Director of Government Relations

Restore America's Estuaries, the country's leading national non-profit conservation organization dedicated to preserving the nation's network of estuaries by protecting and restoring the lands and waters essential to the richness and diversity of coastal life, seeks to hire a Director of Government Relations, for its National Headquarters office in Arlington, VA. Restore America's Estuaries is an alliance of 11 community-based conservation organizations representing our nation's greatest estuaries.

Position Overview:

The Government Relations Director will serve as RAE's lead liaison to the U.S. Congress and key federal agencies to advance coastal habitat restoration policy and funding initiatives. This position requires a highly dynamic individual who cares about the natural environment, and who pays close attention to detail and timeliness in a sometimes fast paced work environment.

The nature of this position requires a team player with a positive attitude who will have regular interaction with other members of the RAE staff and the RAE President (President) and Board of Directors (Board). The position is located in Arlington, VA and reports directly to the President of RAE.

Responsibilities:

The Government Relations Director will work with the President and Board to develop and implement a federal policy agenda that promotes Restore America's Estuaries and its members' habitat restoration work; engages the community of restoration-focused non-profits and corporations involved in habitat restoration work; and advances national estuarine habitat restoration policy.  Main responsibilities will include:

• Developing a coherent long-term strategy and annual agenda to advance and expand federal support for estuarine habitat restoration;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key congressional offices and committee staff;
• Facilitating communications among RAE members and between RAE members and their congressional delegations on important legislation;
• Promotion of habitat restoration policy and funding through consistent advocacy on appropriations and authorizing legislation;
• Informing and engaging our partners and allies on restoration-related appropriations bills, authorizing legislation and other restoration-related initiatives;
• Providing RAE communications staff with legislative updates for newsletters and website;
• Represent RAE at meetings and events as needed;
• Assisting on special projects as needed, such as research projects, reports, and the National Conference; and
• Assisting RAE staff on developing proposals for funding of policy and advocacy-related projects.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Proficient in Word and Excel;
• Experience in advancing legislation and policy initiatives in Congress;
• Self-starting and comfortable in small office environment;
• Good team-work skills;
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent; and
• At least 3 years related work experience, preferably in a congressional office or non-profit advocacy environment.

To Apply:

Please send resume, 2 writing samples, and cover letter with "Government Relations" in the subject line. Please do not contact the office directly.

Restore America's Estuaries is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply.