Director of Government Affairs

Job Title: Director of Government Affairs

Job Type: Full time, exempt

Location: Hybrid, with travel as needed and some mandatory weekly meetings in Salt Lake City, UT

Pay Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Reports to: President

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Generous PTO and paid holiday schedule
• Flexible hours
• Hybrid work arrangement

Job Description: 

The Policy Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that acts as an accelerator for sound public policy through community education, grassroots organizing, relationships with community and state leadership, and the creation of public-private partnerships. We promote opportunity and dignity through thoughtful policy and the power of community. As a young and growing organization, we have a proven track record in orchestrating broadly supported policy change in areas including family affordability, women’s health, public education, and sexual abuse prevention. With a current focus on state-level policy in Utah, we are eager to expand our impact into additional policy areas impacting working families’ economic success.

The Director of Government Affairs will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing The Policy Project’s government relations strategy to advance its mission and policy priorities. The primary responsibilities of this role are leading advocacy efforts, collaborating on policy initiatives, and fostering strategic relationships with elected officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders. 

The Director will monitor legislative developments, analyze emerging political trends, and provide expert guidance on government affairs strategy. They will engage in direct lobbying, legislative outreach, and coalition-building efforts to ensure the successful passage and implementation of policies that align with the organization’s goals. In addition to advocating for policy change, this role is critical in managing public-private partnerships, securing necessary public funding, and ensuring that newly enacted policies are successfully implemented through coordination with key stakeholders and internal teams.

This leadership position requires a proactive, strategic, and relationship-driven professional who can effectively navigate the legislative process, build bipartisan support, and drive policy solutions that create lasting cultural and systemic change.The ideal candidate will be ready to step in and function from day one, while also being nimble and flexible in their role as The Policy Project continues to grow and evolve. We are seeking a team member eager to take ownership, build long-term relationships, and help shape the future and growth of The Policy Project. Comfort with ambiguity and innovation, high levels of proactivity and self-management, and an openness to feedback and collaboration with a small, intimate team will make a candidate an excellent fit for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Government Relations Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive government affairs strategy that aligns with the organization's mission, goals, and priorities.
• Advocacy and Lobbying: Build and maintain relationships with government officials, legislators, and regulatory agencies to advance the organization's interests and advocate for favorable policies and secure requisite public funding. 
• Monitor Emerging & Existing Political Landscape: Stay current with elections, appointments, and changing political landscape trends and distill relevant information to the broader team.
• Legislative Tracking and Analysis: Monitor legislative developments and proposals including interim meetings, bills, election results, etc. and provide in-depth analysis of their potential impact on the organization.
• Policy Development: Collaborate with the executive team to develop plans to advance policy initiatives and proposals; identify and meet with relevant stakeholders to evaluate reception of policy proposals; work closely with the communications team to ensure clear messaging on policy priorities.
• Legislative Outreach: Represent the organization at government hearings, meetings, and events to articulate its positions and influence decision-makers.
• Public Private Partnerships: Manage the public side of public-private partnerships to ensure full funding of all projects. Work with private sector and executive team to ensure private funds are fully secured for partnership. 
• Coalition Building: Collaborate with industry associations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to build coalitions and alliances that amplify the organization's advocacy efforts.
• Implementation and Compliance: Guide bill implementation and communication with key stakeholders impacted by policy changes, coordinating with the Policy Implementation Department to hand off relationships and responsibilities.
• Relationship and Education Opportunities: Organize meetings, events, and education opportunities such as symposia and panels to strengthen and promote key organizational relationships.
• Project and Staff Management: Manage government affairs staff, consultants, or external partners as needed.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, or a related role, with a strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory process.
• Familiarity with mission-aligned policy issues and a demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate complex policy matters.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders including private donors.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute effective government affairs strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate the organization's positions to diverse audiences.
• Enthusiasm for The Policy Project's mission and values.

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description alters an employee’s at-will status and is meant only as a guide and not a contract of employment.

The Policy Project is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, domestic partner status, or medical condition.