The Director of Federal Government Relations will oversee Save the Children Action Network (SCAN)’s federal portfolio, working with a team of three Associate Directors to develop and implement strategies to advance our policy priorities . This portfolio encompasses both domestic and international issues and currently includes early childhood education, school-age programs, and emergency preparedness, response and recovery in the U.S., as well as maternal, newborn and child survival around the world. The Director of Federal Government Relations will report to the Senior Director of Government Relations. He/she will lead the development of lobbying and advocacy strategies and be held accountable for producing measurable results in the legislative and executive branch arenas . This position will coordinate closely with members of the SCAN government relations team who handle state and local issues, as well as with other colleagues across SCAN and Save the Children.
Manage federal legislative portfolio, leading the development and implementation of issue strategies. (60%)
- Work with Senior Director and Associate Directors to develop aggressive, coordinated strategies across our full portfolio of issues.
- Work with mobilization, communications, political and other staff within SCAN to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
- Provide regular guidance and advice to Associate Directors on achieving legislative advocacy goals; communicate closely and regularly with the Senior Director of Government Relations on progress toward goals as well as potential impediments.
- Promote and develop new opportunities for Hill and Administration engagement on our portfolio of issues.
Handle special legislative projects on an as-needed basis as they arise. (10%)
Serve as the internal liaison on our federal government relations agenda. (15%)
- Communicate and collaborate regularly with state government relations staff and other SCAN departments, as well as relevant staff within Save the Children’s U.S. Programs & Advocacy and International Public Policy & Advocacy divisions.
Supervise Associate Directors of Federal Government Relations. (10%)
- Hire (as needed), train and manage federal government relations team.
- Oversee Associate Directors’ job performance. Work with each to set annual performance and development goals, address any issues that may arise, and compete mid-year and annual performance reviews.
Monitoring, accountability and administrative. (5%)
- Monitor achievement of predetermined objectives and grant responsibilities, including contributing to reporting, expenditure and administration.
- Minimum 7-10 years of legislative/lobbying experience with demonstrated leadership on Capitol Hill and a track record of operating in a bipartisan manner. Experience with national, state or local campaigns a plus.
- Strong familiarity with the legislative process, including authorization and appropriations.
- Strong management experience, including planning, prioritization and execution skills, along with demonstrated experience in managing multiple priorities and competing demands.
- Demonstrated strategic and analytical ability, as well as strong oral and written communication skills.
- Experience working in coalitions required, particularly with a focus on domestic education and/or global health.
- Proven ability to work across teams in a collaborative, contributory manner across a complex organization while leveraging the strengths and buy-in of others.
- Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and develop creative solutions to strategic challenges.
- Commitment to SCAN/USP’s mission, values and approach.
Save the Children Action Network is the political voice for kids. We believe that every child deserves the best start in life. That’s why we’re building bipartisan will and voter support to make sure every child in the U.S. has access to high-quality early learning and that no mother or child around the globe dies from a preventable disease or illness. By investing in kids and holding leaders accountable, we are helping kids from birth to age five survive and thrive
Save the Children Action Network is committed to conducting its work in a manner that is safe for the children it advocates on behalf of, and helping protect the children with whom Save the Children Action Network is in contact. Save the Children Action Network is obliged to create and maintain an environment that aims to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children and promote the implementation of its child safeguarding policy. All representatives of Save the Children Action Network– employees, volunteers, interns, consultants, Board members and others who work with children on Save the Children Action Network’s behalf – are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation.
Save the Children Action Network provides an attractive benefits package including competitive salaries, a matching retirement plan, health and welfare benefits, life insurance, an employee assistance program, generous time off and much more. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children Action Network complies with all applicable laws.