Manager of Government Affairs (part-time)

Job Summary:

The Manager of Government Affairs executes an integrated vision for government affairs. Participate in strategic thinking, planning and implementation of externally-facing activities to expand Marillac St. Vincent Family Services reach and influence; interact with local, state, and federal legislative bodies and government agencies to represent and protect the organization’s business plans and interests. Increase organization services and support with securing additional funding for programs.

The Manager of Government Affairs works closely with Chief External Affairs and Mission Officer to develop partnerships with public sector, universities, philanthropy and other human services providers to expand Marillac St. Vincent Family Services portfolio, incubate strategies that can be scaled, and leverage findings from efforts into policy change at the local, state, and federal levels. This position support to advance Marillac St. Vincent Family Services sector leadership, promoting the organization’s commitment to addressing systemic inequalities through effective evidence-based and innovative programming and public policy change. Reports to the Chief Mission and Government Affairs Officer.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May oversee and manage a liaison program between the organization and legislative entities. 

Core Duties/Responsibilities:

Change Implementation

• Execute implementation of the strategic actions to advance the organization’s strategic plan.

Strategy and Business Development 

• Collaborate with programs’ leadership to explore, collect data, analyze and identify potential new growth opportunities. 
• Assist in developing key relationships and opportunity plan for organization’s leadership team and key program staff—identifying relationships to cultivate and advance the organization’s sector leadership agenda, including expanding service opportunities. 

Public Policy Advancement 

• Assists in advancing Marillac St. Vincent Family Services public policy agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Cultivates and strengthens strategic relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials.
• Co-lead efforts to engage Board of Directors in strategic conversations, building and promoting policy agenda and engaging with children, families, and communities served by Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. 
• Incubate innovative practices that inform public policies.
• Researches and monitors government activities that could affect the organization’s business and participants.
• Assists senior management and leadership with strategic planning for known and potential regulatory activities related to the business and industry.
• Joins trade associations and industry committees and seeks leadership roles.
• Collaborates with industry advocates to build areas of common interest.
• Testifies before government committees in support of the organization and/or industry.
• Introduces legislative and public policy changes that will support company operations.

Other

• Assures close coordination between the organization’s sector leadership plan, public policy agenda, and public advocacy activities. 
• Contributes to the preparation of strategic initiative plans, reports, including white papers; briefings; and public webinars and presentations on issues central to the organization’s mission and sector leadership agenda. 
• Participates in the Management Team and other internal and external committees and commissions as assigned.
• Collects, reviews and utilizes data and information on programs and services to inform program/department performance. 
• Participates in regular supervision coaching, and staff meetings as required by department.
• Attends required professional development and trainings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Demonstrates advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates effective planning and management skills.
• Demonstrates advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Utilizes advanced interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Demonstrates proficient skills to compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate information and to prepare and present complex reports, statements, and other materials.
• Strong government contacts at local, state, and federal levels.
• Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Demonstrates respect and acceptance of diverse individuals and communities served by, working in partnership with, or employed by Marillac St. Vincent Family Services including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, and social-economic status. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Political Science, Public Relations, Public Administration, Public Policy, Human Services, or related field required
• Ten years of experience in advocacy or public policy required.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in the non-profit environment required.
• Experience working with child advocacy organizations highly desirable.

Screenings:

• The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and a child abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  
• Possess the ability to fulfill and any all-office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry.  

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Internal office space.  
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Additional Requirements:

• Travel locally and to other locations in the state (up to 25% of time). Occasional overnight travel for conferences or other meetings. 
• Extended work hours when necessary, including evenings, weekends and for special events. 
• Flexibility with schedule as requested.