Government Relations Strategist

The Government Relations Strategist works with the Chief Government Relations and Communications Officer to increase support for international democracy assistance and the work of the organization. The Strategist expands advocacy and external outreach to the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch and donors to increase support and understanding of NDI’s role in promoting international democracy, credible and fair elections, and open and transparent governance. This position will assist in developing strategy to deepen ties with existing democracy champions and expand support, and assist NDI teams across the Institute in external outreach and advocacy.

Essential Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to engage high-level Executive Branch officials, including democracy summit outreach, regular meetings, updated contact lists, tracking major policy pronouncements and ensuring their involvement in NDI events
• Maintain persistent and persuasive written and verbal communication to educate the U.S. Congress on legislative policies that promote democracy assistance
• Manage bipartisan congressional strategy and outreach for NDI teams, international staff, visiting members of parliament and democracy partners
• Secure long-term funding for democracy promotion through annual appropriations outreach and congressional forms
• Monitor legislation, congressional hearings and markups on democracy assistance, human rights and foreign policy issues in order to keep NDI teams informed of relevant legislation
• Assist in drafting congressional testimony for NDI experts
• Assist in the creation and editing of content to tell NDI success stories and impact in promoting democracy with local partners that will be used in advocacy, external outreach, website publication, monthly newsletters and social media accounts
• Liaison with NDI teams, including conducting virtual and in-person training for NDI staff and local partners on strategy and best practices for external outreach, advocacy and telling success stories
• Maintain a strong coalition network within the democracy community, think tanks, academia and allied organizations to maximize NDI’s public profile
• Incorporate best practices on external outreach and advocacy into NDI’s day-to-day operations

Peripheral Accountabilities/Responsibilities (Non-essential)

• Act as a back-up for other team members as needed
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives as needed
• Actively seek and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge in project/program management
• Maintain a general working knowledge of relevant program trends and issues occurring external to NDI
• Perform other duties as required

Parameters

• Operate under general direction, plans or coordinates work in accordance with established objectives
• Interact with NDI partners, funders and other key program contacts
• Interact regularly with staff at all levels within NDI
• Serve as a resource and provide guidance to lower-level staff
• Regularly interact with NDI partners, funders and other stakeholders, including international development organizations, civic organizations, NDI’s network of volunteers, trainers, experts, political leaders, and other key program contacts

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; a combination of experience and education in lieu of degree will be considered

Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience implementing government relations outreach and advocacy strategies
• Congressional experience or prior advocacy and educational outreach experience with the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch preferred
• International relations and development experience, including knowledge of NDI’s democracy work, a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and receiving information in writing, in person and through various communications media
• Understanding of strategic outreach, advocacy and building the skills capacity of teams
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, particularly with audience and stakeholders data and the ability to draw conclusions, determine options and recommend next steps
• Nuanced understanding of audience, and experience working on complex, politically sensitive issues in dynamic environments
• Basic proficiency in Google Suite tools and Microsoft Office preferred
• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills with demonstrated flexibility and the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time sensitive deadlines and deliverables
• Attention-to-detail and creating accurate work products with a focus on quality is a must
• Knowledge of WordPress, Salsa and contact management systems a plus
• A high level of confidence, integrity, interpersonal skills, and a professional executive presence for effectively interacting with and influencing others, internal and external to the organization
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team required
• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills

Certifications/Licenses (desired)

• None required

Work Environment

This position generally is performed in an office environment and is suitable for partial telework. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, as well as attendance at external events

ADA Notation:

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Comments:

To comply with tax and legal obligations, all candidates for DC-based positions must reside in Maryland, DC or Virginia. While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environments, candidates must be residents of MD, DC or VA or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI.

This is a union position to be represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.