Director, Government Affairs

KIMMEL CENTER INC.•Philadelphia, PA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Government Affairs serves as a primary liaison with city, state, and federal officials on key Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA) matters. In many cases, the Director will be the primary facilitator of driving organizational priorities from concept to completion, including securing essential funding. The position requires expertise in advocacy, government relations, familiarity with POEA’s mission, and a deep belief in the importance of POEA’s role in the region. The Director is an important bridge between the organization’s fundraising efforts, capital improvement projects, and ongoing efforts to increase awareness and our participation in the greater Philadelphia area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in government, public administration, business, management, or related field preferred.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required.
Even temperament and calm demeanor in dealing with diverse personalities and work environments.
Organized, assertive, and proactive
Able to manage multiple tasks and priorities with strong follow-through to completion
Outstanding self-motivation and initiative.

Responsibilities

Works with SVP, COO, CEO and trustees to advocate, cultivate and solicit elected officials for essential operating and corporate funding.
Cultivate and manage relationships with elected officials, supporting staff, and lobbyists to help facilitate government funding sources, keeping all parties informed regarding new happenings and opportunities at POEA.
Coordinate with the SVP, Community Impact and Civic Engagement and Chief Philanthropy Officer to identify opportunities to support POEA’s ongoing efforts across governmental, foundation and corporate sources.
Coordinate member meetings in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, District of Columbia, and other locales to help promote POEA and its goals with key stakeholders in government.
Plan and execute high-level engagement events with elected officials and government partners, including briefings, tours, and presentations, managing all logistics such as invitations, catering, materials, and onsite coordination.
Collaborate cross-departmentally with communications, design, and program teams to develop event content, talking points, visual presentations, and takeaway materials that effectively represent the organization’s priorities and impact.
Advise senior leadership regarding governmental developments and opportunities to amplify POEA’s voice and influence with city, county, state and federal officials.
Utilize relationships with personnel in city and state government to assist with permitting processes and bureaucratic challenges inherent in capital projects and property improvements, coordinate with Director of International Engagement on artist-related visa issues.
Maintain and update contact lists and databases of elected officials and government partners, ensuring accurate, current information to support direct outreach and relationship management.
Draft and edit a range of written materials—including correspondence, briefing memos, talking points, and advocacy documents—and coordinate with Design and Marketing teams to produce professional collateral such as one-sheets and the annual Harrisburg report.
Provide administrative and preparatory support for key government relations meetings and initiatives, including scheduling, material development, and cross-departmental coordination.
Represent POEA in key meetings and strategy sessions and advise senior leadership on important decisions and recommendations.
Deliver remarks or presentations that convey the organization’s mission, priorities, and impact with clarity and professionalism.
Occasional travel to centers of government, including, but not limited to, Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC required.
Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and monitor departmental and institutional budgets, ensuring alignment of government relations strategies with organizational financial goals and compliance standards.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.