Head, Government Relations and Policy (E1)

Save the Children 2022•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Government Relations and Policy for Save the Children U.S. (SCUS) sets and leads federal policy strategy across international and domestic issues, advancing legislative, appropriations, and policy priorities with Congress and the Administration. The role reports to the Chief Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Officer and leads three policy teams covering global development, humanitarian, and domestic policy, with accountability for measurable results through congressional and executive action. As a member of the Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns (PAC) senior leadership team, the Head aligns federal strategy with Save the Children Action Network’s state and federal work and coordinates enterprise-wide federal engagement. The position represents Save the Children with U.S. government stakeholders, coalitions, and peer organizations, and contributes to Save the Children federation policy and advocacy work as directed by the Chief. The position is hybrid, with Washington, DC office locations, and requires travel of more than 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At least 15 years of relevant experience.
Proven familiarity with the legislative process, including domestic and foreign assistance appropriations.
Direct responsibility for delivering legislative successes, such as bills passed or budgets increased.
Familiarity with the federal Executive Branch, including White House structures, key departments and agencies, and executive policymaking methods.
Experience managing full-time staff, coaching managers, and leading a team.
Experience in strategic planning, prioritization, and budget management.
Willingness to travel more than 10%.
Professional proficiency in the MS Office suite.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success using advocacy tactics beyond direct lobbying to advance policy goals.
Experience managing both domestic and international policy priorities.
Bipartisan networks related to foreign policy, global health, and international children’s issues.
Bipartisan networks related to domestic children’s issues, particularly early childhood education, K-3 education, and food security.
Experience engaging Executive Branch officials and agencies to advance a policy agenda.
Experience in large, complex organizations and/or multinational federations.

Responsibilities

Set SCUS’s federal policy agenda and lead the global development, humanitarian, and domestic policy teams in developing and carrying out integrated strategies to improve outcomes for children.
Develop multi-year strategies and annual plans to achieve legislative, appropriations, and executive action consistent with Save the Children’s mission, values, and enterprise goals.
Oversee U.S. government engagement strategies, including building bipartisan congressional support, engaging the Executive Branch, and using senior leaders, trustees, and influencers for high-level engagement.
Ensure effective participation in coalitions and working groups and coordinate with external partners.
Work with media and communications teams on strategies that advance policy priorities and raise their visibility.
Lead, coach, and develop department staff, including policy team managers; establish performance management and professional development plans and foster a collaborative team culture.
Ensure compliance with federal lobbying laws, SCUS lobbying policies, and related documents.
Develop, implement, and manage the annual Government Relations department budget.
Work with department managers and across divisions to manage grants and support policy and advocacy fundraising.
Lead enterprise-wide collaboration to align federal engagement strategies across teams.
Maintain information flows with Impact & Evidence leadership so program evidence and learning inform policy recommendations.
Partner with the Head of SCAN to align state and federal advocacy strategies and identify how grassroots organizing and digital campaigns can advance shared federal priorities while meeting 501(c)(3)/501(c)(4) compliance requirements.
Lead SCUS engagement and coordination with Save the Children International on global policy and advocacy priorities, including U.S. participation in SCI policy working groups and alignment between global and U.S. federal advocacy strategies.
Work with the Partnerships & Philanthropy Division on policy and advocacy fundraising opportunities.
Represent the PAC Division in enterprise forums as needed.

Benefits

Flexible schedules and generous paid time off.
11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
Hybrid working opportunities.
Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Paid caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness, and fertility leaves and benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
15 safety and wellness days annually (prorated to 8 days for employees hired on or after July 1).
Mental health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Competitive compensation.