Dir, Government Affairs Programs & Communicat

Overview

In this strategic leadership role, you will act as the vital link between Government Affairs, Communications, and the organization's broad membership base. Your primary mission is to expand advocacy participation by translating complex policy expertise into compelling campaigns and communications that resonate with architects and design professionals nationwide. You will lead the design of member engagement programs and build a long-term infrastructure to advance the organization's strategic priorities. You will work across departments to cultivate a national community of architect advocates, ensuring that the collective voice of the profession is heard by policymakers. By managing digital advocacy platforms and coordinating national training initiatives, you will empower members to influence federal, state, and local policy developments while supporting the executive leadership team with high-level communications and project management.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a national member engagement strategy to strengthen the organization's advocacy capacity.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Government Affairs and the Communications department to ensure consistent messaging.
• Translate complex public policy issues into accessible messages for architects, policymakers, and the general public.
• Manage the Government Affairs digital presence, including oversight of website content and social media strategy.
• Develop and coordinate advocacy training programs, workshops, and toolkits for state and local components.
• Lead the execution of member-facing advocacy campaigns using digital engagement platforms like Quorum.
• Support executive leadership with the development of speeches, presentations, and advocacy publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, political science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing high-impact communications strategies and advocacy campaigns.
• Strong understanding of government affairs, public policy, and political communications.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects and build relationships with volunteer leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clarify complex legislative topics.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.

Nice to have

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs or nonprofit management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
• Technical proficiency with advocacy platforms such as Quorum or similar digital engagement systems.

Work environment

• Hybrid work arrangement requiring you to be based in the Washington, D.C. metro area (DC, MD, or VA).
• Periodic on-site presence required at the headquarters in Washington, D.C.
• Approximately 10% travel is expected to visit state and local components and attend conferences.
• Fast-paced professional environment involving frequent contact with government officials and executive leadership.

Benefits & growth

• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and flexible spending accounts.
• Financial security through a 401(k) plan, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Support for professional development through tuition and membership fee reimbursements.
• Work-life balance perks including paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work schedules.
• Employee wellness programs such as fitness club discounts and an Employee Assistance Program.