Director of Government Affairs

Description

The National Fire Protection Association’s mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion. Established in 1896, we are dedicated to the elimination of death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.

The Association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.

To better meet the needs of those who rely on our information and knowledge to keep people and property safe, we are amidst a transformation to expand our influence and further our safety mission. We are becoming increasingly digital and global to grow, thrive, and save more lives from fire, electrical, and other hazards.

To accomplish this, we need effective leaders at all levels of the Association who understand what we are striving for, why it is important, how to execute on our vision, and who passionately want to see NFPA through this important stage. It is an exciting and empowering time to work at NFPA.

Director of Government Affairs

The NFPA is looking to add a Director of Government Affairs. Based in Washington, DC, the Director of Government Affairs is responsible for defining, developing, implementing, and managing a strategic government affairs approach and achieving effective outcomes for NFPA.

This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with relevant individuals, organizations, and agencies within the federal government. The Director proactively identifies, recommends, and executes targeted activities to advance NFPA’s strategy and mission.

The position requires collaboration with individuals across NFPA and the application of resources to deliver high-value outcomes that promote NFPA and its strategic goals. The Director represents NFPA’s policies and positions both in writing and in person at appropriate legislative and policy hearings and meetings. Additionally, the role includes monitoring and informing NFPA staff of legislative, regulatory, and other issues of importance by developing appropriate context and communication channels.

This role reports to the Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy and is based in our Washington, DC office.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains relationships with Congressional and federal agency staff, as well as officials in private sector groups and organizations, to advance NFPA and its mission.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and coordination across NFPA on federal issues, including preparing, coordinating, and delivering legislative and regulatory correspondence and comments on behalf of NFPA.
• Serves as NFPA representative to promote NFPA policies, positions, and capabilities.
• Attends, monitors, participates in, and reports on Congressional and agency hearings and meetings.
• Gathers and analyzes information important to the organization and educates NFPA staff.
• Works closely with the VP of Outreach & Advocacy to determine the best use of government affairs resources to advance NFPA’s goals in alignment with strategy.
• Serves as the NFPA representative to government and non-government committees, coalitions, and advisory groups as appropriate.
• Acts as a resource on federal government activities (legislative, regulatory, etc.) to NFPA staff.
• Maintains NFPA’s integrity and leadership in fire, electrical, and life safety.
• Develops and manages the allocated budget.
• Manages outside consultants to support government affairs as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years of government relations experience, including work on Capitol Hill with Congress and Federal agencies, is required.
• Demonstrated track record managing government affairs activities to achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong communication skills – both written and oral.
• Flexible, strategic, and forward-thinking with the ability to create and execute ideas and strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proven public speaking experience.
• Knowledge or prior experience in the fire service is beneficial but not required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Fire Protection Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Learn more here