Government Relations Manager

Reports to: Legal and Government Relations Director
Time of Work: Full-time, salaried
Classification: Exempt
Start Date: ASAP (negotiable)
Location: Wyoming, exact location negotiable
Deadline to Apply: Initial application review in early October. Position open until filled.
Starting Salary: $62,000 – $67,000 (negotiable based on experience)

About the Organization

Founded in 1967, the Wyoming Outdoor Council is the state’s oldest independent conservation organization. We use western science and Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge, as well as legal and policy expertise, to advocate for public land, wildlife, clean air, and water. We seek lasting change by striving to meet people where they are, valuing diverse perspectives, building coalitions, and practicing reciprocity. We hold government agencies, lawmakers, and industries accountable for decisions that threaten the land, wildlife, clean air, and water we depend on. We are a steadfast and trusted conservation voice at the state legislature, supporting and empowering people to be effective advocates in their communities.

We offer a flexible, collaborative, and team-based environment with significant opportunities for strategic leadership, alongside competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package. This includes health, vision, dental, and disability coverage (WOC pays 100% of the employee’s premiums); a 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 5% WOC match; paid sick leave (up to 30 days); 15 days of vacation to start, plus additional discretionary days off; 11 paid holidays; additional paid religious observance leave (upon approval by the executive director); a health reimbursement account; a cell phone stipend; 12 weeks of paid family leave (available twice, after 18 months of employment); and the opportunity for 8 weeks of paid sabbatical leave every five years.

The Outdoor Council is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize fairness in salaries across the organization, and the scope of responsibilities may change depending upon experience. WOC is committed to building a diverse staff, board of directors, and an organizational culture of equity and belonging where we live our values.

Our Values

• We are dedicated to protecting Wyoming’s environment and quality of life now and for future generations.
• In our conservation work, we lead with humility, value diverse perspectives, and are solutions-oriented.
• In our words and actions, we contribute to a respectful and equitable workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.
• We seek creative solutions to tough problems. We are flexible and willing to change course if something isn’t working.
• With kindness and honesty, we communicate directly and respond to feedback with openness and a growth mindset.

This Role

WOC has a long history of effective advocacy at the Wyoming state legislature, working to defend and improve state policies that help protect Wyoming’s landscapes, waters, and communities. In this position, you will lead our legislative advocacy work as a member of our Government Relations team. Under the supervision of the Legal and Government Relations Director, you will work closely with program and communications staff, and coordinate with key NGO partners to track, address, and influence state legislation. You will serve as the primary representative for the Outdoor Council during interim and general state legislative sessions. The legislative sessions take place in Cheyenne, while interim meetings occur around the state.

You will:

• Establish relationships with elected officials at the state, county, and local levels.
• Attend and testify during relevant interim committee meetings around the state, coordinating with other key staff as needed.
• Work in Cheyenne for the duration of the legislative session in January/February each year (lodging and other reasonable expenses covered).
• Schedule conference calls and meetings with key partner organizations and lobbyists to strategize about upcoming bills.
• Oversee the development and coordination of a volunteer Outdoor Council legislative advisory team.
• Work closely with Outdoor Council communications staff to draft and send weekly legislative updates during the session, as well as action alerts and other educational materials throughout the year.
• Assist in tracking federal legislation affecting Wyoming’s energy and land use.
• Host virtual and in-person member events to educate and engage members and the public around key bills.
• Offer legislative training days for citizen leaders and NGO partners, supervise week-long legislative interns, and assist the communications staff with “get out the vote” and other civic engagement efforts.
• Represent Wyoming Outdoor Council at meetings, conferences, and events with stakeholders and the public as needed.
• Conduct outreach to Wyoming delegation staff members to build and maintain relationships with delegation members.
• Compile an annual conservation vote report post-session and inform people and organizations about the status of conservation policy in Wyoming.
• Work collaboratively with the program team and external partners to address emerging legislative concerns and opportunities.
• Support the work of equity and belonging at the Outdoor Council.
• Attend and participate in the annual staff retreat and staff days, legislative session permitting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

You’re highly personable and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where you need to think on your feet and address a wide array of policy issues. You have a demonstrated ability to build relationships across the political spectrum and seek common ground. Familiarity with conservation issues and policies affecting water, wildlife, and lands is essential. You have experience lobbying and engaging with elected and government officials and can work with partners to find solutions to challenging conservation issues.

You are self-motivated, enjoy leading projects, and work well with a team. You’re attentive to details, prioritize understanding policy and facts, and are not afraid to ask for help or advice. You embrace growth and learning as part of your work.

You’re strategic and good at reading people, understanding that informal conversations with legislators can be as important as formal testimony. You are a strong communicator, prepared to give public testimony, write detailed comments, or speak to members interested in our work. A sense of humor is a plus.

You are committed to contributing to the Outdoor Council’s equity and belonging work, ensuring the organization is welcoming to all staff, board, volunteers, community members, and partners. You love Wyoming and enjoy traveling the state for meetings and events. You’re comfortable working flexible hours, especially during legislative sessions. A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required. Experience with Apple devices and standard office tools is necessary.

You are committed to the mission of the Wyoming Outdoor Council.

To Apply

Email a letter of interest explaining how your experience and skills make you the right person to join our team. Include a resume and three references (with contact and relationship information) to Misti Haase at [email protected] (please put “Government Relations Manager” in the subject line).