DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Coordinator, Government Relations
Hourly Rate: $28.85 - $31.25
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Government Relations
LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Government Relations
NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0
POSITION SUMMARY
This position involves a broad range of administrative and advocacy responsibilities in support of the Government Relations Department. The coordinator has responsibility for assuring the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced legislative and administrative advocacy department, including the filing of lobby disclosure reports to Congress. The position directly implements various aspects of Defenders’ advocacy agenda including but not limited to monitoring or attending congressional hearings and press conferences and agency events; tracking legislation, agency rules and their implementation, and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing informational and educational materials to congressional staff; organizing and staffing special events; and assisting with congressional and administrative lobbying and grassroots organizing. The coordinator must be extremely well organized and have excellent administrative skills; have familiarity with the legislative and administrative rules process or a willingness to learn about both; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex federal policy issues; and possess a commitment to wildlife and natural resource conservation.
The coordinator works in a highly collaborative manner to execute tasks for several members of Defenders’ staff. The position provides extensive administrative and program assistance to department staff, with priorities determined and assigned by the Vice President. The coordinator also regularly functions as the Vice President for Government Relation’s liaison to other environmental organizations, Defenders' members, and the general public.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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General Administrative Support: Compiles and edits documents; schedules meetings; processes contracts; maintains department subscriptions and relations with vendor representatives, and assists department staff in understanding and complying with administrative procedures, including timely submission of check requests and reimbursement requests;
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General Advocacy: As assigned, undertakes a wide variety of duties in support of Defenders’ advocacy efforts including: following congressional hearings and press conferences; tracking legislation, agency actions, and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing informational or educational materials to congressional or agency staff; organizing and staffing special events; and, conducting congressional and administrative lobbying and assisting with grassroots organizing;
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Lobby Reports and Definitions: Takes the lead in accurately completing, in a timely manner, Defenders’ lobbying disclosure reports to the U.S. House and Senate; understands, utilizes and explains lobbying definitions used to complete congressional, IRS reports and internal timesheets and expense forms;
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Communication Coordination: Assures effective internal communication with other Defenders’ staff and departments and sign-on letters;
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Budget: In coordination with the VP of Government Relations plays a leading role in the development of the department's annual budgets. Closely monitors budget implementation and projections throughout the year;
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Research: Researches specific conservation issues and prepares background memos on issues as assigned by the Vice President;
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Information Coordination: Responds or coordinates responses to letters from members and other interested parties; distributes Defenders' advocacy materials and reports on the Hill and to the public;
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Meetings: Coordinate scheduling and agendas for meetings; attends relevant internal meetings; represents Defenders at requested outside meetings or hearings;
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Event and Activity Planning: Coordinates educational or organizing events such as lobbying campaigns, rallies, congressional briefings, and conferences; work with the National Outreach Director to organize travel, lodging, and scheduling for fly-ins bringing issue advocates to DC.
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Social Media/Web: Assists with Government Relations content for Defenders’ social media accounts by writing or assisting with posts, blogs, or other communications; ensures department web content is up to date and accurate; arranges for periodic staff training.
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Conservation Report Card: Coordinates the development of the annual legislative Report Card, including drafting vote descriptions, identifying potential votes and developing and formatting vote data;
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Reports: Assists the Vice President for Government Relations in coordinating and editing department reports.
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Some travel required for the position.
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Performs all other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline
Experience: 1 year of relevant experience (2+ years of experience preferred)
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Coordinator, Government Relations
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Ability to understand and communicate about complex federal environmental policy issues and the federal legislative and administrative process.
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Ability to collaborate with others to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
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Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, the U.S. Congress and how it functions.
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Be an energetic, enthusiastic, and committed advocate for Defenders’ programs and for expanding Defenders' membership.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Activities
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
O
Communicating with others to exchange information.
C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
C
Environmental Conditions
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
X
Physical Demands
Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Visit www.defenders.org to apply.
All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please be advised this position is union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.
