Manager, Government Relations

The National Park Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, enriches America's national parks and programs through private support, safeguarding our heritage and inspiring generations of national park enthusiasts.

In 1872 America did something unprecedented; it set aside more than one million acres of wilderness for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. For more than 100 years, citizen involvement and private philanthropy have helped to improve, preserve and protect America's national parks. Since it was established by Congress in 1967, NPF has sustained this legacy of private philanthropy. We are a small organization with a big mandate.

Position Overview: 

The National Park Foundation (NPF) seeks an energetic, team-oriented individual to help design and implement the strategic direction for its government relations program. You will develop and maintain relationships with Members of Congress and their staff and members of the Administration and educate them on NPF's mission and services. You will work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community of park partners with common government priorities and goals.

As the Manager, Government Relations, you will work with passionate and committed colleagues who are building a collaborative culture where new ideas are welcomed. You will support the Partnerships and Government Relations team in its projects and initiatives, and contribute to the Foundation's overall success. You will enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. Your work will have a lasting impact by helping to protect our national parks for future generations.

This position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to and works closely with the Director of Partnerships and Government Relations.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and facilitate NPF initiatives with Congress and federal agencies from inception to successful completion.
• Develop solid and effective relationships with key federal agencies, Congressional offices and the government affairs staff of corporations and organizations relevant to NPF.
• Track, research and provide relevant, timely and insightful advice on legislation, regulations and other policy proposals of direct relevance to NPF and national parks.
• Advance opportunities with federal agencies to receive, manage and disburse settlement, restoration and mitigation funds to benefit the national parks.
• Collaborate with communications, program and development staff to develop correspondence, reports, and other materials relevant to policymaker requests or NPF federal initiatives.
• Maintain adequate institutional records and contacts with government officials.
• Support Partnerships and Government Relations team on administrative actions, including background research, newsletter production, preparation for meetings and presentations, scheduling and working team-related events, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Skills For Success:

• Ability to work under pressure, to meet tight deadlines and to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to garner respect and trust from professional colleagues, National Park Service leaders, peers, and the NPF senior management team.
• Superb written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated team player with balance and humor.
• Consistency, quality, accuracy.
• Quality of information flow; no surprises; strong internal partnerships

Key Requirements:

• A passion for America's national parks and historic sites.
• Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience on the Hill, in a federal agency or in a nonprofit organization or industry with a significant government relations program.
• B.A. in public policy, political science or a related field.
• Expert user of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. federal legislative procedures and executive policy development and implementation processes.

Compensation: The National Park Foundation offers a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance; 403(b); disability, optional medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; 15 days vacation and 11 paid holidays per year.

To Apply:

If you know you are the perfect candidate for this position, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements and/or history by email. Please indicate "Manager, Government Relations" in the subject line of the e-mail.