Director, Congressional Affairs

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Position Summary

The Director, Congressional Affairs is responsible for leading AZA’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices. The Director will also assist AZA members with their congressional affairs needs. This position is part of AZA’s Government Affairs team and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of AZA's congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals.
2. Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with Members of Congress and staff.
3. Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus.
4. Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts.
5. Plan AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception.
6. Participate in relevant policy coalitions.
7. Attend Capitol Hill hearings and briefings as needed.
8. Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee.
9. Perform other duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

1. 5-7 years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill and/or with a member service association.
2. Strong knowledge of the legislative process.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives.
4. Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills.
5. Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written.
6. Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
7. Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members.
9. Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred.

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Salary: $80,000

Please email resume and cover letters to Sarah Milberg, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD.