Industry Affairs Manager

The Markens Group (TMG) is seeking an experienced and passionate Industry Affairs Manager to serve as the face of key industry initiatives for our trade and manufacturing associations clients. Based at our Springfield, MA headquarters, this role is ideal for a collaborative professional with strong policy insight and association expertise. The Industry Affairs Manager will represent our clients at both in-person and virtual events, engaging in strategic conversations that drive meaningful change and advocate for client priorities.

About TMG

TMG is an association management company that serves local and national clients, including professional societies, associations, and non-profit organizations. We’re seeking a detail-oriented, flexible, high-achiever to join our in-person team. We’re proud to be Great Place to Work certified, and it shows. We have a high-energy, fast-paced culture and like to have fun. A supportive, collaborative, and accountable culture fuels our team. Check out our Fundamental Values to learn more!

A Day in the Life

In this role, you will lead several initiatives —not just a small piece. We are looking for someone excited about helping drive multi-faceted initiatives forward, collaborating with a strong team, and seeing the impact of their work. You will support multiple projects for various member-driven organizations concurrently, allowing you to work on various exciting and diverse projects at a given time. Experience and passion in packaging, forestry, paper, manufacturing, and/or sustainability will be helpful. While this is not a lobbying position, lobbying or public policy experience may help support your success.

You’ll work with our team to manage client accounts, including working directly with key stakeholders, developing quarterly work plans, communicating tasks and projects with the team, and often acting as direct association staff. You’ll be willing, eager, and comfortable to liaise with internal and external partners, including team members, clients, board members, affiliated associations, vendors, and community partners. You’ll be comfortable leading Board, client, and internal staff meetings and motivated to serve in a variety of industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Industry Representation: Act as a key representative on client and industry calls, meetings, and events. Communicate client priorities, oversee best practices, share insights, and serve as an authoritative voice on industry-led initiatives.
• Initiative Leadership: Spearhead industry-driven projects around sustainability, policy advocacy, and best practices within the trade and manufacturing sectors.
• Policy & Compliance Advocacy: Communicate complex policy, industry, and sustainability issues effectively to diverse stakeholders, and provide insight into regulatory trends relevant to client industries. Develop resources for members to compete.
• Event Participation: Attend key industry events, client meetings, and conferences (15-20% travel) to foster relationships, expand TMG’s reach, and provide in-person support for industry initiatives.
• Consensus Building: Work collaboratively with board, committees, clients, and internal teams to reach consensus, align goals, and mediate differing perspectives for optimal outcomes.
• Content Development: Prepare clear, impactful reports, presentations, and policy briefs to communicate client updates and industry trends to membership and boards. Work in collaboration with TMG internal team to deliver multi-modal communication plans.
• Thought Leadership: Remain at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring TMG clients receive cutting-edge insights on sustainability, regulatory compliance, and advocacy opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in association management, government relations, public policy, or a related field, ideally with experience in trade or manufacturing associations.
• Advocacy Skills: Strong background in association work, public policy, or lobbying, with proven success in advancing advocacy objectives.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills, with the ability to address diverse audiences from senior leadership to industry stakeholders.
• Leadership & Teamwork: A collaborative leader with a demonstrated ability to work well in team environments, build consensus, and drive projects to completion.
• Strategic Insight: Ability to analyze and communicate complex industry and policy issues, particularly in the areas of sustainability and compliance.
• Project Management: Highly organized with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and provide consistent, high-quality work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and regulatory trends in trade and manufacturing.
• Experience with member-driven association environments.
• Understanding of industry compliance and regulatory requirements.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to lead industry-shaping initiatives in sustainability and policy.
• An engaging, supportive work environment at our Springfield headquarters.
• Comprehensive health benefits, 401k match, and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive time off and paid holiday schedule.