SUMMARY
The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) is seeking a VP or Senior Director of Government Affairs & Policy to lead the association’s government affairs, legislative, regulatory, and public policy function. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced professional who can independently direct complex policy matters from initial issue identification through strategy development, stakeholder engagement, execution, and follow-through. The successful candidate will serve as the lead subject matter expert and responsible party for IPA’s government affairs and policy activities, shaping association positions and driving advocacy initiatives. This individual will provide strategic counsel to leadership, shape association positions, and drive advocacy initiatives on behalf of the organization and its membership. The role requires sound judgment, a high degree of independence, strong substantive expertise, and the ability to build credibility with external stakeholders with confidence and professionalism.
The association is based in Washington, D.C. but our staff works remotely. This role requires up to 15% travel.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of the IPA’s legislative, regulatory, and public policy strategies, campaigns, and initiatives at the federal and state levels.
- Serve as the association’s lead government affairs and policy professional, independently managing complex issues from initial analysis through strategy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and resolution.
- Identify, assess, and prioritize legislative, regulatory, legal, and political developments affecting the IPA and its membership, and recommend strategic courses of action.
- Advise the President & CEO and other senior leaders on policy, legislative, regulatory, and political matters affecting the association and industry.
- Drive the formulation of association policy positions in collaboration with IPA leadership, members, committees, and other stakeholders, building consensus where appropriate and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
- Lead the IPA’s engagement with key external stakeholders, including members of Congress, congressional staff, the Administration, federal and state regulators, state officials, and other policymakers.
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry stakeholders, coalition partners, and outside counsel and consultants.
- Represent the IPA in high-level meetings, industry forums, coalition discussions, and other external settings, serving as a senior spokesperson on the association’s policy priorities and positions.
- Monitor and interpret developments in capital markets, tax, retirement, securities, and related public policy areas, as well as relevant state regulatory and legislative matters.
- Draft, oversee, and finalize advocacy and policy materials, including comment letters, briefing memoranda, policy summaries, testimony, position papers, talking points, and related communications.
- Lead and manage the IPA Political Action Committee (PAC), including strategy, compliance coordination, member engagement, and the planning and execution of PAC fundraising activities and events.
- Oversee external government affairs and policy advisors, consultants, and strategic partners, as applicable, and ensure effective coordination in support of IPA priorities.
- Support broader association initiatives, including conferences, board and committee meetings, member engagement, and stakeholder events, particularly where policy, legislative, regulatory, or political content is involved.
Experience Required:
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative, regulatory, or legal matters, including substantial experience working in or with governmental bodies, legislative or regulatory agencies, trade associations, or closely related organizations.
- Demonstrated experience independently leading complex legislative, regulatory, and policy matters from strategy development through execution.
- JD preferred; MBA or other advanced degree a plus.
- Strong understanding of the U.S. legislative and regulatory process, with established relationships and credibility among policymakers, regulators, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Detailed knowledge of financial services required; experience with alternative investments, capital markets, tax, retirement policy, securities regulation, or related issues strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a trade association, membership organization, or similarly stakeholder-driven environment is a plus.
General Requirements:
- Proven ability to lead independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage highly sensitive and complex matters with minimal oversight.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex policy developments into actionable business and advocacy recommendations.
- Excellent leadership presence and professional credibility, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, policymakers, regulators, members, and external partners.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- High degree of initiative, accountability, professionalism, and discretion.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: President & CEO
COMPENSATION
Total compensation (base salary + bonus): $225,000 to $275,000, commensurate with experience, with potential for growth as responsibilities expand. Title will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
ABOUT THE IPA
For more than 40 years, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) has served as the leading voice for global asset managers, distributors and service providers in the private markets and alternative investment industry. We deliver best-in-class education for practitioners and champion policies that expand investor access to wealth-building private market strategies, including real estate, credit, infrastructure, private equity and venture capital, among other asset classes. These investments offer lower correlation to public markets, strengthen retirement outcomes and enhance portfolio diversification while operating within robust investor-protection standards. Over the past 25 years, private market and alternative investments have driven more than $1 trillion in
capital formation, playing a critical role in fueling national and local economic growth. Further information about the IPA is available at www.ipa.com.
