General Counsel

Hunting is an ancient tradition passed down from the earliest times of man to the present day. Hunters participate directly in the natural world and care enough to make sure that it continues in all of its awesome beauty and diversity.

Safari Club International is a U.S.-based organization of more than 50,000 hunters and nearly 200 chapters worldwide, dedicated to protecting the right to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation. Between SCI and its sister organization, the SCI Foundation, we have put more than $70 million on the ground for conservation since 2000. In the U.S. and abroad, hunters are part of a system that keeps the rivers, forests, and fields intact and maintains the wildlife.

Summary

Oversees all government affairs activities including federal and state legislative and regulatory actions, lobbying at all levels, litigation, and international affairs. This position travels up to 30% of the time, including to the SCI annual convention, site visits, board meetings, and any other trade shows or events of interest to or supported by SCI/F or Sporting Conservation International.

All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, manages, and advises other SCI officials on all aspects of the advocacy work of SCI to protect the freedom to hunt, including oversight of all staff working on government affairs and lobbying activity at state legislatures, the U.S. Congress, U.S. courts, and international forums.
• Responsible for SCI’s interests in the maintenance of the Washington, D.C. facility owned by the SCI Foundation and all associated support operations.
• Provides staff support to the Governmental Affairs Committee and all PAC and super-PAC activities.
• Oversees all governmental affairs work including analysis of federal, state, and international matters; development of positions; drafting of necessary papers, correspondence, testimony, and news releases.
• Uses traditional and social media to communicate SCI advocacy work through SCI channels to all audiences.
• Represents SCI at meetings, hearings, and other government affairs events. Supports CEO representation at events selected by the CEO.
• Develops and executes all portions of the SCI annual budget and Strategic Plan related to government affairs. Coordinates expenditures with CFO and CEO.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Attends meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events as appropriate.
• Manages support staff; interviews, hires, orients/trains employees; plans, assigns, and directs work. Partners with Human Resources to counsel on performance and disciplinary issues. Handles employee development, recognition, complaints, and concerns.
• Creates and supports an open communication culture. Conducts regular team meetings, updates team on goals and best practices, answers questions, and provides guidance on new issues. Communicates departmental updates effectively.
• Monitors, evaluates, and documents team and individual performance, including quality of work and compliance. Sets clear expectations, goals, and deadlines. Motivates team members and encourages creative thinking.
• Prepares the team for future challenges by identifying and promoting new training. Sets training standards for all new hires.
• Engages in succession planning to ensure continuity of SCI’s capabilities in this area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in wildlife conservation and hunting matters.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of advocacy principles, political policy, and laws related to wildlife conservation and hunting.
• Must show a strong commitment to hunting through personal or professional experience.
• Experience in government affairs at the state or federal level is required.
• Strong knowledge of Washington, D.C. politics and government is strongly preferred.
• Experience with national and international travel and affairs is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and the ability to learn SCI-specific programs and software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail and motivation to take on new challenges.
• Strong time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet organizational and employee needs.

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience that fulfills the requirements of the position will be considered.

Learn more here