Coordinator, Government Relations
3 months ago
Full time role
In-person · Washington, DC, US
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Coordinator, Government Relations
CLASSIFICATION: Assistant 3
SALARY: $47,000 - $52,000
FLSA: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Government Relations
LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Government Relations
NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0
LAST REVISED: July 2024
POSITION SUMMARY
This position involves a broad range of administrative and advocacy responsibilities in support of the Government Relations Department. The coordinator has responsibility for assuring the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced legislative advocacy department, including the filing of lobby disclosure reports to Congress. The position directly implements various aspects of Defenders’ advocacy agenda including but not limited to attending congressional hearings and press conferences; tracking legislation and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing legislative information to congressional staff; organizing and staffing special events; and, assisting with congressional lobbying and grassroots organizing. The coordinator must be extremely well organized and have excellent administrative skills; have familiarity with the legislative process; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex federal policy issues; and possess a commitment to natural resource conservation.
The coordinator works in a highly collaborative manner to execute tasks for several members of Defenders’ staff. The position provides extensive administrative and program assistance to department staff, with priorities determined and assigned by the Vice President. The coordinator also regularly functions as the Vice President for Government Relation’s liaison to other environmental organizations, Defenders' members, and the general public.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- General Administrative Support: Compile and edit documents; schedule meetings; process contracts; maintain department subscriptions and relations with vendor representatives, and assist department staff in understanding and complying with administrative procedures, including timely submission of check requests and reimbursement requests;
- General Advocacy: As assigned, undertake a wide variety of duties in support of Defenders’ advocacy efforts including: following congressional hearings and press conferences; tracking legislation and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing legislative information to congressional staff; organizing and staffing special events; and, conducting congressional lobbying and assisting with grassroots organizing;
- Lobby Reports and Definitions: Take the lead in accurately completing, in a timely manner, Defenders’ lobbying disclosure reports to the U.S. House and Senate; understand, utilize and explain lobbying definitions used to complete congressional, IRS reports and internal timesheets and expense forms;
- Communication Coordination: Assure effective internal communication with other Defenders’ staff and departments and coordinate logistics for responding to letter sign-on requests from other organizations;
- Budget: In coordination with the VP of Government Relations play a leading role in the development of the department's annual budget. Closely monitor budget projections throughout the year;
- Research: Research specific conservation issues and prepare comprehensive background memos on issues as assigned by the Vice President;
- Information Coordination: Respond to letters from members and other interested parties requiring technical responses; distribute Defenders' advocacy materials and reports on the Hill and to the public;
- Meetings: Coordinate scheduling and agendas for department-led meetings; attend all relevant internal staff meetings; represent Defenders at requested outside meetings or hearings;
- Event and Activity Planning: Coordinate educational or organizing events such as lobbying campaigns, rallies, congressional briefings, and conferences;
- Social Media/Web: Assist with Government Relations content for Defenders’ Twitter account by writing posts, blogs and ensure existing and new web content is up to date and accurate; arrange for periodic staff training; monitor Defenders web page and ensure legislative materials are current;
- Conservation Report Card: Coordinate the development of the annual legislative Report Card, including drafting vote descriptions, identifying potential votes and developing and formatting vote data;
- Reports: Assist the Vice President for Government Relations in coordinating and editing the department’s quarterly reports; and, Perform all other related duties as assigned and be an energetic, enthusiastic and committed advocate for all of Defenders’ programs and for expanded Defenders membership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline
Experience: 1 years of relevant experience (2+ years of experience preferred)
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Assistant 3
Administrative
- Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
- Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service
Communication
- Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
Critical Thinking
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
- Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
- Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
Project Management
- Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
- Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
- Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
- Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
- Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Coordinator, Government Relations
- Ability to understand and communicate about complex federal environmental policy issues and the legislative process.
- Ability to collaborate within coalitions and across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Activities
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
O
Communicating with others to exchange information.
C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
C
Environmental Conditions
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low temperatures.
High temperatures.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Noisy environments.
Hazardous conditions.
Poor ventilation.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
X
Physical Demands
Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Visit www.defenders.org to apply.
All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.
Please be advised this position is union-eligible.