Associate Director of Government Affairs

Job Title: Associate Director of Government Affairs

Compensation:  $65,000 - $85,000

Reports to: President & CEO

Benefits: Health, Dental, 403(b), Life, Vacation & Sick Leave & Paid Holidays

Classification: Full-Time / Exempt 

Job Summary:

Colorado Nonprofit Association’s (the Association) mission is to strengthen Colorado's nonprofit organizations through education, connection, and advocacy. The Association cultivates and connects a community of nonprofits, individuals, students, and businesses. Member organizations represent all budget sizes, with diverse missions, locations and populations served. Educational programs increase the sustainability of the nonprofit sector by providing virtual-live, recorded, and in-person training and professional development. The Association connects nonprofit professionals through peer-to-peer learning, and fosters collaborations and partnerships between the three sectors, and connects members to resources, best practices, and current trend information to increase the overall capacity of the sector.  Through advocacy, the Association leads the adoption and implementation of public policies that affect the entire sector and strengthen nonprofits and the communities where they work, and actively supports statewide advocacy efforts of collaborations and networks of nonprofit focus areas.

The Associate Director of Government Affairs will play a pivotal role in leading the advocacy efforts of our nonprofit association. As a key member of the leadership team, this position involves working closely with the President & CEO and the contract lobbying team to develop and implement advocacy goals, solicit member input on policy issues, and support the Association's communications on these topics. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and a talent for building strong relationships, all while demonstrating a commitment to advancing the Association’s mission.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Advocacy Development:

• Collaborate with the President & CEO and the contract lobbying team to establish advocacy goals focusing on the Colorado General Assembly and the executive branch.
• In partnership with the Association’s contract lobbying team, lead state legislative advocacy, government relations, and advocacy communications for the Association.

Legislative Communication and Representation:

• Effectively communicate the Association’s positions on policy issues. 
• Manage legislative efforts in partnership with the contract lobbying team and maintain strong relationships with state legislators.

Public Policy Engagement:

• Represent the Association at key meetings and events related to public policy issues.
• Serve as an informational resource about the Association and the nonprofit sector for elected officials and partners.

Board and Leadership Collaboration:

• Attend Board of Directors meetings, providing written and verbal reports on government and regulatory affairs issues.
• Collaborate with the Association’s leadership team on emerging issues and overall organizational strategy.

Strategic Planning and Tracking:

• Work with the leadership team to formulate and execute long-term strategic plans for the Association’s advocacy efforts.
• Track federal and state legislation relevant to the Association and the nonprofit sector.

Coalition and Member Engagement:

• Engage with strategic coalitions and build effective working relationships with Association Members to advance the Association’s mission.
• Create and maintain a database of advocates to act on legislative priorities.

Educational and Advocacy Materials:

• Facilitate the creation and dissemination of summaries, educational materials, and legislative testimony on key legislative proposals.
• Oversee the development of factsheets and other advocacy materials for use with state and federal legislators.

Public Communications:

• Draft public-facing communications about policy priorities, including website content, social media content, etc.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to craft compelling campaigns and materials aimed at advancing the Association’s advocacy goals.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a leadership team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills (ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines) and attention to detail.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
• Public speaking and presentation abilities required. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Self-motivated and ability to function well in a high-paced environment.
• Proficient with Google Suite. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint & Excel), or related software.
• Understanding of sensitive nature of work and the ability to maintain confidential information.
• Passion for the Association’s mission and a strong understanding of Colorado’s nonprofit sector.
• A sense of humor, tolerance for change, and a demonstrated ability to contribute to a positive team culture.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 3-5 years of related experience
• Experience in advocacy or government relations, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
• Strong background in legislative process, communications, and relationship building.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Availability to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
• Some travel across Colorado is required.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Colorado Nonprofit Association is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity to all individuals based on job related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, marital status, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our policy to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds. This includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc.

Please send resume and cover letter to Rebecca Murabito (rmurabito@coloradononprofits.org).

https://coloradononprofits.org/careers/colorado-nonprofit-association-associate-director-of-government-affairs/