Vice President, Maritime Policy

Job Summary 

In consultation with CLIA Members at higher level management positions, the Vice President, Maritime Policy develops, presents, negotiates and implements global industry positions on legislative, regulatory and policy matters focused on shipboard safety, security, and sustainability, and including matters related to ship designs; operations; engineering; disabled access; accident investigation; emergency response; plans and exercises; labor affairs; and other matters impacting the global cruise industry. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Participates in development of the Maritime Policy Strategic Plan and identification of  long term/short term priorities, ensuring alignment with CLIA’s Global strategic direction.    
• Leads industry efforts and representation on global technical & regulatory matters; engages senior officials, maritime administration representatives and other stakeholders at an international level (e.g., the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)). 
• Leads qualified delegations at international meetings.  
• Conveys industry positions to international and key regulatory & rule-making bodies. 
• Develops, coordinates, prepares and presents CLIA policies to other industry associations, governments and media. 
• Collaborates with CLIA Members and other industry associations on related policy matters. 
• Coordinates with other shipping industry associations and organizations to advance cruise industry positions and seek support on matters of mutual interest.   
• Facilitates global CLIA Advisory Committees, Working Groups, and similar meetings focused on maritime technical and regulatory matters. 
• Participates in Federal Advisory Committees and other public meetings.  
• Engages regional CLIA offices to provide continuity of effort on key Member issues; harmonizes efforts for regional and global impact. 
• Communicates to Members and stakeholders on relevant global technical and regulatory matters, information and meeting outcomes from international organizations and industry advisory committees. 
• Serves as designated industry spokesperson on global technical and regulatory matters to media and other external stakeholders.   
• Provides advice and consultation within areas of expertise to the Senior Vice President, Maritime Policy and to other CLIA Executives and staff, CLIA Members and regional associations. 
• Serves as alternate for the Senior Vice President, Maritime Policy. 
• Advises and assists in coordinating, preparing and executing CLIA functions including the Cruise Foward Summit with CLIA Executive Partners, Seatrade Cruise Global, and periodic workshops and conferences; serves as moderator for panels and delivers timely, relevant content. 
• Serves as invited lecturer and expert at professional seminars, training and other events. 
• Manages administration of a maritime trade association related to the Maritime Policy Department including developing newsletter, website and social media content. 
• Coordinates work efforts within the department and among CLIA staff. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Supervises and directs Director(s) and Technical Advisor(s). 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge in relevant aspects of shipboard safety, security, and environmental protection standards, best practices and goals. 
• Knowledge in relevant aspects of shipboard operations, human element/training & watchkeeping, engineering or ship design & construction. 
• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory policy direction or development at national and international levels. 
• Strong facilitation skills to effectively run / manage various CLIA committees, meetings and workshops. 
• Proven ability to think/act at the strategic and operational levels. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects & deliverables simultaneously. 
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills. 
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships among a highly distributed and international network of co-workers, association members, international bodies and trade groups.   
• Proficiency in MS Office applications. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; advance degree preferred 
• 12+ years of job-related experience 
• 6+ years of management experience 
• 5+ years supervisory experience 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience 

Work Environment 

• This position is based in our DC office as part of a hybrid work environment.  
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 

Required Travel 

• 30% of the time is spent traveling both domestically and internationally. 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Reasonable Accommodation 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

EEO Statement 

CLIA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.