Open Position - Director, Automotive & Economic Affairs - VDA America, Inc. | Application Deadline: July 17, 2025
Application procedure:
Please submit the below documents in a single PDF file to careers@washington.ahk.de by close of business on July 17, 2025. Qualified candidates may be invited to a virtual interview.
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, maximum one page.
• CV or resume, including the names and contact details for at least two references.
• Brief writing samples in English (required) and German (if possible)
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (DGIC) seeks to hire a Director, Automotive & Economic Affairs on a full-time basis to be dedicated to the interests of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
The VDA represents the interests of German automotive manufacturers and suppliers. It is one of the largest industry associations in Germany and represents around 620 member companies. VDA is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
Due to the nature of the position, the successful candidate will work independently in Washington, in close collaboration with VDA colleagues in Germany and Brussels. S/he will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing US policy developments relevant to the automotive industry and VDA. In addition, s/he will promote the priorities of VDA’s member companies to appropriate American audiences – primarily governmental decisionmakers.
The policy portfolio will focus primarily on international trade policy, tariffs, industrial policy, infrastructure, market entry, and other issues that impact the interests of VDA member companies in the American and global markets.
At DGIC, the Director, Automotive & Economic Affairs will join a small German American team. The Delegation is part of the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) and aims to promote and deepen economic and commercial ties between the United States and Germany. The position is based in DGIC’s office in downtown Washington, DC.
The successful candidate will begin as soon as possible.
DGIC is an equal opportunity employer offering a generous package of vacation, health insurance, and retirement fund benefits. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and prior experience.
Duties and responsibilities
· Advocate for the priorities of the sector before relevant federal decisionmakers (including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and key committees and members of Congress).
· Monitor US policy developments and identify legislation, regulations, executive actions, or other trends that create opportunities and challenges for the German and European automotive manufacturing and supplier sector. The results of this monitoring will be communicated regularly to VDA colleagues in Berlin and Brussels.
· Write content for publications, including statements, comments/opinions, and internal communications, with input from subject-matter experts within VDA in Germany and Brussels.
· Serve as the voice of VDA member companies in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including via periodic travel within the United States.
· Coordinate programs including meetings with Congress, the Executive Branch, Embassies, other industry associations, companies, think tanks, and other key stakeholders for VDA leadership during visits to Washington.
· Collaborate with U.S. subsidiaries of VDA member companies, as well as partner organizations.
· Organize events and briefings on priority issues.
· Research and analyze sector-specific market information.
· Travel to Germany at least twice yearly for orientation and integration into the VDA organization.
· Serve as a corporate officer of VDA America, Inc. in Washington, DC, which involves administrative tasks.
Skills
· Ability to develop and drive a policy agenda as a motivated self-starter working independently.
· Ability to manage and cultivate relationships with partner organizations, including associations, companies, and think tanks.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
· Sound understanding of U.S. legislative and administrative procedures, and the ability to synthesize these and related topics and concisely explain their significance.
· Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English.
· Strong research, analytic, organizational, and time-management skills.
· Flexibility to adapt to new topics and conditions as needed.
· Proficiency with Microsoft office suite.
· German language skills desirable but not required.
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you are interested in an internship with DGIC, please contact Amal Khaled.
Administrative station or elective station in the legal preparatory service: Please note that the Delegation unfortunately does not offer any training positions for prospective lawyers. If you are interested, please contact the German-American Chambers of Commerce.