Director, Federal Affairs (Conservation)

## Director, Federal Affairs — Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

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## Responsibilities

– **Lead outreach strategy** — Lead the development and implementation of AZA’s conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
– **Build relationships** — Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
– **Attend events** — Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
– **Support caucus** — Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
– **Develop materials** — Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
– **Support Advocacy Day** — Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
– **Participate in coalitions** — Participate in relevant policy coalitions
– **Coordinate committees** — Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
– **Attend conferences** — Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities, which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities
– **Other duties** — Perform other duties as requested

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## Qualifications

### Education and Experience

– **Congressional affairs experience** — 5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
– **Project leadership** — 2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
– **Bachelor’s degree** — Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
– **Zoo/aquarium experience** — Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

### Skills and Abilities

– **Legislative process knowledge** — Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
– **Relationship building** — Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and NGO representatives
– **Strategic skills** — Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
– **Communication** — Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
– **Teamwork** — Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
– **Professional representation** — Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and serve as a voice to external audiences
– **Internal collaboration** — Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
– **Travel** — Ability to travel required

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## Compensation

The hiring target for this role is **$76,000**. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

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## Benefits

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

– Health insurance options
– Life and disability insurance
– 401(k) retirement plan
– Paid vacation, sick, and personal time
– Paid holidays
– Parental leave
– Hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions

AZA regularly reviews its benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.

AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. AZA uses E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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## Salary

$76,000

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## How to Apply

Apply here: [https://app.dover.com/apply/aza/33949ec6-114a-4e0f-9f27-5dadfc008bb9]
Contact **[email protected]** with any questions.