Public Affairs Links - Independent Sector

Director, Government Relations	Independent Sector
Salary	Competitive
Location	Washington, DC
Details	DEPARTMENT: Public Policy REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Public Policy JOB OVERVIEW: The Director is a key leader in developing and implementing successful advocacy efforts to advance public policies that strengthen the ability of the nonprofit and philanthropic community to address the critical challenges facing our nation and the world. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of the nonprofit community, the legislative process and executive branch operations. He/she must have excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to create and lead effective coalitions to advance desired public policy objectives. The Director must be a player/coach who is exceptional at the implementing effective lobbying and advocacy campaigns and who can operate at a high strategic level in leading staff and IS member organizations. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, committed government relations professional who wants to help lead and empower the nonprofit and philanthropic community to have a greater impact on federal public policy decisions. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain an up-to-date awareness of all administrative, legislative and regulatory activity pertinent to the interests of IS and its members. Develop and maintain strong, regular contacts with members and senior staff in Congress and the administration to monitor, analyze and shape legislation and regulations that affect the charitable community. Identify opportunities to initiate legislative or regulatory actions that strengthen the ability of charitable organizations to create solutions to important issues facing communities, including developing proposals that can be turned into legislation, bill amendments, regulatory notices and other necessary materials. Develop and implement strategies for direct lobbying, involvement of IS members and key interest groups, media outreach, and grassroots lobbying efforts to ensure that the interests of IS and the charitable community are appropriately considered in federal policy decisions. Ensure that leaders of Independent Sector and its members have current, accurate information about and are actively engaged in addressing federal, and where appropriate, state, legislative and regulatory issues affecting charitable organizations. In consultation with Senior Vice President, conduct and oversee all lobbying and advocacy activities, including coordinating work of government relations staff and external contract lobbyists. Develop and prepare analyses of current and proposed legislation and regulations affecting charitable organizations as needed. Develop and implement briefings on tax-exempt law and issues of concern to the charitable community for Members of Congress and the Administration and their staff. Manage regular legislative update sessions and convene and manage other task forces, committees, and advisors to develop and advise on policy positions and legislative strategies. Develop relevant programs and materials for the IS conference and other gatherings, and collaborate with other IS departments on common responsibilities including membership recruitment, staff training and development, and grant writing. Assist Sr. Vice President in preparing and implementing department work plans and budgets. Recruit, train and supervise qualified staff team to carry out legislative affairs program. Some travel required. Other duties as may be assigned. QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Ten years Capitol Hill or government relations experience, including senior level experience that demonstrates the ability to plan and implement successful lobbying and advocacy efforts. History of engagement with nonprofit organizations and strong knowledge of how the nonprofit and philanthropic community operates and is regulated. Comprehensive knowledge of congressional and executive branch procedures required. Hill connections and ability to work with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and administration officials (including, but not limited to, the White House, Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service, Office of Management and Budget, and Government Accountability Office) essential. Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills combined with keen attention to detail. Superior communications, leadership and advocacy skills, and excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills required. Must be very articulate and able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to IS members and other relevant parties the substance of IS policy positions. Demonstrated ability to build, lead and participate in strong coalitions. Must be a flexible collaborative team player with a passion for public policy and the political process. Must be a self-starter who thrives in a rapidly changing environment and excels at working with a diverse team of colleagues and members. Advanced degree required, with J.D. preferred. Proficiency in the use of office technology with emphasis on Microsoft Office and database applications. Salary is competitive with excellent benefits including a generous vacation and retirement plan.
Closing Date	19th March 2010
Contact	Submit letter, resume, two writing samples, and salary history to: Human Resources (Director, Government Relations) resumes@independentsector.org Please visit www.independentsector.org for more details about Independent Sector. Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Website	www.independentsector.org



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