Executive Director, Government Affairs

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children•Alexandria, VA

102d•$140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Executive Director, Government Affairs provides senior leadership support and strategy and manages NCMEC’s strategic engagement with the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, and state governments. The role works closely with the President and CEO and Chief Legal Officer to support federal appropriations and NCMEC’s key clearinghouse programs and services. The position amplifies NCMEC’s impact on child protection by responding to Congressional and oversight requests for data and program information; developing relationships with Congressional staff; and creating outreach materials and initiatives that promote NCMEC’s programs, services, annual data, and case outcomes. Outreach includes headquarters tours, Hill briefings, and regular communications with Congressional offices and committees. The role submits annual appropriations requests and leads efforts to inform Congressional appropriators about NCMEC’s impact across the country. The Executive Director supports NCMEC’s task force and coalition participation and the development of written materials such as testimony, regulatory comments, and advocacy statements. The position manages the Government Affairs Policy Analyst on state legislative affairs and related projects, and supports the Chief Legal Officer and senior leaders in tracking legislation related to NCMEC’s mission and child protection. The role reports to the Chief Legal Officer.

Requirements

At least 5 years of Hill experience in progressively senior roles and a combined 10 years of Hill and/or advocacy or legal experience at a third-party lobbying firm, law firm, think tank, or nonprofit organization.
Extensive working knowledge of Congressional protocols and processes.
Substantive experience staffing an Appropriations Committee or engaging on appropriations issues.
Deep understanding of federal appropriations and funding authorization.
Proven experience developing and maintaining bipartisan, strategic relationships with Congressional, Executive Branch, and/or federal agency officials.
Proven experience with advocacy efforts and/or collaboration with policy advocates, individually or in coalition efforts.
Previous management or supervisory experience.
Ability to register as a lobbyist for NCMEC.
Ability to perform as a high-level strategic thinker and produce sophisticated, succinct, decisive written work for a range of audiences.
Ability to quickly absorb substantial new information and distinguish what is important to NCMEC and its stakeholders.
Effective communication skills, including translating complex concepts and programs into concise, credible messages for senior government and business audiences.
Ability to meet deadlines and balance multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
Proven bipartisan track record of delivering high-volume, high-quality work.
Diligence and a record of pursuing positive outcomes in difficult situations.
Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
Ability to inspire trust and confidence in discussions of sensitive matters.
Excellent public relations and interpersonal skills.
Excellent judgment in setting priorities and interacting with internal and external contacts.
Demonstrated ability to conduct legal and Internet research and proficiency with basic word-processing and database software tools.
Uncompromising ethics and integrity.
Willingness and commitment to develop and expand knowledge of NCMEC’s mission, history, programs, services, role as the national clearinghouse on missing and exploited children’s issues, and related legislative and policy issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with senior leadership and operational divisions to execute NCMEC’s strategic outreach plan for Congress and other key government stakeholders, including outreach related to NCMEC’s 16 programs of work and federal appropriations support.
Submit annual appropriations requests and conduct related follow-up communications.
Oversee day-to-day engagement with Congressional offices.
Supervise the Government Affairs Policy Analyst as a direct report.
Manage responses to Congressional inquiries about NCMEC programs and data, coordinating with operational divisions to gather information and provide subject matter expertise.
Build and maintain relationships with staff in key Congressional offices and committees and support NCMEC’s strategic outreach activities.
Develop and implement Congressional outreach strategies and initiatives that establish regular communications and information-sharing in support of NCMEC’s goals.
Schedule Member- and Chief of Staff-level meetings for the President and CEO’s Congressional outreach.
Prepare meeting materials and collateral and conduct follow-up after meetings on the Hill.
Participate in Public Policy Committee meetings, discussions, and updates.
Coordinate with the President and CEO on the development and execution of strategic Congressional outreach plans.
Track and provide senior staff updates on Congressional, federal agency, and state-level funding related to child protection programs and services.
Coordinate NCMEC participation in relevant task forces, coalitions, and conferences, and draft written testimony, regulatory comments, position pieces, advocacy statements, and social media content as needed.
Collaborate with the Chief Legal Officer on legislative issues, including reviewing draft legislation and providing feedback and comments to Congressional offices.
Manage and maintain document workflows, deliverables, and metrics relating to Hill contacts, materials, and strategy execution.
Communicate professionally and courteously with coworkers, senior leaders, external partners, and other entities, and respond promptly to correspondence.
Collaborate with key stakeholders and partners to achieve government affairs objectives.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.