Newly unemployed lawmakers buzzing about million-dollar lobbying jobs

[Geee]

The Hill:

A post-election scramble is underway for lucrative positions at some of Washington’s premier trade groups.

The chief executive slots come with six- and-seven figure salaries, and enter the market at a time when freshly retired lawmakers are looking for new employment. Headhunters say former members of Congress have been buzzing about the jobs — and for good reason.

 

 

Being the top dog at a prominent business group can have all the trappings of Congress: a full-time staff, juice as a D.C. insider, and the chance to be your own boss.

"Members like to be in charge. They want the CEO job," said Julian Ha, practice leader for government affairs at the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.

Some of the jobs in the mix include positions that opened up just this week, including at the American Gaming Association and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). Other major jobs include the top spots at the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Wind Energy Association and the Fertilizer Institute.