Director of Government Affairs

## POSITION DESCRIPTION

**Position Title:** Director of Government Affairs
**Reports to:** President
**Location:** Washington, DC
**Staff Supervision:** No
**FLSA Status:** Exempt
**Class:** Full-Time
**Salary:** Commensurate with experience
**Benefits:** Comprehensive package

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## POSITION SUMMARY

The ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) seeks a senior Director of Government Affairs to lead and execute its federal advocacy strategy across Congress and the Administration. This role is designed for a seasoned policy leader with deep institutional knowledge, established relationships, and a proven track record of advancing complex policy priorities—ensuring ARA maintains a strong, bipartisan presence across both the legislative and executive branches.

Serving as ARA’s principal government affairs representative in Washington, the Director will shape and drive integrated legislative and regulatory strategies advancing priorities that affect regional Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The position requires a sophisticated understanding of congressional and executive branch processes, sound political judgment, and the credibility to engage effectively with senior policymakers at the highest levels of government.

This role operates within a highly collaborative, member‑driven environment where close coordination with ARA’s member organizations is essential. Reflecting ARA’s lean structure, the Director must move seamlessly between strategy and execution—providing high‑level policy leadership while also engaging directly in day‑to‑day implementation and administrative responsibilities as needed.

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## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

### Federal Strategy & Policy Leadership
– Own and execute ARA’s federal government affairs strategy across Congress and the Administration.
– Advise leadership and member executives on political dynamics, legislative positioning, and regulatory risk.
– Position ARA priorities within must‑pass legislative vehicles and broader federal policy agendas.

### Congressional Affairs
– Lead direct engagement with Members of Congress, committee leadership, and senior staff.
– Drive legislative strategy across authorization and appropriations, including bill development, report language, and funding initiatives.
– Execute targeted Hill campaigns, including negotiations, coalition letters, and coordinated stakeholder outreach.
– Track and assess congressional activity to identify risks, leverage points, and timing opportunities.

### Administration & Regulatory Affairs
– Serve as ARA’s lead liaison to the White House, OMB, and key federal agencies, including DOI, SBA, DoD, Treasury, and others.
– Shape regulatory outcomes, program implementation, and policy development impacting ANCSA regional corporations.
– Lead engagement on rulemakings, guidance, and interagency policy initiatives.
– Identify and advance opportunities to align ARA priorities with Administration objectives.

### Policy Development & Execution
– Draft and oversee legislative text, regulatory comments, testimony, and senior‑level correspondence.
– Ensure policy positions are strategically aligned, technically sound, and execution‑ready.
– Represent ARA in high‑level meetings, hearings, and negotiations.

### Member Coordination & Advocacy Alignment
– Drive consensus among ARA member organizations on federal priorities and advocacy strategy.
– Coordinate rapid‑response engagement on legislative and regulatory developments.
– Plan and support executive‑level participation in Hill fly‑ins, agency meetings, and strategic engagements.

### Coalition Strategy & Influence
– Build and maintain relationships with national Native organizations, trade associations, and aligned stakeholders, including in Alaska.
– Leverage coalitions to expand influence and advance shared policy objectives.