Agency Relations & Compliance Manager

Burning Man•Reno, NV

7d•$110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Agency Relations & Compliance Manager manages relationships and communications with government agencies, elected officials, and tribal representatives in support of Black Rock City’s annual permits and contracts, and in support of Burning Man’s special projects in Northern Nevada. The Agencies Relations & Compliance Manager works closely with the Legal and Event Operations Departments. In Black Rock City, the Agencies Relations & Compliance Manager works to ensure compliance with permit requirements, plays an important role in emergency incident response, and serves as a primary liaison to the Bureau of Land Management. Success in this role hinges on the ability to build lasting relationships and navigate complexity through collaborative problem-solving. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, impeccable discretion, and initiative in a fast-paced setting. This role reports directly to the Director of Government Affairs. This is a regular full-time role, located in Reno, Nevada. Working hours will be based on Pacific Time. The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on February 20th, 2026.

Requirements

4+ years experience working in regulatory affairs and government relations
Juris Doctor degree or an advanced degree in public administration or public policy
Proven track record of multifaceted internal and external relationship, contract, permit, and project management
Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and organizational discipline while managing multiple initiatives and deadlines
Strategic thinker and motivated self-starter with a strong record of creative problem-solving
Ability to both work independently and foster teamwork
Professional experience in Northern Nevada
Personable, friendly, professional demeanor
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Direct experience with contract negotiations
Excellent judgement, reliability, and professionalism
Ability to uphold very high standards of confidentiality
Proficiency in the Google suite (Mail, Calendar, Sheets, Documents, Slides)
Must have flexibility to work fluctuating hours and time beyond the regular work day/week as needed
Must have ability to adjust schedule seasonally to work in Black Rock City for 2-3 weeks
Ability to travel as necessary
Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience working at or with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Familiarity with Burning Man; preference given to those who have attended Black Rock City

Responsibilities

Manage relationships, organize and attend meetings, and conduct and support negotiations as assigned with government agencies, elected officials, and Tribal representatives in Nevada, including the Nevada Department of Transportation, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Washoe County, Pershing County, the Central Nevada Health District, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Nevada State Police.
Work with agencies, external contractors, and event operations to: evaluate permit requirements and related costs; obtain necessary permits; and ensure compliance with permit stipulations.
Support Burning Man’s compliance with Bureau of Land Management Special Recreation Permit requirements including special stipulations, vending and environmental.
Support Burning Man’s community relations in Gerlach, Empire, Nixon and other local communities, including monitoring local impacts and community concerns
Prepare and attend as needed meetings of the Gerlach General Improvement District and Gerlach Empire Citizens Advisory Board.
Prepare for and attend pre-event and post-event meetings with government agencies and Tribal bodies; ensure After Action Reports are submitted and submitted on time and reflect accurate compliance, incident, and operational information
Track agendas for the Pershing County and Washoe County Commissions as well as the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council; attend and present at meetings as needed; and meet with elected officials.
Interface with Tribal representatives and agencies including Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and NDOT to ensure smooth communications, compliance, and completion of highway cleanup post-event.
Manage the relationship with the Central Nevada Health District to ensure permits are approved and onsite inspection activities are coordinated.
Respond to, research, and manage other agency inquiries and requirements as needed.
Daft official letters and correspondence from Burning Man Project to government agencies and other officials.
Assist with Bureau of Land Management meetings, negotiations, communications, inspections, and operations
Meet with and guide government agencies including the Nevada Division of Public & Behavioral Health, the Central Nevada Health District, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and coordinate their onsite visits and related logistics
Drive Highway 447 post-event to evaluate trash collection operators
Meet with PLPT representatives in Nixon
Meet with PLPT and NDOT representatives in Black Rock City
Population and Reporting Management liaison
Support External Relations Team
Help coordinate and attend the post-event inspection
Work closely with the Director of Government Affairs and the legal Department to draft and review legal filings.
Support Burning Man’s work and advocacy at the Nevada Legislature.
Special projects as assigned: provide regulatory, compliance, and strategic guidance related to land use and real estate development.
Work with Event Operations on the annual Black Rock City Operations Plan
Update resources databases, standard operating procedures, and protocols annually
Attend and contribute to internal strategy and operational meetings, and the annual Operations Summit
Coordinate with Tech and Event Ops teams to manage the Population and Reporting Management planning processes
Support and guide Event Operations staff to prepare for agency inspections in Black Rock City
Draft the annual Burning Man After Action Report, track deadlines, and work with Event Operations to deliver content
Participate in annual goal-setting and strategic planning
Travel to San Francisco, Nixon, and Gerlach as needed
Perform other duties as assigned.
Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e-learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community.
Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested.
Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.

Benefits

Health benefits: medical, dental, vision insurance for employees and dependents.
Long term disability and life insurance.
401k retirement plan with voluntary employee contribution.
Accrued vacation and sick time: Up to 10 days vacation per 12 months on assignment.
Additional annual paid time off in accordance with policy guidelines; 7 paid holidays annually, in addition to paid office closure during December 24th - January 1st.
Paid parental and bonding leave.
Communications benefits for remote employees; reimbursement of up to $120/month for home office internet and phone expenses.
Commuter benefit program.
Mental health support, life coaching, financial and legal consultation services through our employee assistance program.
Professional development fund along with unique leadership and learning opportunities.
Equipment and tools necessary to succeed in a remote friendly workplace.