Job Title: Government Affairs Specialist

Reports to: Director of Government Affairs

New/Replacement Position: Replacement

Location: 100% Remote, Washington, DC metro area preferred

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $28.80 - $34.55 per hour

$56,162 - $67,380 (annual)

Position Summary

As a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA) team, the Government Affairs Specialist will work closely with PPA team and NRPA’s contract lobbying firm to expand NRPA’s outreach to and engagement with the executive branch. The specialist will identify federal financial resources that NRPA and our extensive member network are eligible for, promote those opportunities through our member networks and advocacy committee, and assist in training members to apply for these funds. The specialist will track relevant legislation implementation after passage to ensure NRPA’s ability to support member understanding of and access to key funds and opportunities. This position works closely with advocacy, communications, programs and partnerships, membership and education staff at NRPA to disseminate opportunities and resources to NRPA’s members and support their engagement.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Track relevant passed federal legislation impacting NRPA members and our priorities and work with the Executive branch to ensure that park and recreation agencies are eligible for federal resources.
• Identify funding that NRPA and our members may be eligible to apply for and communicate that information to internal and external partners via appropriate channels.
• Identify and work to resolve issues impacting park and recreation agencies’ ability to access federal funds, navigate application and other administrative processes, and benefit from federal resources by working with executive agency partners.
• Help build and strengthen strategic partnerships with career and political appointees to raise NRPA’s profile and increase understanding of NRPA’s mission and programs in the Executive branch.
• In collaboration with PPA, communications, membership and education staff, organize, prepare, and facilitate messaging and activities designed to educate and engage members, executive branch, etc.
• Participate in internal NRPA staff committees as required.
• Facilitate educational opportunities about federal programs at NRPA’s Annual Conference. Support NRPA’s Annual Conference onsite in other ways which may include Opening Reception and Special Event Support, Membership Area Support, Support Volunteers and related logistics, Education Session Speaker Support, Hybrid Streaming/Virtual Session and Participant Support, or other support as needed.
• Represent the NRPA PPA team with coalition partners, as assigned.
• Perform other duties to support the work of the engagement teams and NRPA overall, as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• In lieu of specific educational requirements, professional experience, accomplishments, and industry knowledge will be highly regarded.
• Typically requires a minimum of 2-6 years in related field; 2-4 years position specific experience preferred; Association or P&R experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and carry out advocacy activities.
• Working knowledge of the federal legislative process and the federal rulemaking and guidance process.
• Familiarity with programs, systems and policies that impact park and recreation, environment, access, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Experience using tools and systems to track opportunities and relevant legislation, such as Quorum, BGOV.
• Strong relationship building skills. Proven ability to work with career and political appointees from any administration, without regard to personal political beliefs.
• Emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and ability to work with diverse people, communities, and cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well – both orally and in writing - with a variety of audiences, including elected officials and their staff, community advocates, executive branch staff and members of the public.
• Solid experience delivering content via presentations, webinars, etc., and facilitating meetings
• Excellent listener and clear communicator comfortable presenting concepts and material to variety of audiences and facilitating conversation. Able to translate complex issues into a level appropriate for the general population, including blog posts and other communication channels
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), web-based communications, social media, and some basic design software knowledge.
• Professional, confident, and approachable demeanor
• Self-directed and detail-oriented
• Committed to NRPA’s vision, mission, and values.
• Travel 10-15 days per year, or more if living outside the Washington, DC metro area.
• Excels in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• Committed to working collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external colleagues and inspired to be a contributing member of an inclusive work culture.