Vice President of Government Relations

About America250

America250 is leading the nationwide commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our mission is to unite the American people in honoring our past, celebrating our present, and inspiring our future.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Government Relations will serve as the lead strategist and representative for America250’s engagement with Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, and international partners. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, this role will advance America250’s legislative and policy priorities, cultivate bipartisan and bicameral support, and strengthen partnerships across government and the global community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead America250’s engagement with Congress, overseeing the development and growth of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional America250 Caucus.
• Serve as the leader of the Office of Government Affairs management team.
• In collaboration with the leadership team, coordinate the implementation of policies, criteria, and procedures governing Congressional relations, legislative affairs, and governmental affairs.
• Meet with members of Congress or their staffs to discuss legislative or other matters important to America250, integration with the Tentpole programs, and information to share with their respective constituents.
• Support the expansion and cultivation of the Congressional America250 Caucus, recruiting new members of Congress and supporting the needs of the existing members in regard to Semiquincentennial activities.
• Receive requests for the personal appearance of the Chair and other key America250 officials at hearings, conferences, and meetings concerned with legislative and other Congressional relations matters.
• Support the Commission and leadership team in the formulation, development, and delivery of the legislative activities of America250, including coordination and approval from the Office of Management and Budget and submission to Congress of bills, resolutions, reports, testimony, and other statements on legislation.
• Oversee the drafting, completion, and submission of quarterly and annual reports to Congress and the U.S. President, with input from America250 leadership.
• Develop special reports for use by America250 and other staff covering the status of certain legislation, which is of particular interest to America250.
• Work with the Executive Vice President to ensure that America250’s communication and outreach strategy is disseminated to all external stakeholders, including the Congressional America250 Caucus.
• Draft and/or review testimony prepared for presentation to Congress and suggest necessary revisions. Draft and review letters, reports, and other communications addressed to Congress or presenting the views of America250.
• Handle the presentation of informational material regarding legislation before Congress, public interest, and business groups.
• Support the Director of State and Local Partnerships and collaborate on briefings to Congress and local and state government officials on the State and Territory Commissions, as well as America250 cities.
• Oversee and plan the Congressional America250 Caucus meetings and Government Relations Committee meetings in collaboration with the Chair and Commissioners, as well as the planning and execution of the Congressional receptions.
• Draft all communications, including invitations to Governors, Congressional delegations, and local officials for Commission receptions, America250 events, and other programs.
• Lead, in coordination with the Chair and Government Relations Committee, the preparation of appropriation requests, budget justifications, annual plans, and budget for the Office of Government Affairs.
• Advise in the selection, development, appraisal, and recognition of personnel in the Office of Government Affairs.
• Provide information and advice to America250 leadership with respect to communications between the agency and Congress.
• Upon request, accompany key America250 leadership before a Congressional committee hearing or meeting.
• Assure that leadership is properly counseled and provided with the information and data essential to reply to possible questions or to comment on matters with the view and policies of America250.
• Identify and discuss sensitive policy problems and matters involved with appropriate Congressional and America250 leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison to congressional offices, committees, and leadership, ensuring strong communication, alignment, and advocacy for America250’s mission.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with federal agencies to advance America250’s programs and initiatives.
• Develop and execute strategies for engaging with the White House, federal policymakers, and other senior government stakeholders.
• Expand America250’s global reach by cultivating international partnerships and collaborations that highlight America’s role in the world and foster cross-cultural exchange during the Semiquincentennial.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership and the Board on policy developments, legislative opportunities, and political considerations.
• Represent America250 at high-level meetings, briefings, and public events, serving as a key spokesperson on government relations matters.
• Oversee the preparation of policy briefs, memos, and testimony to advance America250’s priorities.
• Manage a small team and external consultants, ensuring effective coordination and delivery of government relations objectives.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior-level experience in government relations, public affairs, or legislative strategy.
• Demonstrated success engaging with Congress, the Executive Branch, and federal agencies.
• Strong bipartisan relationships and a proven record of coalition-building.
• Experience with international partnerships or diplomacy preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to America250’s mission and values.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $175,950 – $238,050
• Hiring Range: $180,000 – $190,000
• 4 weeks Vacation, full benefits, 12 holidays, Winter Break
• 401(k) match

The America250 Foundation has the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description to meet the organization’s business needs. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at-will.” The job requirements above are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.

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