Associate Director, Government Affairs

Location

Washington, DC

Reports to

Director of Government Affairs

Coordinates with

Government Affairs, Policy and Communications, Private Sector and Campaign staff. In addition, coordinates with and represents Oxfam America in the Congress, with other non-profit organizations and associations, and Federal government executives.

Purpose of position

The Associate Director for Government Affairs helps direct the development and implementation of strategies affecting Congress and legislative process and the activities of federal departments and agencies to ensure that Oxfam America’s goals and objectives are met.

Primary responsibilities

• Provides leadership and guidance on policy matters of concern of concerns to Oxfam America before the Congress and within the executive branch of the US government.
• Helps manage the day-to-day activities of staff in the Policy department including coordination of staff working on legislative and executive activities.
• Assists policy teams in developing their congressional and executive branch strategies and work plans.
• Oversees and, as necessary, delivers Oxfam America’s congressional testimony.
• Develops opportunities for Oxfam America to testify before the Congress.
• Arranges and coordinates meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs and with Departmental, agency, and other executive branch officials.
• Monitors relations with the Congress and the executive branch.
• Develops a work plan and budget for Oxfam America’s government affairs activities.
• Works with the DC Office Manager to ensure compliance with federal lobbying rules.
• Monitors and coordinates the governmental affairs work among the policy teams.
• Works closely with communications and campaigns directors to target congressional work around the country.
• Coordinates advocacy and communications work with e-advocacy team.
• Represents Oxfam America at ally and partner meetings and events.
• As required, acts as an Oxfam media spokesperson on government affairs issues.
• Works with the Director of Research to ensure that the research program is coordinated with and supportive of Oxfam America’s government affairs efforts.

Expectations for the position

• The incumbent will develop positive working relationships with Oxfam’s allies and partners around Oxfam’s goals and priorities.
• S/he will represent Oxfam at numerous congressional and executive branch functions.
• S/he will be a visible leader and spokesperson for Oxfam’s legislative agenda.
• S/he will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work, will perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

Required

Education: Masters degree in a related field

Experience and core competencies

• At least 6-8 years related work experience, including 3-5 years recent Hill experience.
• Exceptional knowledge and experience with the Congressional legislative process and knowledge and experience working with federal departments and agencies.
• Experience working at senior levels at advocacy organizations, think tanks, and external consultants.
• High level of communications skill and excellent public speaking ability required.
• Strong professional writing skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead teams.
• Experience in problem solving and strategic thinking.
• Comfortable working in teams and collaborating with others from diverse perspectives.
• Project and people management skills.
• Knowledge of field campaign operations.

Preferred

• Knowledge of the field of international development and human rights.