Director, Government Affairs

Director, Government Affairs

The Director of Government Affairs serves as a primary liaison with city, state, and federal officials on key Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA) matters. In many cases, the Director will be the primary facilitator of driving organizational priorities from concept to completion, including securing essential funding. The position requires expertise in advocacy, government relations, familiarity with POEA's mission, and a deep belief in the importance of POEA's role in the region. The Director is an important bridge between the organization's fundraising efforts, capital improvement projects, and ongoing efforts to increase awareness and our participation in the greater Philadelphia area.

Requirements

• Works with SVP, COO, CEO and trustees to advocate, cultivate and solicit elected officials for essential operating and corporate funding.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with elected officials, supporting staff, and lobbyists to help facilitate government funding sources, keeping all parties informed regarding new happenings and opportunities at POEA.
• Coordinate with the SVP, Community Impact and Civic Engagement and Chief Philanthropy Officer to identify opportunities to support POEA's ongoing efforts across governmental, foundation and corporate sources.
• Coordinate member meetings in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, District of Columbia, and other locales to help promote POEA and its goals with key stakeholders in government.
• Plan and execute high-level engagement events with elected officials and government partners, including briefings, tours, and presentations, managing all logistics such as invitations, catering, materials, and onsite coordination.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with communications, design, and program teams to develop event content, talking points, visual presentations, and takeaway materials that effectively represent the organization's priorities and impact.
• Advise senior leadership regarding governmental developments and opportunities to amplify POEA's voice and influence with city, county, state and federal officials.
• Utilize relationships with personnel in city and state government to assist with permitting processes and bureaucratic challenges inherent in capital projects and property improvements, coordinate with Director of International Engagement on artist-related visa issues.
• Maintain and update contact lists and databases of elected officials and government partners, ensuring accurate, current information to support direct outreach and relationship management.
• Draft and edit a range of written materials—including correspondence, briefing memos, talking points, and advocacy documents—and coordinate with Design and Marketing teams to produce professional collateral such as one-sheets and the annual Harrisburg report.
• Provide administrative and preparatory support for key government relations meetings and initiatives, including scheduling, material development, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Represent POEA in key meetings and strategy sessions and advise senior leadership on important decisions and recommendations.
• Deliver remarks or presentations that convey the organization's mission, priorities, and impact with clarity and professionalism.
• Occasional travel to centers of government, including, but not limited to, Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and monitor departmental and institutional budgets, ensuring alignment of government relations strategies with organizational financial goals and compliance standards.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in government, public administration, business, management, or related field preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required.
• Even temperament and calm demeanor in dealing with diverse personalities and work environments.
• Organized, assertive, and proactive
• Able to manage multiple tasks and priorities with strong follow-through to completion
• Outstanding self-motivation and initiative.

Work Environment and Requirements

• This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an onsite/remote schedule as determined by organizational policy and business needs.
• Evening and weekend work is required in conjunction with performances, special events, rehearsals, and other organizational activities.
• Routine office environment with extended periods of computer and desk work; ability to navigate performance and event venues as needed.

Reporting structure

• Reports to: SVP, Community Impact and Civic Engagement
• Direct reports: no

A cover letter and resume required.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly (POEA) bring together one of the world's preeminent orchestras with the iconic venues that have anchored Philadelphia's cultural life for nearly 170 years. As owner and operator of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the programming partner for the historic Forrest Theatre, POEA serves as a cornerstone of the city's artistic and civic identity, welcoming one million people annually to a vibrant constellation of stages across Center City.

Representing both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and a dynamic roster of resident partners and visiting artists, POEA presents more than one-thousand events annually that represent a wide range of programming, including Broadway, classical, comedy, theater, jazz, dance, and family presentations, reflecting and serving the breadth of the region's communities. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, deep commitment to diverse communities, and expanding digital platforms, POEA acts as a convener and civic partner—bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and creating an expansive, inclusive future for the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status.

Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.