Government Affairs Officer

Space Center Houston • Houston, TX

325d • $54,000 - $67,500

About The Position

Space Center Houston (SCH) is a space exploration learning destination dedicated to revealing how science and humanity power space exploration through meaningful, moving experiences about people and the courage, innovation, and teamwork they use to expand the boundaries of what's possible. We inspire guests of all ages to connect with the significance of space exploration as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to bring joy and wonder to the world. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, we are the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian affiliate. We are seeking a full-time Government Affairs Officer responsible for implementing Space Center Houston's government relations strategy, maintaining an active communications plan with Federal, State, and local officials, advising organization leadership on engaging government and public support, and successfully securing grants and other funds to benefit the organization's operations and capital projects. This position reports to the Chief Development Officer, and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, members of the Board of Directors, Development Manager, and support staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (degree in a relevant field, such as Political Science, Social Science, or Public Administration preferred).
• Minimum two years of demonstrated success in managing a government affairs portfolio or similar work; Achieving targets as part of a strategic plan.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to apply working knowledge and principles of government affairs towards generating opportunities and funding.
• Demonstrable strong relationship building and account management skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and highly collaborative.
• Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience in using CRM database systems.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekend and evening shifts.

Responsibilities

• Meet and exceed annual goals for fundraising from government and public entities.
• Implement a comprehensive government affairs strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, their staffs, and agencies to advance the organization's priorities.
• Establish and activate a communications strategy for each key prospect within the government portfolio.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy and activity relevant to the organization.
• Provide quarterly briefings to leadership.
• Research and maintain profiles on potential funding opportunities, including funding programs, giving history to SCH and other organizations, connections.
• Research and prepare strategy regarding policy or collaboration opportunities that might benefit and accelerate the organization's capital projects.
• Formulate proposal strategies under guidance from leadership, prepare profiles for each opportunity and generate timely follow-up plans and correspondence.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and other documentation that position Space Center Houston competitively and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Consistently update the constituent relationship database with relevant contact reports on all donor and prospect activity.
• Collaborate with the Development team in achieving current revenue targets with direct accountability for goals set in the annual budget and strategic plan.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of programs at and news about SCH, NASA Johnson Space Center, the aerospace and aviation industry, and other science centers.
• Plan and assist with VIP Executive Tours for elected officials, legislative staff, and related individuals where appropriate including logistics and execution.
• Contribute significantly to complex aspects of internal department projects.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across SCH.
• Serve as a passionate ambassador for SCH, and a positive representative of SCH both internally and externally at public events and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administrative and Support Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree