Jobs

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts seeks a Senior Director, Government Affairs to build and maintain relationships with elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and agency representatives at all levels of government to increase their understanding of and support for Wolf Trap Foundation’s mission and strategic goals. The Senior Director serves as a primary liaison with officials and their staff to advance and strengthen the Foundation’s position and capacity as a leading national nonprofit arts and arts education organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In consultation with the Foundation President and CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and other leadership, plan and execute a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that advances the Foundation’s mission and goals with local, regional, state and federal policymakers and officials.
• Cultivate and steward strong and positive working relationships with decision makers and staff at all levels of government. Establish Wolf Trap Foundation as a resource for promoting and informing relevant public policy issues.
• Monitor and analyze legislation and policy proposals. Maintain an awareness of current trends and potential opportunities/issues for Wolf Trap Foundation at the local, regional and national level. Advise Foundation leadership and staff of relevant actions and potential impacts on the Foundation.
• Work collaboratively with Foundation leadership to engage decision-makers. Proactively arrange meetings and opportunities for engagement at Wolf Trap Foundation performances, events, and educational activities. Travel to Capitol Hill and Richmond for visits with decision makers and staff. Provide staff support and preparatory materials for visits. Liaison with NPS leadership at Wolf Trap National Park as appropriate.
• Field and manage policy inquiries and requests from government agencies and/or legislative offices. Arrange briefings, public testimony, visit and program demonstration opportunities. Prepare and provide officials with draft position statements and/or legislative language, as warranted.
• Draft, coordinate and manage the implementation of formalized agreements as mandated by the National Park Service (NPS) and/or other government agencies, including the ongoing implementation of the Foundation’s 20-year Cooperative Agreement with the NPS.
• Identify and coordinate efforts to pursue public sources of potential revenue to benefit the Foundation’s programs and activities, including but not limited to Fairfax County contributory funding, Virginia General Assembly line item support, Federal grants, and Congressionally directed spending.
• Provide staff direction and support to the Government Relations Committee of the Wolf Trap Foundation Board of Directors.
• Coordinate and track participation in statewide and community activities that support the Foundation as an active participant in civic affairs. Document and report on the Foundation’s engagement with officials and policymakers.
• Coordinate the Foundation’s government affairs activities with other local, regional and national stakeholders including coalitions, associations, arts councils, and others who advocate on behalf of the arts and arts education. Represent the Foundation as appropriate in coordinated advocacy efforts.
• Represent the Foundation publicly at local and regional events, as appropriate. Optional travel for national events.
• Create and implement program expense budget for Government Affairs activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/BS degree, required
• Minimum 7-10 years progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, or public policy

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of local, state and national government operations and leaders
• Interest in and understanding of arts, education and/or public lands policy issues strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of state and/or national legislative and policymaking processes
• Strong writing skills are essential. Comfortable with public speaking, presenting, and representing Wolf Trap Foundation in the community
• Experience working effectively with Boards of Directors and other high-level community leaders and volunteers
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgment. Ability to tactfully handle confidential or sensitive information
• Proven project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to and work effectively in an ever changing environment
• Seasonal evening and weekend onsite work required
• Ability to travel locally/regionally for in person meetings with officials (Capitol Hill, Richmond, Virginia General Assembly)
• Committed to and enthusiastic about the Foundation’s nonprofit, community-oriented mission, with an appreciation for its broad range of performing arts and education programs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment (i.e. copy machine, printers)

POSITION REPORTS TO:    Chief Operating Officer
POSITION MANAGES:         Interns (seasonal)
POSITON LOCATION:          Hybrid – will require days onsite and allow telework

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that embraces and encourages different perspectives.  We work to reflect and be representative of the communities in which we serve and in which we reside.  Qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who need assistance or an accommodation in our job application processes should contact hr@wolftrap.org.  An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a background check and providing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.  Applicants who cannot get vaccinated for bona fide disability or religious reasons should also contact HR at hr@wolftrap.org so they can determine if reasonable accommodations can be made.

Compensation is commensurate with experience.  We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes fully-paid medical and dental premiums for employees and their dependents, 20 paid holidays, generous Annual/Sick/Personal Leave, 403(b) match, flexible work hours and more.

Learn more here