Public Policy & Government Relations Director

To Be Considered for This Position

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About NASW

Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, create and maintain professional standards, and advance sound social policies.

I. Major Function

The Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs develops and leads NASW’s public policy and government affairs portfolio with the goal of advancing legislation and public policies that support the social work profession and the individuals, families, and communities social workers serve.

The Director manages NASW’s Public Policy and Government Affairs Department, collaborates with NASW departments and chapters as well as coalitions, government officials, and other stakeholders to develop and implement public policies, and integrates NASW’s public policy and government affairs agenda into NASW’s overall mission, goals, and priorities.

This Director supports NASW’s DE&I initiatives by helping to translate its organizational vision for DE&I into organization-wide planning, systems, and policies that are designed, implemented, and regularly reviewed for equity and inclusion.

At NASW, our members come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our organization stronger. If you share our values and are enthusiastic, you will find a home here.

II. Basic Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee NASW’s public policy advocacy efforts, including:
  • Building relationships with Congressional offices and Administration leaders.
  • Overseeing advocacy days and other advocacy-related events.
  • Managing NASW’s lobbying activities and ensuring compliance with all FEC lobbying rules and regulations.
  • Supervising staff leading NASW’s political action committee’s fundraising and endorsement efforts.
  • Partnering with chapters to identify, assess, strategize, and advocate on relevant public policies.
• Supervise department staff, monitor workflow and accomplishments, and facilitate a collaborative, innovative, teamwork-based atmosphere.
• Provide guidance and support to NASW chapters on state advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with other directors in the Programs division to promote efficient, effective, and coordinated work.
• Analyze and pursue public policy opportunities that advance the activities and goals of the social work profession.
• Lead the development and dissemination of NASW’s federal public policy priorities and update work on those priorities regularly.
• Work with NASW chapters, Executive Office, Press, and Delegate Assembly to revise the Social Work Speaks process.
• Represent NASW at key legislative and coalition meetings and participate in coalitions.
• Develop and implement a strategy to pursue grants and federal appropriations for the social work profession.
• Oversee NASW’s contract with its government affairs and public policies consultants.
• Lead the re-design and implementation of NASW’s Social Work Policy Institute.
• Develop strategies to build NASW’s government affairs team’s visibility and expertise on Capitol Hill.
• Speak at professional conferences, chapter meetings, and webinars to present NASW’s public policy goals and strategies.
• Collaborate with NASW’s Communications department to ensure timely public policy updates.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory updates and disseminate information in a timely manner.
• Keep NASW’s advocacy webpages updated regularly.
• Manage and mentor department staff and promote collaboration with other NASW departments and chapters.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, including monitoring and approving all staff travel and expenses.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the goals of the department and NASW.

III. Minimum Work Requirements

Knowledge

• Master’s degree from an accredited School of Social Work (with an emphasis on macro social work preferred).
• Understanding of public policies impacting the social work profession, such as licensing, reimbursement, telehealth, and student loan debt relief.
• Knowledge of federal/state legislative processes, including Congressional committees, bill sponsorship processes, appropriations, and federal regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of political action committees, candidate endorsement and fundraising rules, and FEC lobbying and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of the legislative and political environment impacting social work policy.

Skills

• Ability to lead and manage work in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
• Strategic planning and implementation skills with the ability to communicate goals and objectives clearly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to analyze and communicate complex public policies.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff, providing timely feedback and opportunities for growth.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate progress and report on key departmental goals.
• Budget preparation and financial management skills.

Experience

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in public policy development, advocacy, and government relations.
• Track record of successful development and implementation of public policy goals and objectives.
• Five to ten years’ experience managing a complex department and supervising professional staff and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working in a union environment (preferred).
• Prior experience working with complex entities such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and Political Action Committees (preferred).
• Prior experience working with appropriations and fundraising/grant-related processes (preferred).
• Public speaking experience (preferred).

IV. Attributes

• Results-driven: Identifies opportunities and emerging trends, develops appropriate strategies, and monitors results.
• Innovative: Assesses challenges and develops innovative approaches to overcome barriers.
• Strong business acumen: Knowledgeable about member-driven, not-for-profit operations and capable of translating strategy into action.
• Firm, fair, and inclusive leadership: Promotes a collaborative style that supports the needs of others.
• Partnership-oriented: Builds trust internally and externally while maintaining a high degree of professionalism and accountability.
• Organizational agility: Fosters open communication, inclusive environments, and collaborative decision-making.

Benefits

This position is eligible for NASW’s benefits package, which includes:

• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance (Health + Dental + Vision Coverages)
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (pre and post-tax options)
• Life Insurance
• And more

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NASW is an equal opportunity employer. NASW is committed to promoting and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. The selection of personnel, including new hires and promotions, will be on the basis of qualifications designed to ensure appointments of persons able to effectively discharge the duties and responsibilities of their position.

NASW will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. NASW will also abide by applicable Affirmative Action requirements mandated by any federal contracts.