What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Relations Manager position at Natural Resources Council of Maine?
The Natural Resources Council of Maine is seeking a Government Relations Manager to serve as NRCM’s primary presence at the State House and help advance the organization’s environmental advocacy agenda through legislative monitoring, relationship-building, lobbying, and administrative advocacy.
This role is ideal for someone who understands the legislative process, builds trusted relationships, communicates clearly with policymakers and partners, and is highly organized in a fast-moving public policy environment.
Position Details:
- Location: Augusta, Maine – hybrid (some office, remote, and travel requirements)
- Classification: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
- Schedule: 40 hours/week; Monday – Friday
- Salary: Band D – $77,935 – 87,819
- Benefits: Benefit eligible, includes 100% employer paid health insurance, dental, retirement, generous leave time, and professional development.
- Union eligible: Yes
- Supervisory Responsibilities: None
What you will do:
- Monitor State House calendars, committee activity, public processes, bills, and decisions that may affect NRCM’s mission and priorities.
- Serve as the point person for NRCM’s internal bill tracking systems.
- Act as NRCM’s primary presence at the State House and a principal point of contact with Congressional offices.
- Build trusted, professional relationships with lawmakers, legislative leadership, legislative staff, agency officials, coalition partners, and other decision-makers.
- Communicate directly with legislators, government officials, and coalition partners to advance NRCM’s positions on priority legislation.
- Gather and share timely legislative information, deliver testimony on select bills, and support legislative campaign strategies.
- Help develop policy summaries, research materials, informational briefings, and other resources for lawmakers and interested parties.
- Coordinate with program, outreach and campaigns, communications, and philanthropy staff to align legislative information, advocacy strategies, public messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
- Support NRCM’s broader policy and program agenda through advocacy, research and writing, public presentations, and relationship development.
What you will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, environmental policy, law, or equivalent professional experience.
- At least 3 years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, public policy, advocacy, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, preferably in Maine and/or at the federal level.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate effectively and credibly with elected officials, government staff, coalition partners, and community stakeholders.
- Existing relationships in Maine’s policy community, legislature, or state government preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, accessible information.
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to track multiple bills, deadlines, meetings, and policy developments accurately.
- Commitment to NRCM’s mission and to advancing policies that protect Maine’s environment.
The formal job description will be shared with candidates selected to advance in the hiring process.
Why work for NRCM?
NRCM is a statewide environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting Maine’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them. We value collaboration, respect, and shared purpose and are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and supportive. Our staff are passionate about their work and about supporting one another.
NRCM is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.
We encourage you to apply:
Interested in this role but do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications? We encourage you to apply anyway. NRCM values a range of experiences, perspectives, and career paths, and we know that strong candidates may not meet every requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you can contribute to our mission, we would like to hear from you.
Salary : $77,935 - $87,819