Federal Government Relations Director

The American Flood Coalition (AFC) is a nonpartisan group that drives transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. Our Coalition includes 500+ elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses, and 60+ bipartisan Federal Champions who work together to advance flood solutions at the local, state, and federal levels. With a team of over 30 staff, AFC is the only organization that focuses on flooding across all levels of government and is uniquely positioned to advance solutions that make the country safer.

Position Summary

AFC is seeking a Government Relations Director to join our 9-member Federal Policy & Government Relations team. AFC’s Federal team is responsible for developing and driving bipartisan flood policy on Capitol Hill, supporting effective policy implementation at federal agencies, and elevating AFC’s brand and relationship networks across the federal government. 

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who understands the federal legislative process and political dynamics, brings robust working relationships within Congress and/or the Trump Administration, has outstanding managerial, interpersonal, and strategy-setting skills, and is motivated to deliver complex, bipartisan public policy solutions that drive smarter federal investment, empower state leadership, enhance national security, and build resilience and readiness to disasters across the country.  

If you wish to work alongside a talented group of people intent on unlocking smarter approaches to federal flood policy, we want to talk to you. This is a full-time position reporting to our Federal Policy & Government Relations Director located in our headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities 

• Represent and articulate AFC’s mission on Capitol Hill by leading independent outreach to AFC’s 60+ bipartisan Federal Champions as well as establishing relationships with other key members, staff, and committees;
• Effectively support the overall success and development of AFC’s Federal team, including managing 2 direct reports;
• Expand AFC’s engagement with the current administration and federal agencies on disaster, infrastructure, and flood resilience program implementation;
• Forge close relationships with a broad swath of bipartisan partners and stakeholders, both on and off Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch, to broaden AFC’s reach and seize opportunities to advance AFC’s federal priorities;
• Create compelling framing through fact sheets, talking points, letters, testimony, and social media posts to persuade and inform diverse audiences; and
• Bring an organization-wide strategic lens and collaborative working style to develop, advance, and embed the Federal team’s goals within cross-organizational projects, events, and strategy.

Qualifications 

• At least 10 years of blended work experience required; blended work experience may include positions in the House and Senate, congressional committees, or in a relevant federal agency role (e.g., intergovernmental or legislative affairs), government relations firm, or government relations role at a nonprofit, trade association, or corporation
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading high-impact teams and managing direct reports to foster their continued growth required; 
• Proven government relations expertise and deep networks across any of the following issue portfolios and related Congressional Committees of jurisdiction required: 
  • appropriations, agriculture, armed services, conservation, economic development, emergency management, disaster response & recovery, hazard mitigation, housing, insurance, national security, transportation, water resources, and/or weather forecasting and prediction 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to tailor messaging to specific audiences required;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, political instincts, and demonstrated track record of building strategic relationships while operating in a bipartisan environment required; 
• Willingness to attend select evening and weekend events as well as periodic work travel outside of D.C. required; and
• Bachelor's degree required.

Location

Washington, D.C.

Benefits

• Salary range: $150,000-200,000. 
• Generous and flexible paid time off.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including a $0 monthly premium health insurance option for employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, as well as basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits.
• Relocation assistance to D.C. for new employees living outside of the D.C. metropolitan area

We also offer

• A hybrid work schedule: All D.C.-based staff are in-person in our D.C. office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the option to regularly work from home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Company-sponsored outings, such as happy hours, after-work activities, a holiday party, an annual retreat, and more. 
• Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• A modern office with amenities, including gym access, snacks and drinks, a smart casual dress code, and a collaborative floor plan with options to suit every workstyle.

The American Flood Coalition is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We invite applications from candidates with unique backgrounds and strive to create and maintain an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.