Coordinator, Government Relations

Defender of Wildlife•Washington, DC

2d•$29 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

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 and administrative 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 monitoring or attending congressional hearings and press conferences and agency events; tracking legislation, agency rules and their implementation, and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing informational and educational materials to congressional staff; organizing and staffing special events; and assisting with congressional and administrative lobbying and grassroots organizing. The coordinator must be extremely well organized and have excellent administrative skills; have familiarity with the legislative and administrative rules process or a willingness to learn about both; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex federal policy issues; and possess a commitment to wildlife and 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline
1 year 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.
Ability to understand and communicate about complex federal environmental policy issues and the federal legislative and administrative process.
Ability to collaborate with others to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, the U.S. Congress and how it functions.
Be an energetic, enthusiastic, and committed advocate for Defenders’ programs and for expanding Defenders' membership.

Nice To Haves

2+ years of experience preferred

Responsibilities

Compiles and edits documents; schedules meetings; processes contracts; maintains department subscriptions and relations with vendor representatives, and assists department staff in understanding and complying with administrative procedures, including timely submission of check requests and reimbursement requests.
As assigned, undertakes a wide variety of duties in support of Defenders’ advocacy efforts including: following congressional hearings and press conferences; tracking legislation, agency actions, and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing informational or educational materials to congressional or agency staff; organizing and staffing special events; and, conducting congressional and administrative lobbying and assisting with grassroots organizing.
Takes the lead in accurately completing, in a timely manner, Defenders’ lobbying disclosure reports to the U.S. House and Senate; understands, utilizes and explains lobbying definitions used to complete congressional, IRS reports and internal timesheets and expense forms.
Assures effective internal communication with other Defenders’ staff and departments and sign-on letters.
In coordination with the VP of Government Relations plays a leading role in the development of the department's annual budgets. Closely monitors budget implementation and projections throughout the year.
Researches specific conservation issues and prepares background memos on issues as assigned by the Vice President.
Responds or coordinates responses to letters from members and other interested parties; distributes Defenders' advocacy materials and reports on the Hill and to the public.
Coordinate scheduling and agendas for meetings; attends relevant internal meetings; represents Defenders at requested outside meetings or hearings.
Coordinates educational or organizing events such as lobbying campaigns, rallies, congressional briefings, and conferences; work with the National Outreach Director to organize travel, lodging, and scheduling for fly-ins bringing issue advocates to DC.
Assists with Government Relations content for Defenders’ social media accounts by writing or assisting with posts, blogs, or other communications; ensures department web content is up to date and accurate; arranges for periodic staff training.
Coordinates the development of the annual legislative Report Card, including drafting vote descriptions, identifying potential votes and developing and formatting vote data.
Assists the Vice President for Government Relations in coordinating and editing department reports.
Some travel required for the position.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.