roundtables, briefings, receptions, and site visits), including agendas, logistics, and follow-up
• Support PAC fundraising events and engagement activities through logistics, vendor coordination, and reconciliation
• Work with cruise line and trade association partners to advance industry events and initiatives
• Grassroots and Issue Advocacy:
• Support grassroots and grasstops issue advocacy campaigns to enhance corporate reputation, advance public policy agenda, and build pro-cruise champions
• Provide political intelligence and research to inform grassroots and coalition strategies and contribution planning
• Political Monitoring and Compliance:
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the political landscape, federal and state legislative trends, and political risk affecting the cruise industry
• Work with counsel to ensure full compliance with all FEC, IRS, and state-level regulatory and reporting requirements for PACs, c4 entities, and lobbying disclosures
• Track and report performance metrics, including fundraising progress, participation, disbursements, and election outcomes
• Drive donor cultivation initiatives, including executive-level engagement, meet and greet events, and customized solicitation and communication campaigns

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience in PAC management, political fundraising, campaign finance compliance, and/or related public affairs roles
• Experience working with or within political campaigns, party committees, or political fundraising organizations preferred
• 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
• Proven strategic thinker and collaborator with the ability to lead complex projects and grow a political program
• High-level project management, analytics, and organizational skills
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills, including for executive-level audiences
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to draft clear, compelling communications for internal and external 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
• Ability to travel for industry events and ship tours

Qualifications

Based in Washington DC

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated experience developing and successfully managing political programs
• Strong executive presence: ability to interact effectively at the highest level of an organization and the savvy to communicate and synthesize complex issues crisply and convincingly
• Superior interpersonal skills and proven ability to gain the respect of, and build a rapport with, multiple constituencies, internally and externally
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking ability
• Experience within the travel and tourism industry preferred

Agency and Third-Party Submissions

Please note this is a direct search by the Company, and applications through agencies and other third parties will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited resumes. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered the Company's property.