Senior Director of Government Affairs

General Summary

Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s only privately-managed free zoo and an urban oasis in the heart of Chicago. The zoo’s mission is to create a world in which nature and wildlife thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a local and global leader in conservation, animal care and welfare, learning and community engagement. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo was one of the first zoos in the nation. The zoo is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment, and we celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, value, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

The Senior Director of Government Affairs reports to the Vice President, Development and is responsible for the development, oversight, and execution of Lincoln Park Zoo’s strategic initiatives, issues, and programs to elected officials and stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally. Serves as liaison with local, regional, and national community, business, social, and civic organizations.

Essential Job Functions

• Educate elected representatives and their staffs, as well as officials and staffs in regulatory and other agencies on Lincoln Park Zoo’s key initiatives and position on legislation and regulatory affairs.
• Develop and implement the institution’s advocacy strategies and support organization and department goals and objectives.
• Monitor potential legislative matters and develop action plans as appropriate.
• Maintain and strengthen effective and cooperative working relationships with federal, state, and local officials.
• Prepare and organize forums and gatherings with government officials on institutional activities and potential legislation that may affect the organization.
• Inform Lincoln Park Zoo’s administration, Board of Trustees and other Boards on relevant governmental and advocacy issues.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with local, regional, and national cultural, business, and civic organizations.
• Identify potential civic engagement and civic leadership opportunities to strategically position Lincoln Park Zoo as an influential community leader on public policy matters of importance to the City, County, and State.
• Work with administration to identify opportunities for federal, state, and local funding.
• Work with departments to identify and recommend community initiatives and partnerships to achieve greater impact.
• Raise awareness of Lincoln Park Zoo’s key initiatives and programs with City of Chicago and other external community groups.
• Serve as Lincoln Park Zoo liaison with various organizations, including Museums in the Park, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Chicagoland and Lincoln Park Chambers of Commerce, American Alliance of Museums Advocacy, Chicago Wilderness, and Choose Chicago.
• Liaise with Community Engagement staff to ensure consistent messaging and to raise awareness of the Zoo in various communities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Strong government contacts at local, state, and federal levels.
• Strong contacts with community leaders, business, social, and civic organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work across all zoo departments.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Public Affairs/Public Relations, Political Science, or related field required.
• Considerable experience in advocacy or public policy required.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to work in an open office environment. Hybrid but primarily in-office setting.
• Ability to occasionally work outside regular work schedules, including travel.

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply. For Wildlife. For All.

Salary: $100 – $150K

Learn more here