Senior Director of Government Affairs

The Choice is managing a direct hire search for a well-respected natural resources trade association organization to support the expansion of its Government Affairs team.

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Salary & Benefits: Starting at $150,000+ , plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) with employer match, generous paid time off, and paid parental leave.

Working as part of a collaborative policy and government affairs team, the successful candidate will partner with consultants and engage with Congress, the administration, industry partners, and association members to advance legislative and regulatory priorities. These roles offer the opportunity to help shape federal policy on issues impacting sustainable natural resource management, including trade, energy, climate, clean air, wildlife, and market development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of experience working with Congress, a federal agency, or in government affairs, public policy, or advocacy.
• Prior experience working in-house for a Member of Congress, a congressional committee, or another legislative office is strongly preferred. The client is a nonpartisan organization that welcomes candidates with experience from either side of the aisle and believes that a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthens the organization.
• Strong understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful advocacy strategies.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholders and political perspectives.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with natural resources, environmental policy, forestry, agriculture, or related industries is preferred.
• Must be based in the greater Washington, DC area, as the position follows a hybrid work schedule with regular engagement on Capitol Hill.

Duties:

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance federal policy priorities.
• Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare policy briefs, legislative language, testimony, hearing materials, and other advocacy resources.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and market developments to inform policy strategy and identify advocacy opportunities.
• Collaborate with association members, coalition partners, and external government affairs consultants to coordinate advocacy initiatives.
• Support grassroots advocacy and political engagement activities.
• Represent the organization before policymakers, industry groups, and partner organizations.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team.