Government Affairs Director

Salary: $134,845 – $151,793.00

We will start reviewing applications: October 10, 2025

Anticipated Start Date: November 17, 2025

Organization Description

The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners that works to ensure that rural and Tribal communities across the US have access to safe drinking water, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal, and the necessary infrastructure to enjoy economic prosperity through technical assistance, training, and financial assistance across the nation. RCAP builds capacity at the local level, while raising the voice of rural and Tribal communities through advocacy, storytelling, research, and strategic partnerships. Annually, RCAP serves approximately 2,000 rural and Tribal communities with an average population of less than 1,600.

RCAP is a Non-Discriminatory Employer: We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of identity or background.

Position Summary

The Government Affairs Director serves as the strategic lead for RCAP’s national policy, legislative, and regulatory initiatives. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, this role is responsible for developing and executing bipartisan advocacy strategies, engaging with Congress and federal agencies, and elevating RCAP’s presence in national policy discussions.

Among the key responsibilities, this position leads congressional advocacy efforts and the shaping of legislative strategies aligned with RCAP’s mission and priorities, coordinates policy and advocacy activities across the RCAP network to ensure unified messaging and impact, organizes and supports RCAP’s annual Fly-In event, facilitating meaningful engagement between stakeholders and policymakers. This position also builds and maintains relationships with coalitions, partners, and key stakeholders to advance RCAP’s legislative agenda. Represents RCAP in national forums, partnerships, and regulatory discussions to influence policy development and implementation, and plays a critical role in amplifying RCAP’s voice at the federal level and driving forward initiatives that support and meet the infrastructure development of rural communities.

Work Location

This is a full-time position, and it is located at the National Office in Washington, DC. The position requires occasional travel, including board meetings, program manager meetings, team retreats, and national workshops and conferences.

Roles & Responsibilities

Congressional & Federal Advocacy

Lead Strategic Bipartisan Engagement:
Serve as RCAP’s primary liaison to Congress, building and sustaining relationships with key members and staff across both parties. Focus on influential committees such as House and Senate Agriculture, Appropriations, Environment & Public Works, Energy & Commerce, and Transportation & Infrastructure and others to advance RCAP’s legislative priorities.

Develop and Execute Advocacy Strategies:
Design and implement comprehensive advocacy plans that align with RCAP’s mission and policy goals. Monitor legislative developments, identify opportunities for engagement, and proactively position RCAP as a trusted resource on rural infrastructure, water, and economic development issues from the local community level to state and federal level.

Coordinate Capitol Hill Engagements:
Plan and lead regular meetings with congressional offices, ensuring RCAP’s positions are clearly communicated and understood. Provide timely follow-up, briefing materials, and updates to internal stakeholders. Track outcomes and maintain detailed records of interactions to inform future advocacy efforts.

Strengthen Federal Agency Relationships:
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with senior officials and program staff at relevant federal agencies. Advocate for regulatory and programmatic changes that benefit rural communities and ensure RCAP’s voice is represented in federal rulemaking and implementation processes.

Represent RCAP in Coalitions and National Forums:
Actively participate in coalitions, working groups, and national partnerships to amplify RCAP’s policy positions. Collaborate with peer organizations to build consensus and drive collective action on shared legislative and regulatory goals.

Provide Strategic Counsel and Insight:
Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and leadership team on federal policy matters. Prepare policy briefs, talking points, and legislative analyses to support executive decision-making and public engagement.

Internal & External Coordination

Lead Network-Wide Policy Coordination:
Facilitate collaboration across RCAP’s national network by leading the Advocacy Working Group, ensuring alignment on policy priorities and advocacy strategies. Work closely with regional teams to identify emerging issues, share best practices, and coordinate unified responses to legislative and regulatory developments.

Develop High-Impact Policy Communications:
Draft, edit, and distribute a range of policy materials—including issue briefs, one-pagers, legislative updates, and advocacy toolkits—for use by RCAP staff, Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs), the Communications Team and beyond. Ensure materials are clear, compelling, and tailored to diverse audiences, including policymakers, partners, and community stakeholders.

