Associate Director - Legislative and Public Affairs

About the job

Job Title: Associate Director - Legislative & Public Affairs

Organization: Central Ohio Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

Location: Columbus, OH

Reports To: Chapter Manager

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000 – $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage, pension, retirement plan, paid vacation, professional development support, and more

Position Overview:

The Central Ohio Chapter of NECA is growing and creating a new role. The team is seeking a strategic and dynamic Associate Director – Legislative & Public Affairs to lead the chapter’s public engagement, government affairs, and industry outreach efforts. This role will play a key part in strengthening NECA’s position as a thought leader and trusted advocate for the union electrical construction industry across Central Ohio.

The successful candidate will build meaningful relationships with public officials, regulatory agencies, educational institutions, labor partners (including IBEW), media outlets, and community stakeholders. The Associate Director will also lead proactive efforts to support workforce development, public policy priorities, and member visibility across the region.

Why Join Us?

With a tight-nit team, Central Ohio NECA supports more than 35 electrical contracting companies and thousands of employees building Ohio’s $30 Billion construction industry. Our team regularly engages with top business leaders, globally recognized organizations, and positively impacts Ohio’s business environment and economy. Our hard work, dedication, and drive leaves an outsized impact on the industry.

We look forward to reading your cover letter and learn about your experiences. We’ll keep you updated throughout the life cycle of the application and selection process.
 

Primary Responsibilities:

Government & Legislative Affairs

• Monitor local, state, and federal legislative activity affecting the electrical construction industry.
• Build relationships with elected officials, government staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent the chapter in policy discussions, hearings, and meetings to advance the interests of NECA and its members.
• Draft legislative updates, position statements, and testimony on behalf of the chapter.

Community & Industry Outreach

• Serve as the primary liaison to community organizations, educational partners, economic development groups, and relevant trade associations in Central Ohio.
• Promote NECA and labor-management initiatives that support career awareness, apprenticeships, and workforce development.
• Coordinate participation in school outreach and community events to promote electrical careers.

Media & Public Relations

• Lead the chapter’s communication efforts including media relations, press releases, newsletters and member communications.
• Act as a spokesperson, when appropriate, and develop messaging that enhances NECA’s public image.
• Collaborate with internal staff on social media, website content, and public-facing campaigns.
• Design compelling presentations and visual communications for internal and external audiences.

Labor & Industry Relations

• Support collaboration with IBEW Local Unions and the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC).
• Assist with various labor-management programs, joint events, and outreach that benefits the electrical industry.

Member Services & Advocacy

• Promote visibility of member contractors through external platforms and outreach opportunities.
• Engage with members to identify public affairs needs, highlight projects, and support regional growth initiatives.
• Contribute to business development initiatives by creating opportunities for NECA contractors in the public and private sectors.
• As a small organization, candidates will also proactively find areas to continue moving the mission forward and assist with other team projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• 3–7 years of experience in external relations, public affairs, or government relations, ideally within a trade association, labor organization, or related industry.
• Experience navigating legislative processes. Experience with Ohio’s is a plus.
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and represent the chapter with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Familiarity with the construction trades or unionized industries is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel throughout Central Ohio to national NECA events - up to 20%.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Exceptional candidates who do not meet all the qualifications are still encouraged to apply.