This position plays a critical role for Activate, leading the development and implementation of our fundraising, policy advocacy, and positioning strategy with the federal government, particularly with new agencies and partners.
The Director, Government Relations is responsible for initiating and managing a range of strategies and projects to favorably influence key stakeholders in support of Activate’s government fundraising, partnership, and policy objectives. Working with the Growth, Engagement and Partnerships team, the Director will work with the CGO to develop and execute strategy to impact government stakeholders and opinion leaders about the need to support more entrepreneurial scientists and engineers who are commercializing science to market.
Role Responsibilities:
Initiate, manage, and execute on a range of government strategies and projects in collaboration with other Activate team members, consultants, and third-party stakeholders to secure new funding and new partners and promote Activate’s policy agenda
Monitor, research, analyze and track key legislation and funding opportunities at the federal levels;
Identify ad hoc federal funding opportunities and work with Activate’s development team to submit proposals
Act as a liaison to federal government staffers and policy organizations
Coordinate internal government strategy meetings to track movement of strategies for internal use only
Manage Activate’s relationship with government relations firm
Seek opportunities for Activate to serve as a resource to government, including serving on government commissions/working groups/advisory committees, government events/meetings, and testify before legislative committees when consistent with Activate's interests
Grow Activate’s network of government relationships and identify ways to engage government personnel in the Activate community
Develop Activate’s federal policy agenda in collaboration with Activate’s Strategy, Communications, and Engagement team
The Ideal Candidate:
Bachelor's Degree required
5+ years experience in government or government relations, including ideally involvement with fundraising, policy advocacy, grassroots and political campaigns or activities
Track record of winning government awards
Strong oral and written communication skills required
Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work as part of cross-functional teams
Ability to effectively interact with government officials
Familiarity with federal funding award (grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, etc.) legislation and regulations
Based in Washington DC
Bonus: Strong contacts across government, with preference for DOE, DOD. As well as NSF, Commerce, and NASA
This is a full-time position with a Total Compensation of $170,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes professional development, $2,000 in annual wellness funds, unlimited paid time off, 90% paid healthcare premiums for employees and dependents, and the opportunity to join a retirement plan with a 3% match after 3 months of employment.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Public Relations
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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