Support Major Advocacy Events:
Play a central role in the planning and execution of RCAP’s annual Fly-In and other key advocacy events. Responsibilities include coordinating logistics, preparing briefing materials, organizing Hill meetings, and supporting participants to ensure effective engagement with federal policymakers.

Facilitate Internal Communication and Capacity Building:
Serve as a resource for RCAP staff and regional partners by providing policy updates, training opportunities, and strategic guidance. Promote internal understanding of federal policy processes and empower teams to engage confidently in advocacy efforts.

Strengthen External Partnerships and Visibility:
Collaborate with external partners, coalitions, and national organizations to amplify RCAP’s policy voice. Represent RCAP in joint initiatives, share organizational perspectives, and contribute to collective advocacy efforts that support rural communities.

Strategic Partnerships & Coalitions

Represent RCAP in National Coalitions and Policy Forums:
Actively participate in coalitions, working groups, and national partnerships focused on rural development, water infrastructure, environmental and economic development policy. Serve as RCAP’s voice in collaborative efforts, contributing expertise and advocating for policies that support underserved communities.

Align Messaging and Strategy with External Lobbyists:
Work closely with external lobbyists and government relations consultants to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated strategies on shared federal priorities. Provide policy insights, legislative updates, and strategic direction to enhance the effectiveness of joint advocacy efforts.

Engage Key Stakeholders and Decision-Makers:
Maintain regular communication with congressional staff, coalition partners, and other stakeholders to promote RCAP’s mission, programs, and policy goals. Build trusted relationships that facilitate collaboration, information exchange, and influence in federal policy discussions.

Monitor and Influence Coalition Activities:
Track the activities and priorities of relevant coalitions to identify opportunities for RCAP to lead, support, or shape collective advocacy efforts. Ensure RCAP’s interests are represented in joint statements, letters, and campaigns.

Strengthen RCAP’s National Policy Presence:
Leverage partnerships to elevate RCAP’s visibility and credibility in federal policy circles. Represent the organization at conferences, briefings, and roundtables, and contribute to thought leadership on rural and infrastructure issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of combined experience in legislative affairs, government relations, and policy advocacy.
• Strong understanding of the federal legislative process and regulatory landscape.
• Experience working with Congress, federal agencies, or advocacy coalitions.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships, lead meetings, and work across teams.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Zoom; familiarity with legislative tracking software is a plus.
• Ability to travel periodically for in-person meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rural development, environmental and economic development policy, and/or infrastructure development advocacy.
• Familiarity with federal and state legislative process, funding process, grant programs and appropriations processes.
• Prior experience with Fly-In or large-scale advocacy event planning.
• Knowledge of nonprofit networks-based organizations.

Employment Type

Exempt, Full-Time

Benefits

RCAP offers an outstanding benefits package which includes:

• 15 days of Vacation Leave (accrued on a prorated per payroll basis)
• 15 days of Sick Leave (accrued on a prorated per payroll basis)
• 9 scheduled federal holidays (New Years’ Day, MLKing Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) and 3 floating holidays (which can be used anytime during the fiscal year) with one day of scheduled administrative leave the week between Christmas and New Years. (Presidents’ Day, Veterans’ Day and the Day after Thanksgiving are NOT scheduled holidays).
• Platinum level Health Insurance with 100% of premium paid for the employee and 70% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance with 100% of the premium paid for both employee and dependents
• Transportation pre-tax benefits up to $165 per month for Metro fares and parking for DC based positions
• 403b Retirement Plan with automatic employer contribution of 7% after 6 months
• Employer paid Life, Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• FSA Plan
• Optional Insurance plans available at 100% employee cost for Accident, Critical Illness and Supplemental Hospital

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume/CV to [email protected] by end of day October 10, 2025.

The Selection Process

• First Round Interviews: Week of October 13th
• Second Round Interviews: Week of October 27th
• Job Offer (pending references/background check): No later than October 30th

Preferred Start Date: November 17, 2025

While we will proactively communicate these dates and any changes to you throughout the process, please consider placing tentative holds on your calendar for the initial screening and interviews. Dates subject to change.