Arena Careers

Title: Federal Affairs Director

Reports to: Vice President, Government Affairs and Political

Direct reports: Federal Affairs Manager (2)

Hours: full-time, exempt

Location: Washington, DC

Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, GIFFORDS is a nonprofit organization whose team is on a mission to save lives from gun violence. GIFFORDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. People of color, trans individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, women, people with differing abilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

GIFFORDS is seeking a Federal Affairs Director to join our team. The Federal Affairs Director serves as GIFFORDS’ main liaison to Congress and the Administration and sets the strategy for the organization’s work with the federal government. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the work to address America’s epidemic of gun violence and join a growing and high-profile national political movement.

This is a full-time position based in our Washington, DC office. This position will be expected to work in a hybrid model, with some days a week in the office and attending key meetings on Capitol Hill and the rest of the time working remotely. This position will sometimes require work outside a standard 9 to 5 work day, to include evenings and possible weekends.

GIFFORDS employees are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus with limited exemptions as required by federal and state law. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants, no phone calls or emails, please.

Duties + Responsibilities:

• Develop strategy, tactics, and work plans for advancing organization’s gun violence prevention policy priorities at the federal level, including both offensive and defensive goals
• Lead and develop relationships with Congressional offices and Administration through frequent communication with members of Congress, their staff, and Administration officials
• Manage federal affairs staff and outside consultants working to advance federal affairs

advocacy goals

• Represent GIFFORDS to national allied organizations and partners to strengthen relationships, communicate organizational goals, and educate federal stakeholders on gun safety issues
• Monitor legislative developments on an ongoing basis, provide analysis of new information, and support the federal affairs agenda via writing and reviewing talking points, fact sheets, testimony, letters, and reports
• Work with communications staff to develop and approve federal policy content in social media, press releases, statements, and op-eds
• Coordinate execution of federal advocacy plan with other teams; to include the Executive Director and other principals
• Plan and execute Congressional briefings and special events
• Identify and elevate compliance questions and meet all compliance regulations and requirements related to federal lobbying work

Required knowledge, skills + experience

• Minimum of 7 years of full-time work experience on Capitol Hill in a legislative or committee role and/or similar relevant experience in the executive branch
• Demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, including a record of successful offensive and defensive policy advocacy
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with public officials, their staff, and external stakeholders
• Ability to coordinate effectively with allied organizations, build new relationships, and create partnerships
• Ability to design, execute, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage staff; including delegation of duties and providing opportunities for growth
• Strong belief in and commitment to gun violence prevention
• Appreciation for the need to build bipartisan, wide coalitions
• Highly organized; able to work independently and problem solve
• Solutions oriented, creative, and flexible
• Strong interpersonal skills, sense of humor, and ability to work well on a team
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism and an ability to utilize these principles in federal advocacy efforts

Valued non-essential knowledge, skills, + experience

• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Salary + benefits

The salary range for this position is $151,000 - $170,000 annually, with the exact salary depending on years of equivalent experience. Competitive benefits include employer-funded health, dental, and vision insurance; health, transit, and parking flexible spending accounts; 401k plan with 4% employer match; reimbursement for cell phone and monthly wifi stipend; 25 days of PTO annually plus paid week closure at the end of the calendar year; and 10 paid federal holidays.

Applying + the interview process

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter (400 words maximum) that outlines three specific ways that you would be a good fit for this position and clearly demonstrates your awareness of the current legislative and political landscape. Our interview process for this position consists of a phone interview, a panel interview, a meeting with prospective direct reports, a final interview, reference checks, and a background check.

GIFFORDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. People of color, trans individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, women, people with differing abilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.