Director, Federal Affairs (Conservation)

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is committed to providing the highest quality member services to advance the zoo and aquarium movement. AZA is also committed to being a global leader in promoting species conservation and animal wellbeing by leveraging the size, scope, expertise, and public trust of its member institutions.

Position Overview

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of AZA’s conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
• Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
• Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
• Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
• Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
• Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
• Participate in relevant policy coalitions
• Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
• Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
• Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
• 2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
• Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
• Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives
• Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
• Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
• Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
• Ability to travel required