Director of Government Relations & Public Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION:  Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs

LOCATION:  Washington, DC

Report to:  Chief Operating Officer

Department:  Office of Government Relations

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), founded in 1888, is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs. The AMS has 30,000 members worldwide and offices in Rhode Island, Michigan, and Washington, DC.

WHY WORK AT THE AMS

At the AMS we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

• Excellent work-life balance with potential for hybrid work
• Generous benefit offerings including:
  • 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Plan 
  • 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Medical and dental coverage with employer cost share 
  • Voluntary vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
• 12 paid holidays 
• Generous paid time off
• Technology equipment reimbursement for applicable roles
• Tuition reimbursement

SUMMARY:

The Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs leads the strategic development and execution of the AMS’s public policy, legislative advocacy, and external communication initiatives on science policy. Serving as the primary advocate for the mathematical sciences community in Washington, D.C., this role is responsible for strengthening federally funded research, promoting mathematics education, and articulating the vital role of mathematics.

The role oversees the D.C. Office of Government Relations, manages federal agency and Congressional relationships, and collaborates closely with AMS leadership, governance bodies, and partner scientific societies to advance the Society’s strategic priorities. Ultimately, this position shapes how the AMS engages with decision-makers across the federal government.

Central to success is building productive working relations with key decision-makers in science research and education funding. Beyond advocating for sustained funding, the Director seeks opportunities to address broader issues affecting mathematicians, collaborating with staff and elected officers to champion AMS positions on topics such as immigration and open access publishing. In doing so, the Director serves the mathematical, scientific, and high education communities at large.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee the Office of Government Relations Department, including project management (fellowship programs, Congressional briefings), staff supervision and development, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Provide strategic advice to AMS leadership on federal science and education policy and funding, while serving as a liaison to federal agencies, legislative members and staff, AMS committees, and external mathematical sciences professional organizations.
• Represent the AMS in D.C. at science policy events and coalitions (e.g., NSF, National Academies, AAAS, CBMS, Golden Goose), conduct intelligence gathering, and participate in speaking engagements and conferences.
• Disseminate federal policy and research updates to AMS members via blogs, web content, social media, and email.
• Prepare operating plans, Council, and Board reports for leadership, with regular travel to Providence, R.I. and Ann Arbor, M.I. for Council and Trustee meetings.
• Help organize and host evening and weekend events (committee meetings, award ceremonies, National Math Festival), along with other duties as assigned.

Travel: 20% 

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

A high degree of professionalism is required across all interactions. The specific key relationships are categorized below:

Internal Relationships:

• CEO, Council, Board of Trustees, and Senior Executive Committee (SEC)
• Government Relations personnel (supervisory relationship)
• AMS Division teams
• General AMS membership and event participants

External Relationships:

• Federal & Legislative bodies
• Mathematical Sister Societies & Alliances
• Broader Science, Education & Advocacy Coalitions

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Yes

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ph.D. in one of the mathematical sciences required.
• Experience working with government desired (e.g., in a temporary NSF position, with U.S. Congress; with state policy makers).
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A history of ongoing and deep engagement with the AMS or another professional society in the mathematical sciences desired (e.g., elected position, committee work).
• Comprehensive understanding of national issues, activities, and policy decisions impacting mathematics, along with deep awareness of the concerns of the mathematical sciences research community.
• Proven ability to foster teamwork and sustain partnerships across diverse groups, including mathematicians, non-mathematicians, employees, stakeholders, and peers.
• Effective oral, written, presentation, and electronic communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences, including government policymakers, mathematicians, and the public.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to multitask and set priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to diverse communities, to inclusive work environments, and to diverse intellectual traditions.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES:  The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Demonstrates understanding of organization’s mission, structure, culture, and constituencies
• Demonstrates knowledge of own department’s work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department
• Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to work demands
• Demonstrates and communicates respect for the opinions and beliefs of other people at all levels and fosters a climate of mutual respect
• Plans and organizes work effectively
• Accepts accountability for job performance and results
• Works effectively with others in a variety of settings
• Drives impactful communication across written, verbal, and presentation channels, utilizing active listening and negotiation to build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Maintains professional composure in challenging situations
• Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information
• Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments
• Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches to achieve the best results

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion
• Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 10 lbs.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:   The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise.
• Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems.
• Duties include regular and frequent travel to locations around Washington, D.C. area.
• This position is required to be in-office.

EOE Statement

The American Mathematical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws .

Other duties disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. It is not intended as an employment contract.