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Association Of Zoos & Aquariums

Director, Federal Affairs (Conservation)

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, 20900

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The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Director, Federal Affairs (Conservation) The 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, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the

Senior Vice President, External Affairs . This position is eligible for a

hybrid schedule

with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

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

Qualifications

Education and Experience

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

Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred

Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

Skills and Abilities

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

The starting compensation for this role is $76,000. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance options, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. To encourage work/life balance, AZA also offers a variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time; holidays; and parental leave. AZA also offers hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions. We regularly review our benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.

AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Silver Spring, MD

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