Manager, Government Relations

Position Description

The National Park Foundation is seeking an experienced professional to join our Government Relations team. The Manager of Government Relations will serve as an integral member in developing and executing the legislative strategy of the National Park Foundation. This position is located in the Washington, DC, headquarters of the National Park Foundation.

Responsibilities and Duties

Under the leadership of the Vice President of Government Relations:

General Activities

• Serve as an integral member of the government relations team to develop and execute the legislative strategy of the National Park Foundation.
• Manage initiatives and events that elevate the profile of the National Park Foundation and its legislative priorities on Capitol Hill.
• Build relationships and conduct meetings with Capitol Hill staff members from all backgrounds and with key staff and leadership in the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.
• Proactively engage with National Park Foundation leadership on an as-needed basis with respect to congressional meetings, supporting legislation, or information-sharing/fact-finding missions, as directed by Vice President, Government Relations.
• Understand and assess policies related to national parks, public lands, the environment, and their potential impact on the National Park Foundation. Translate complex topics into layman’s terms to be shared with senior leadership.

Project Management

• Manage and execute public-facing events on and off Capitol Hill while engaging and supervising consultants, such as Hill Day, congressional staff trips, Hill Briefings, National Park Week events, site visits, and other special events.
• Research and prepare briefs on legislative issues and priorities for the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service.
• Coordinate meetings, background materials, fact sheets, and other items as necessary in preparation for annual Hill Day, Congressional Staff trips, webinars, and other special events.
• Disseminate National Park Foundation program and project updates, in addition to other deliverables, to congressional offices on a consistent basis.
• Provide support to the Vice President, Government Relations, including scheduling and compiling background materials for meetings, factsheets, and other duties as necessary, with a primary focus on Capitol Hill audience.
• Manage Government Relations vendor and consultant contracts and other aspects of necessary Government Relations infrastructure.

Strategic Partnerships

• Proactively work with the community partnerships team to build government relations capacity and strengthen relationships with national Park Partners through meetings, webinars, and other special events.
• Assist the Vice President, Government Relations, as a point of contact for Hill Day and its surrounding events logistics, which include the Park Partner Meet and Greet and Hill Day reception.
• Help prepare Park Partners in government relations-related activities to help advance the National Park Foundation’s legislative goals.
• Work with the Programs and Partnerships department to create, house, and update pertinent data for the government relations team and diligently keep them up-to-date.
• Assist with all other duties as directed to strengthen relationships, prepare materials, and manage government relations events.

Essential Experience, Skills, and Competencies

• Minimum 3–4 years of experience in the government relations field plus Bachelor’s degree, required.
• A proven track record of success in a government relations position: Demonstrated ability to manage a legislative portfolio, understand and communicate complex policies, and successfully navigate the legislative process.
• Grassroots management experience: A thorough understanding of political advocacy and experience working in or with an NGO is a plus.
• Excellent communication: The ability to interface effectively with elected officials, policy makers, and key Congressional and federal staff verbally, in writing, and through professional interpersonal skills in order to inform, educate, and persuade for support of the National Park Foundation and its initiatives.
• Self-Motivation: Able to both thrive in a fast-paced, fluid, collaborative, team-oriented environment, and to work independently and effectively while sharing information openly—a must.
• Team player: Willingness to work with, collaborate, and communicate with colleagues in all departments to gather the resources, skills, and expertise necessary to convey the National Park Foundation message on Capitol Hill and across administrations.
• Passion for the National Park Foundation’s mission: Dedication to promoting National Park Foundation’s core mission and priorities and connecting donors’ philanthropic impact to advancing shared goals.
• Knowledge of lobbying and non-profit laws and regulations.
• Must be detail-oriented and results-driven.

Application Materials

For consideration, please include a resume plus cover letter. Additional writing sample a plus.