Associate Director of Member and DC Government Relations

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) is an award-winning nonprofit 501(c)6 corporation that works to enhance the Golden Triangle-a 44-block radius that stretches from Washington, DC's Dupont Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue. The BID is home to the commercial offices of major businesses and nonprofits, and some of D.C.’s best restaurants, retailers, hotels, and National Park Service parks. It borders major attractions including the White House, National Geographic, and George Washington University.

While the BID has long been known for its “Gold Standard” attention to cleanliness and detail throughout the neighborhood as well as its award-winning Safety and Security Program, in recent years, it has gained international recognition for its development of the Golden Triangle as a destination for design and culture. Award-winning public art projects, public spaces activations, environmental conversions of bio-retention landscaping, park design, and visual transformation of the Connecticut Avenue and 19th Street streetscapes have made the Golden Triangle a highly desirable destination for commercial offices, retail, and visitors.

This is the job for you if you love being outside in the heart of the city, working with our great members and collaborating with our team to improve downtown spaces. You will work with a wide range of people to make our neighborhood the best it can be. You will bring tenacity, an ability to talk to anybody, and a positive can-do attitude.

This role reports to the chief of staff and provides customer-focused service to BID members, with an emphasis on persistent problem-solving and results. The successful candidate builds strong relationships with property managers, retailers, business owners, colleagues, and partners across government (local and federal), Metro, utilities, and construction teams working on area projects. Clear communication at every level is essential—from day-to-day needs to long-term, transformative initiatives.

The Associate Director of Member and Government Relations is a proactive, persistent problem solver who is the first contact for members seeking assistance with issues and is the first to proactively connect them with BID programs. A good portion of each week is spent spotting issues, talking to members, solving problems and paying attention to the details that make this an attractive, vibrant neighborhood.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of D.C. government, including key agencies, local utilities, Metro, the City Council, and the legislative process. Understanding how these parts work together is essential for success in this role.

This position is based out of the BID’s office 4 days per week during standard work hours; the fifth day can be teleworked. As a member focused position, in person presence is essential.

Responsibilities

Member Outreach and Services

• Delivers customer-focused member services to property managers and their tenants, including office tenants, restaurants, and retailers.
• Maintains strong working relationships with city utilities Metro, D.C. and federal agencies.
• Serves as the first contact for members. Uses persistence, judgement, and discretion to quickly respond to and resolve questions and issues.
• Monitors permits issued by the city and maintains close connections to utility and construction companies to be able to inform staff and property managers of emergency and scheduled construction and utility work.
• Escalates maintenance, permit and emergency needs to the correct city and federal departments, following up with those departments until the issue has been corrected.
• Welcomes new restaurants, retailers and property managers to BID.
• Assists all BID program areas in connecting their programs with members.

Government Relations

Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the BID’s interface with local and federal government, Metro and utilities.

• Demonstrates a solid understanding of D.C. government and legislative process
• Supports all organization initiatives that have government, agency and utility intersection, including:
• Strategic analysis of larger context;
• Development of strategy and process (road map) for all BID touch points;
• Collaboration on problem solving and implementation with team members;
• Assistance in organizing meetings, walks, and interactions related to projects and programs the BID is producing or as a routine matter for building relationships;
• Organizing strategic engagements with leadership;
• Tracking and monitoring projects that interface with the government and other agencies.
• Develops and furthers relationships with
• Council staff and staff from key committees
• ANC 2A, 2B, and 2C (Attends monthly meetings and subcommittee meetings as appropriate)
• Agency Directors, Chiefs of Staff, and other senior staff along with others
• Assists CEO in work with senior government officials (mayor, councilmembers, and agency directors)

BID Administration

• Assists in BID tax assessment process: data gathering and information sharing with members about BID tax assessments.
• Manages the BID’s CRM system, to include updating, training colleagues, developing standards, and supporting uniform utilization of the system across departments.
• Maintains a current list of officials and contacts in the CRM.
• Undertakes special projects and performs other duties, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of related work experience required.
• Knowledge of D.C. government programs, people, and structure required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups of people including city government, property managers, construction/ utility project managers, developers, public agencies, general contractors, and business and neighborhood association representatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of customer service.
• Focused on quality and brand; understands the visual attractiveness and presentation in a physical environment and importance of upholding high standards.
• Passion for cities and urban spaces is a must.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Detail oriented and able to organize, validate, and manage large amounts of data. Experience with CRM systems, especially Salesforce-based, a plus.

The successful candidate will be

• Customer-focused, creative, and strategic
• Hands-on and persistent: Willing and able to tirelessly work to address member issues
• Committed to working outside in all weather, during emergencies, and potentially during off hours, as needed to fulfill our mission.
• Able to work independently to set goals, establish standards, measure performance, and correct deficiencies.
• Able to excel in a collaborative office environment

The target salary range for this role is approximately $115,000 - $130,000 complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.