Overview

Salary Range: 225k-300k

Vice President, Government Relations

Work Location: Arlington, Virginia | Hybrid

 

About the Opportunity

As we prepare for an important leadership transition, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA), and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) are seeking an accomplished, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as our next Vice President of Government Relations.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced government affairs leader who can develop and execute effective public policy strategies, navigate complex legislative and regulatory challenges, and leverage strong relationships and sound political judgment to help shape the future of the powersports industry. The Vice President will lead and inspire an established and experienced Government Relations team, direct federal and state advocacy efforts, and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership while representing the associations before policymakers, regulators, industry members, and other key stakeholders.

 

Key Responsibilities

·        Develop and execute federal and state government relations strategies that advance the associations’ legislative, regulatory, and public policy priorities.

·        Represent the associations before Congress, federal agencies, state policymakers, regulatory bodies, and other influential stakeholders.

·        Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships, leveraging credibility, trust, and political expertise to advance industry interests.

·        Monitor and influence legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership and association members.

·        Lead, mentor, and develop an experienced Government Relations team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

·        Work closely with association leadership, boards, members, and industry partners to navigate complex issues, build consensus, and advance shared priorities.

·        Serve as a credible and persuasive advocate for the powersports industry at legislative hearings, industry meetings, and other key events.

 

Qualifications & Experience

·        Significant progressive experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or a related field, including senior-level leadership responsibility.

·        Deep understanding of Congress, the federal legislative process, regulatory agencies, and the political environment in Washington, D.C.

·        Established bipartisan relationships and demonstrated success influencing legislative or regulatory outcomes.

·        Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop experienced professionals while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

·        Exceptional political judgment, strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills.

·        Ability to effectively navigate competing interests and work with executive leadership, boards, members, and diverse stakeholders.

·        Experience in state government relations, trade associations, or industry advocacy is strongly preferred.

·        Familiarity with transportation, manufacturing, outdoor recreation, or the powersports industry is highly desirable.

·        Ability to travel as business needs require.

 

The Leader We’re Looking For

Beyond experience and political relationships, we’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys leading people, values the expertise of an established team, and understands how to bring people together around shared priorities.

Our ideal candidate is confident, politically savvy, collaborative, and grounded in integrity. This individual knows when to lead, when to listen, and how to build trust across differing perspectives.

Just as important is an appreciation for the powersports industry. You don’t have to ride, but you do need to understand why powersports matters to the people who do and have a genuine interest in advocating for the manufacturers, dealers, employees, families, and enthusiasts who make up this industry.

 

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated annual salary range is $225,000–$300,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors. MIC provides a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and retirement benefits.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter of interest to Recruiting@mic.org, referencing Vice President, Government Relations- (Your Name) in the subject line.

 

About Our Associations

MIC, MSF, ROHVA, and SVIA are the powersports industry’s leading not-for-profit trade and education associations in the United States. MIC is the national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment firms, media companies, and consultants. MSF promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. ROHVA and SVIA are national industry associations promoting safe and responsible use of ROVs and ATVs through training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Motorcycle Industry Council, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, layoff, recall, and termination.

 

About Motorcycle Industry Council | Motorcycle Safety Foundation | Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association | Specialty Vehicle Institute of America

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is the national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance, and investment firms, media companies, and consultants. MIC Events is primarily responsible for producing the American International Motorcycle Expo.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® is the internationally recognized developer of the comprehensive, research-based, Rider Education and Training System (RETS). RETS curricula promotes lifelong-learning for motorcyclists and continuous professional development for certified RiderCoaches and other trainers. MSF also actively participates in government relations, safety research, public awareness campaigns, and the provision of technical assistance to state training and licensing programs. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) promotes the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) manufactured or distributed in the United States. ROHVA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop a standard for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ROVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit trade association is sponsored by BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Textron Specialized Vehicles, and Yamaha.

Since 1983, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® (SVIA) has promoted the safe and responsible use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. SVIA also serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics, and vehicle standards. SVIA, based in Irvine, California, is a not-for-profit trade association sponsored by BRP, CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Champion, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Textron Specialized Vehicles and Yamaha.