Head, Government Relations (E1)

Save the Children US•Washington, DC

1d•$168,300 - $229,900•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Government Relations and Policy for Save the Children U.S. sets and leads the organization’s federal policy strategy across international and domestic issues, advancing legislative, appropriations, and policy priorities with Congress and the Administration. The role leads three policy teams—global development, humanitarian, and domestic—and is accountable for measurable results through congressional and executive action. Reporting to the Chief Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Officer, the Head is a member of the Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns senior leadership team and coordinates federal engagement across the organization so Save the Children U.S. speaks with one voice to shared stakeholders. The position represents Save the Children with U.S. government stakeholders, coalitions, and peer organizations, and contributes to federation policy and advocacy work as directed by the Chief. The role is hybrid, based at Washington, DC office locations. The Head sets the federal policy agenda and develops multi-year strategies and annual plans to achieve legislative, appropriations, and executive action aligned with Save the Children’s mission and enterprise goals. The role oversees multi-channel government engagement, including bipartisan congressional relationships, Executive Branch engagement, and strategic participation by senior organizational leaders. It also leads the Government Relations department, manages staff and budget, ensures compliance with lobbying laws and policies, and advances coordination among enterprise teams, Save the Children Action Network, and Save the Children International. The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and at least 15 years of relevant experience. It also requires experience delivering legislative successes, familiarity with Congress and the Executive Branch, team leadership, strategic planning, and budget management. Travel exceeding 10% is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, plus at least 15 years of relevant experience.
Proven familiarity with the legislative process, including domestic and foreign assistance appropriations, and direct responsibility for 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.
Develop multi-year strategies and annual plans to achieve legislative, appropriations, and executive action aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and enterprise goals.
Oversee a multi-channel U.S. government engagement strategy, including building bipartisan congressional champions, engaging the Executive Branch, and using senior leaders 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 visibility.
Lead, coach, and develop department staff, including policy team managers; establish performance management and professional development plans.
Foster a collaborative team culture and help staff develop, take on greater responsibility, and understand how their work connects to enterprise strategy and annual plans.
Ensure compliance with federal lobbying laws, SCUS lobbying policies, and other applicable documents.
Develop, implement, and manage the annual Government Relations department budget; coordinate grant management and support policy and advocacy fundraising.
Coordinate federal engagement strategies with teams across the organization.
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 opportunities for grassroots organizing and digital campaigns, while meeting 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) requirements.
Lead SCUS coordination with Save the Children International on global policy and advocacy priorities, including U.S. participation in SCI policy working groups and alignment of global and U.S. federal strategies.
Work with the Partnerships & Philanthropy Division on policy and advocacy fundraising opportunities.
Represent the PAC Division in enterprise forums as needed.
Represent Save the Children with U.S. government stakeholders, coalitions, and peer organizations.

Benefits

Flexible schedules and paid time off, including generous PTO, 11 paid holidays, and 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.
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, or 8 prorated days for employees hired on or after July 1.
Mental health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.