Government Affairs Director jobs in Portland, ME

Job Title:  Director of Government Affairs

Primary Responsibilities: The Director of Government Affairs is Maine Conservation Voter’s (MCV) chief lobbyist and political strategist. This person is responsible for running a suite of legislative, accountability, and electoral programs to ensure that the protection of the environment, climate, and democracy in Maine are top priorities for elected officials.

Supervisor: Senior Director of Policy and Partnerships

Work Week: Full time

Position: Salaried, $85,000/year. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act Exempt. The employee is not eligible for overtime payment.

Location: Maine. Maine Conservation Alliance and Maine Conservation Voters (MCA/MCV) have a physical office in Augusta, the state capital. This position requires being fully present at the State House during the legislative session but could be remote or remote/in-person hybrid during the rest of the year.

We are looking to hire: A highly motivated, reliable, and self-starting professional with demonstrated experience in policymaking, lobbying, and politics. This individual will have knowledge and passion for environmental protection, climate justice, and a healthy democracy and a track record of advancing equity and inclusion. Being committed to solving problems in coalition and working as part of a team is essential. 

Job Description:

The Director of Government Affairs is MCV’s chief lobbyist and political strategist. This person is responsible for running a suite of legislative, accountability, and electoral programs to ensure that the protection of the environment, climate, and democracy in Maine are top priorities for elected officials. This work is centered through a race equity lens, in recognition that racial justice is inextricably linked to these outcomes.

A major component of the position is testifying and lobbying on behalf of legislative priorities identified by MCA/MCV and key coalitions including Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition, Mainers for Modern Elections, Wabanaki Alliance, and Vision for an Equitable Maine.

The Director of Government Affairs works with MCV’s Scorecard Committee and the Senior Director of Policy and Partnerships to develop Maine’s Environmental Scorecard. This tool evaluates and documents the performance of Maine’s elected officials on environmental and related issues during each legislative session.

The Director of Government Affairs also manages the electoral campaigns of MCV’s associated PAC — Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund (MCVAF). This includes working closely with the PAC Advisory Committee and planning and implementing  MCVAF’s endorsement and campaign expenditure programs.

Reflecting the organization’s commitment to collective initiatives as key to building power and momentum to achieve bold climate, conservation, and democracy wins, the Director of Government Affairs serves in leadership roles for two state-wide political and civic engagement coalitions – Maine Votes & Maine Voices – and closely coordinates MCVAF’s program with allied PACs who share common electoral goals.

The Director of Government Affairs ensures compliance with state and federal lobbying and electoral laws.

Responsibilities:

• Cultivate, strengthen, and maintain MCA/MCV’s relationships with elected officials, policy makers, coalition members, and other relevant partners to advance MCA/MCV's goals.
• Lead lobbying strategy within our team and advocate, testify, and lobby the State Legislature, Governor, state agencies, and occasionally other government bodies on MCA/MCV’s policy priorities.
• Communicate regularly with administration leaders, including in the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, Governor’s Energy Office, natural resource agencies, and Secretary of State.
• Represent Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition at the State House and collaborate with MCA/MCV’s Partnerships Director and coalition partners to develop an ambitious, strategic, and well-rounded agenda of shared legislative priorities each year.
• Work with MCV’s Scorecard Committee and Senior Director of Policy and Partnerships to develop Maine’s Environmental Scorecard.
• Convene and work closely with the PAC Advisory Committee and manage all aspects of MCVAF’s campaign expenditure programs, including development of electoral and political plans.
• Represent MCA/MCV/MCVAF in collective initiatives including Maine Votes & Maine Voices, Wabanaki Alliance, and Committee on Racial Equity.
• Communicate MCA/MCV's policy initiatives and achievements to both internal and external partners and audiences, including through media interviews.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal lobbying and electoral laws, including filing reports with the Maine Ethics Commission.
• Support development activities as requested including participation in member, donor, and funder events.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Carry out all of the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission statement, goals, and philosophy of MCA/MCV.

Required Qualifications:

1. A strong commitment to and demonstrated understanding of environmental protection, climate action, democracy, racial justice, and the missions of MCA/MCV, and their potential to engage the public.
2. Extensive experience in advocacy and lobbying, preferably within the environmental policy sector.
3. Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to develop relationships with individuals representing a rich mix of races, genders, talents, experiences, and backgrounds.
4. Demonstrated ability to apply a racial justice lens to policy analysis.
5. Proven ability to work in coalition and facilitate cooperation among diverse groups.
6. Experience working on political campaigns.
7. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
8. Ability to navigate legislative processes and engage effectively with elected officials.
9. Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking and planning and comfort adjusting strategies and tactics based on the fast-moving nature of the legislature.
10. Experience in creating and deploying accountability tools, such as legislative scorecards.

MCA/MCV is an EEO Employer committed to a racially just, equitable, and inclusive workspace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status. Candidates from historically marginalized communities, who are on the front lines of harm caused by climate change and voter suppression, are encouraged to bring their lived as well as technical expertise to this position and the team.

The salary for this position is $85,000/year. MCV/MCA also provides holiday and paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, and a 3% SEP IRA retirement benefit match.

 Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) protects Maine’s environment and our democracy by influencing public policy, holding politicians accountable, and winning elections.

Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA) protects Maine’s environment and our democracy through education, collaboration, and advocacy.