State & Local Liaison of Government Affairs

Position: State & Local Liaison - Central or Northeastern US Regions

Hours: Full-time M-F; regularly requires long hours and weekend work

Location: Washington, DC or San Antonio, TX preferred; other remote locations in the U.S. considered (central or northeastern US preferred)

Department: Government Affairs

Who We Are

https://www.safariclub.org/

Safari Club International is a U.S.-based organization of more than 50,000 hunters and nearly 200 chapters worldwide, dedicated to protecting the right to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation. Between SCI and its sister organization, the SCI Foundation, we have put more than $70 Million on the ground for conservation since 2000. In the U.S. and abroad, hunters are part of a system that keeps the rivers, forests and fields intact and maintains the wildlife.

Summary

The successful applicant will work on governmental relations for SCI on matters involving state laws and regulations related to hunting within the U.S., specifically within a large region of the U.S (to be determined).  This position routinely handles highly sensitive, confidential, and legal information used for advocacy and internal processes.  The successful applicant will be called upon to be a resourceful problem solver, resolve conflicting priorities, and maintain professional decorum at all times.  The position routinely interacts with Boards, committees, and state and national agencies.  Knowledge base must include state, federal and international laws and regulations relating to hunting and wildlife conservation.  

All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission, and be passionate about hunter’s rights.

Responsibilities

• Track, analyze and recommend positions on legislation and regulations that affect the interest of SCI and its membership;
• Coordinate grassroots mobilization efforts and other local efforts, as required by the circumstances of the legislation or regulations;
• Educate legislators and their staff members on SCI’s position on hunting and sportsmen’s issues;
• Provide support for SCI’s Governmental Affairs Committee, in coordination with the Federal Liaison;
• Develop and execute overall strategy and message development in conjunction with supervisor, external consultants, and SCI leadership at all levels;
• Must represent SCI to its membership and public officials in a responsible and professional manner and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations;
• Coordinate with hunting community partners to advance SCI’s legislative agenda and involvement in political races.
• Draft legislative and political communications to membership and public officials as needed.
• Prepare both oral and written reports and analyses on legislative and political matters to the Director and communicate with SCI Executive Board and Board of Directors on said matters as necessary.
• Work with other SCI structures, such as Chapter Services, Regional Representative volunteers, and Marketing & Communications.
• Assist in the writing of legislative policy memos, briefings for senior leadership, briefings for meetings and white papers as needed. 
• Assist in communications and Federal affairs as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Travel

This position requires significant travel within the United States, especially within the region for which the position is responsible.  Some travel is likely to be on weekends.  Travel includes trips to SCI’s offices for training and interaction with coworkers, presence at SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention, travel to state legislatures and to SCI Chapter meetings and events. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and two to four years' related experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both written and oral, attention to detail, organizational skills and exceptional customer service.
• Preference for existing relationships within the sportsmen’s community, particularly within SCI and its chapter system.
• Preference for current or previous legislative or lobbying experience at the state level.
• Preference for candidate with current or recent active participation in hunting within the U.S.