Reporting to the Senior Director, Government Affairs, the Government Affairs Manager is a key member of Audubon’s federal Government Affairs team and is responsible for helping to implement strategies that advance a bipartisan policy agenda in the U.S. Congress and federal agencies. Audubon’s conservation policy priorities are guided by the vision and goals laid out in its current strategic plan and developed in collaboration with the leaders of its Climate, Coasts, Water, Working Lands and Bird-Friendly Communities conservation teams.
Under the guidance of the Senior Director, s/he is seen as a collaborative partner inside the organization as well as an effective ambassador that interacts with key stakeholders, including congressional offices and committees, federal agencies and partner organizations. The Manager is also charged with providing critical research and analysis for this team at Audubon and remains informed of policy and legislative developments related to Audubon’s agenda.
- Develop strong, bipartisan relationships with members of Congress and their senior staff, congressional committees, and relevant federal agencies, in order to clearly communicate Audubon’s conservation priorities as well as negotiate and influence pragmatic policy outcomes;
- Assist with implementing strategies that advance Audubon’s federal conservation policy agenda in assigned areas;
- Work closely with Audubon’s conservation strategies teams, including Climate, Coasts, Water, Working Lands and Bird-Friendly Communities, to remain aware of federal policy priorities;
- Monitor legislative developments for key congressional committees and relevant agency actions and provide timely updates and strategic and tactical recommendations related to this activity;
- Collaborate with Audubon state office staff and chapter members to develop strong relationships with key members of congress through coordinated in-district and D.C. advocacy;
- Collaboratively work with other Audubon departments, particularly Campaigns, Communications, Development, Marketing, Network, and state offices, to advance the organization’s strategic goals;
- Help represent Audubon with national issue-based coalitions, environmental and conservation organizations, and nontraditional partners; contribute to collaborative, coalition-based policy efforts to advance shared interests; and identify and recruit strategic allies to support Audubon’s agenda;
- Aid in the development of high-quality analysis, briefing documents, fact sheets, position papers, testimony and other materials necessary to support Audubon’s policy priorities; and
- Prepare and distribute periodic federal government relations updates for internal audiences, and maintain an in-house legislative targeting and tracking system.
- Thorough understanding of the political and legislative landscape at the federal level and outstanding legislative analysis skills.
- Team builder with a record of working collaboratively with both Democrats and Republicans on federal policy.
- Proven record of building and activating diverse coalitions to successfully advance policy outcomes.
- A self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow.
- Experience with legislative and/or political campaigns desired.
- Technically savvy including proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with a tracking database software desired.
- 5-7 years of professional experience, including 2-3 years in Congress, in a government relations-oriented role within an organization, or with a relevant federal agency.
Personal attributes:
- Interest in conservation issues and passion for Audubon’s mission, programs and policy agenda.
- Exceptional judgement and tact with a commitment to impeccable integrity and strong work ethic.
- Personal desire to build durable bipartisan public will for conservation issues, work with diverse stakeholders, and engage both Democrats and Republicans on Audubon’s policy interests.
- An active listener with excellent and persuasive communications skills.
- Outstanding political instincts.
- Desire to be part of and contribute to a team effort, have a sense of humor, and possess a willingness to accept occasional setbacks with an eye on the next opportunity to drive success.