Association of Zoos and Aquariums · 19 hours ago
Director, Federal Affairs (Conservation)
Silver Spring, MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$76K/yr - $76K/yr
5+ years expThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’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.
Non ProfitWildlife Conservation
Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of AZA's conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
Participate in relevant policy coalitions
Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities
Perform other duties as requested
Qualification
Required
5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives
Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
Ability to travel required
Preferred
Bachelor's degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus
Benefits
Health insurance options
Life and disability insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time
Holidays
Parental leave
Hybrid work schedules
Flexible work weeks for eligible positions
Company
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Dan Ashe
President & CEO
Recent News
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