Director of Government Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

AMR Management Services (AMR) is seeking a Director of Government Affairs to support the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), the association representing state chief information officers and their priorities in information technology, cybersecurity, modernization and artificial intelligence.  

The Director of Government Affairs leads NASCIO’s federal advocacy efforts, advancing policy priorities that reflect the needs and perspectives of state CIOs. This role monitors and analyzes federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments; builds relationships with policymakers, public officials and strategic partners; and develops advocacy strategies and communications that influence issues affecting state government technology. Working closely with the Executive Director, NASCIO leadership, members, and internal association teams, the Director translates member priorities into actionable government affairs initiatives and represents NASCIO’s interests before federal policymakers and partner organizations. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, excellent communication skills, and the ability to independently manage priorities and advance policy objectives in a fast-paced association environment. 

Major Responsibilities  

Federal Advocacy and Policy Strategy  

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop, coordinate, and implement strategies and programs that advance NASCIO’s federal government affairs and advocacy priorities. 
• Monitor and analyze federal legislation, regulations, executive actions, and policy developments affecting state government technology and NASCIO’s membership. 
• Work with state and federal policymakers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to advance NASCIO’s policy agenda and communicate the perspectives and priorities of state CIOs. 
• Ensure NASCIO’s established policy positions guide advocacy efforts and engagement on federal legislative and regulatory issues. 
• Maintain current knowledge of federal lobbying requirements, applicable regulations, and advocacy best practices. 

Government and Strategic Partnerships  

• Build and maintain productive relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and other government stakeholders. 
• Develop and strengthen strategic alliances with partner associations, coalitions, and industry groups to advance shared policy objectives and NASCIO’s advocacy priorities. 
• Represent NASCIO in government affairs discussions, external committees, coalitions, workgroups, and other forums relevant to the association’s mission. 
• Collaborate with NASCIO members and association leadership to identify emerging issues, build consensus, and develop coordinated approaches to advocacy. 

Policy Research and Communications  

• Prepare advocacy statements, policy position papers, calls to action, testimony, legislative analyses, research briefs, reports, and member communications. 
• Translate complex legislative, regulatory, and technology-related issues into clear, actionable information for members, policymakers, and other stakeholders. 
• Provide timely updates and analysis on federal policy developments and potential implications for state government technology priorities. 
• Collaborate with association colleagues, including policy analysts, programs, and member services teams, to align government affairs activities with broader association initiatives. 

Member Engagement and Program Management  

• Provide staff leadership and support for relevant committees, meetings, briefings, and member engagement activities. 
• Lead planning and coordination of NASCIO’s annual virtual federal affairs briefing and strategic partner briefing. 
• Develop, maintain, and execute an annual government affairs work plan, including program objectives, timelines, budget, and performance measures. 
• Represent NASCIO at conferences, panel discussions, and other external events. Moderate travel is required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, government affairs, and public policy development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to analyze complex policy issues and communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, collaborate across organizations, develop strategic partnerships, and influence outcomes through effective advocacy.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage day-to-day responsibilities remotely and from a Washington, DC-based office while maintaining close collaboration with a distributed association management team.
• Knowledge of government infrastructure and the role of technology in state government operations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legislative materials, legal documents, technical reports, professional publications, and industry research.
• Familiarity with legislative tracking platforms is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, information technology, law, economics, or a related discipline required; master’s degree preferred.
• 7- 10 years of relevant professional experience in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, public administration, information technology, law, economics, or a related field.
• Experience working with Congress, a state legislature, a federal or state agency, or in a comparable government affairs or policy-focused environment is preferred.

Why AMR?

AMR is dedicated to fostering a work environment that balances a relaxed atmosphere with focused work, providing employees with meaningful challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth while supporting a healthy work-life balance.

• Core Values: Embrace our values of Success Together, Casual but Focused on Results, Positive Workplace, Flexible, Ownership, Get Stuff Done, Lifelong Learning, and Transparent and Inclusive.
• Positive Culture: Join a collaborative, casual, and results-driven workplace where people support one another and take ownership of their work.
• Growth Opportunities: Benefit from continuous learning and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Meaningful Work: Help associations advance their missions and create value for their members and the broader professional communities they serve.

Outstanding Benefits Package

• Remote Work: Work from home in a remote-first environment.
• Flexible Schedules: Enjoy schedule flexibility, including half-day Fridays.
• Generous PTO: Five weeks of paid time off annually.
• Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays, including time off between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Parental Leave: Paid leave for new parents.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus a 401(k) plan.
• Team Events: Participate in virtual team activities and opportunities to connect with colleagues.
• Company Culture: Collaborate with passionate association professionals committed to helping associations succeed.

Join Our Team

If you’re an experienced association leader who is passionate about advancing a mission, partnering with volunteer leadership, and turning strategic vision into meaningful results, we invite you to apply.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements for consideration.

AMR Management Services is committed to creating a diverse environment where everyone has an equal opportunity for success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.