Director of Government Affairs
Reports to: CEO, Chief of Staff
Manages: Policy & Advocacy Manager and Field Organizers
Job Summary: The Government Affairs Director contributes to strategic planning and directs advocacy objectives to develop and maintain productive relations with all levels of government authorities in pursuit of the Alliance’s policy and implementation goals. They also serve as a representative to key Alliance partner organizations involved in political work, as well as to campaigns and political committees operating in coordination with the Alliance.
General Duties
● Supervise and mentor advocacy department staff, providing guidance and support in their roles and fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
● Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, community organizations, and partner groups, to build and strengthen coalitions in support of gun safety initiatives. Forge and maintain strong relationships with lawmakers and government agencies.
● Work closely with the communications team to develop messaging strategies, press releases, and media outreach plans to effectively communicate our positions and engage the public and media on gun safety issues.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Legislative Session
● Oversee the execution of the Alliance’s Legislative Operations during the Washington State Legislature’s annual session.
● Support the Alliance CEO, Chief of Staff, and consultants in establishing pathways for legislation and help ensure the success of the gun violence prevention agenda.
● Represent the Alliance for Gun Responsibility at legislative hearings, meetings, and other forums.
● Develop and coordinate with local, state, and national partners on coalition advocacy strategy.
● Build and maintain relationships with Washington State’s Lawmakers, stakeholders, and lobbyists
● Identify and leverage Alliance’s policy and program goals through an advocacy lens.
● Assist the Chief of Staff with the oversight and management of the Alliance Chapter Team program, Field Organizing program, other programs as needed, and related staff. Policy Research, Development, and Implementation
● Oversee and execute the Alliance’s Policy Development and Legislative Strategy process, on both an annual basis and a five-year outlook.
● Work with the Alliance’s policy team and the Policy and Advocacy Manager to conduct ongoing research and analysis on the effectiveness of gun violence prevention laws and policies nationwide for the purposes of informing the Alliance agenda and implementation goals.
● Represent the Alliance at meetings and events at the direction of the CEO and Chief of Staff.
● Participate in senior management discussions with the CEO, Chief of Staff, Engagement Director, and Communications Director.
● Pursue policy goals through the maintenance of persistent and active relationships with key Washington State agencies and executive offices.
Political and PAC
● Work with the PAC Director to execute political activities that further a GVP policy agenda.
● Develop and executive a program to build links between the Alliance for Gun Responsibility and county/legislative district party organizations throughout Washington.
● Ensure the integration and smooth operation of the Alliance’s overall electoral program, in partnership with staff overseeing chapter and field operations, coalition management, communications, program management, the CEO, and the Chief of Staff.
● Serve as the principal representative to key Alliance partner organizations involved in political work, as well as to campaigns and political committees operating in coordination with the Alliance.
● Lead candidate interviews alongside the CEO, Chief of Staff, and PAC Director.
● Assist with the Alliance’s candidate endorsement process at the discretion of the CEO, Chief of Staff, and PAC Director.
SKILLS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
● Experience: 7+ years relevant development and communications experience; at least 3 years in a management capacity; or commensurate experience; nonprofits preferred.
● Education: Degree in Political Science or related field. Or relevant experience.
● Communication skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; diplomatic and empathetic. Ability to practice good judgment and discretion.
● Interpersonal skills: Ability to interact at all levels of the organization, including the Board of Directors, senior team, staff, donors, volunteers, community members, gun violence prevention survivors, and sponsors; as well as an understanding of organizational dynamics. Exemplary customer service.
● Organizational skills: Proactive, well-organized, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines; ability to work with minimal supervision, manage multiple tasks, and delegate as needed.
● Computers and systems: Experience with CRMs (EveryAction preferred), CMSs (WordPress preferred), and SMS platforms (Phone2Action preferred) is a must. HTML and CSS experience is highly desired. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, accounting software, and other data management tools.
● Flexibility: Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly productive environment. Comfortable with changes in priority and direction. Willing to work flexible hours if necessary, including occasional evenings and weekends.
● Leadership: Ability to effectively manage a team and act as an integral part of the senior leadership team.
● Passion: Demonstrated commitment to progressive causes including gun violence prevention.
Salary & Benefits
● Salary: $90 – 100k/yearly depending on qualifications.
● Health, vision, and dental insurance are offered.
● The Alliance offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package.
● This position qualifies for enrollment in a 401(K) program after one (1) year of employment.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience, to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Government Affairs Application”
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.