Public Policy & Government Relations Director

To be considered for this position, please upload your resume and cover letter at the prompt.

Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

I. Major Function

The Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs develops and leads NASW’s public policy and government affairs portfolio with the goal of advancing legislation and public policies that support the social work profession and the individuals, families, and communities social workers serve. The Director manages NASW’s Public Policy and Government Affairs Department, collaborates with NASW departments and chapters and with coalitions, government officials, and other stakeholders to develop and implement public policies that advance the social work profession, and is responsible for integrating NASW’s public policy and government affairs agenda into NASW’s overall mission, goals, and priorities. This Director supports NASW’s DE&I initiatives by helping to translate its organizational vision for DE&I into organization-wide planning, systems, and policies that are designed, implemented, and regularly reviewed for equity and inclusion.

At NASW our members come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our organization stronger. If you share our values and are enthusiastic, you will find a home here.

II. Basic Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee NASW’s public policy advocacy efforts, including building relationships with Congressional offices and Administration leaders to advance legislation and public policies that support the social work profession.
• Oversee advocacy days and other advocacy-related events, NASW’s lobbying activities, and ensure compliance with all FEC lobbying rules and regulations.
• Supervise staff leading NASW’s political action committee’s fundraising and endorsement efforts.
• Partner with chapters to identify, assess, strategize, and advocate on relevant public policies and advance NASW’s public policy agenda.
• Supervise department staff, monitor workflow and accomplishments, and foster a collaborative, innovative, teamwork-based atmosphere.
• Provide guidance and support to NASW chapters on state advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with other directors in the Programs division to promote efficient, coordinated work.
• Analyze and pursue public policy opportunities that advance the social work profession, and develop strategies to oppose those that do not.
• Lead the development and dissemination of NASW’s federal public policy priorities and regularly update them.
• Work with NASW chapters, Executive Office, Press, and Delegate Assembly to revise the Social Work Speaks process.
• Represent NASW at legislative and coalition meetings, and oversee coalition participation by department staff.
• Collaborate with NASW’s Chief of Programs and others to pursue grants and federal appropriations for the social work profession.
• Oversee contracts with government affairs and public policy consultants, ensuring timely and comprehensive deliverables.
• Lead the re-design and implementation of NASW’s Social Work Policy Institute.
• Develop strategies to build NASW’s visibility, reputation, and expertise on Capitol Hill.
• Speak at conferences, chapter meetings, webinars, and conference calls to present NASW’s public policy goals.
• Collaborate with the Communications department to ensure timely publication of legislative and policy updates.
• Monitor and disseminate legislative and regulatory updates relevant to the profession.
• Keep NASW’s advocacy webpages updated regularly.
• Manage and mentor department staff and promote collaboration across NASW departments and chapters.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, including monitoring and approving all staff travel and expenses.
• Perform other duties as required to meet departmental and organizational goals.

III. Minimum Work Requirements

Knowledge

• Master’s degree from an accredited School of Social Work required, with an emphasis on macro social work preferred.
• Understanding of public policies impacting the social work profession (e.g., licensing, reimbursement, telehealth, student loan relief) and social issues (e.g., mental health, child welfare, poverty, social justice).
• Knowledge of federal/state legislative processes including Congressional committees, bill sponsorship, and appropriations.
• Understanding of federal regulatory bodies and related regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of political action committees, candidate endorsement and fundraising rules, and FEC lobbying/reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of the legislative and political environment impacting social work policy.

Skills

• Ability to lead and manage in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong strategic planning and communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to analyze and convey complex public policies.
• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration abilities.
• Proven supervisory and mentoring skills with a focus on staff growth and performance.
• Analytical and evaluative skills for assessing departmental goals and progress.
• Strong problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making abilities.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and expense monitoring.

Experience

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in public policy development, advocacy, and government relations.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful public policy goals.
• Five to ten years of experience managing a complex department and supervising professional staff.
• Experience working in a union environment (preferred).
• Experience with multiple entities such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and Political Action Committees (preferred).
• Experience in a professional association with multiple state chapters (preferred).
• Experience with appropriations and fundraising/grant processes (preferred).
• Public speaking experience (preferred).

IV. Attributes

• Results driven: Sees opportunities and emerging trends, develops strategies, monitors results, and adapts as needed.
• Innovative: Identifies challenges and creates forward-thinking solutions and strategies.
• Strong business acumen: Understands the operations and needs of member-driven nonprofits; makes informed, strategic decisions.
• Firm, fair, and inclusive leadership: Exhibits a collaborative, equitable leadership style.
• Partnership: Builds trust internally and externally; is professional, discreet, and accountable.
• Organizational agility: Communicates thoughtfully and fosters collaboration, teamwork, and inclusion.

This position is eligible for NASW’s benefits package, which includes: Paid Time Off, Health Insurance (Health, Dental, and Vision), Paid Parental Leave, 401(k) retirement plan (pre- and post-tax options), Life Insurance, and more.

NASW is an equal opportunity employer. NASW promotes and provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Hiring and promotion decisions are based on qualifications to ensure effectiveness in the role. NASW does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. NASW also complies with applicable Affirmative Action requirements for federal contracts.