Job Description

About Us

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) comprises 69,049 volunteers in various career fields, including mechanics, doctors, plumbers, executives, teachers, and retirees. CAP members embody our core values of integrity, volunteerism, excellence, and respect. CAP is also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which align with our core values.

We are your neighbors and co-workers, and we are servant leaders volunteering our time and resources to support our communities with emergency response, aviation and ground services, youth education and development, and the promotion of air, space, and cyber opportunities.

Civil Air Patrol is uniquely positioned as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and an Air Force Auxiliary. We are a Total Force Partner with the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.

We are the only non-profit organization in the United States that combines search and rescue, youth leadership development, and aerospace and cyber education.

Today, our 32,349 cadets and 36,700 adult members serve with passion across 8 Regions and in 52 CAP Wings nationwide, including all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Job Title: Senior Director of Government Relations

Location: Washington, DC/National Capital Region (Hybrid Worker)

Reports to: John W. Desmarais, Sr., Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Salary: $163,000

Status: Exempt

Closing Date: November 27, 2024

The Senior Director of Government Relations (GVR) plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) through strategic engagement with government entities at various levels. This position requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of legislative processes, government funding mechanisms, and effective advocacy strategies. The Senior Director will oversee CAP’s Washington Office and efforts to secure federally allocated dollars, maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and provide leadership in navigating the changing legislative landscape. The Senior Director of Government Relations will be crucial in driving strategic engagement to achieve legislative and funding objectives critical to the organization's mission and success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Government Affairs Strategy:

• Responsible for oversight, planning, and execution of CAP’s comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with CAP’s strategic goals and programmatic needs to secure annual funding.
• Serve as CAP’s Legislative Liaison by promoting CAP’s interests and funding within the U.S. Congress and government, building coalitions, and leading grassroots campaigns to advance its legislative priorities.
• Prepare CAP’s annual legislative agenda including strategies and positions for impending CAP focused legislation for support by CAP leadership and the Board of Governors. Create persuasive arguments and materials to influence favorable outcomes and represent the organization accurately.
• Monitor budget cycles, identify funding opportunities, and advocate for the organization's priorities.
• Maintain a CAP Washington Office and cultivate relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry associations, non-profit, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders or partners within the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Represent and support CAP in high-level meetings, public hearings, and industry forums to advocate for our positions and build influence.
• Serve as a spokesperson and/or position CAP leadership, as appropriate, on government relations matters, articulating our positions effectively to internal/external audiences.
• Provide oversight and support to CAP’s Congressional Squadron, as the primary liaison from the National Staff.

Policy Analysis and Compliance:

• Stay informed about defense policies, regulations, and funding opportunities relevant to the organization's mission and vision.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the national and state level for impact to CAP, analyzing potential implications, and advising senior leadership accordingly.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of proposed legislation and regulatory initiatives, providing expert guidance on strategic responses.
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate and communicate closely with internal and external stakeholders and key leadership to align government relations activities with broader organizational strategies and foster relationships.
• Work closely with the Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Logistics Management Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Diversity Officer, and Chief Growth Officer in support of CAP’s strategic goals, government funding, and relationships/partnerships within the NCR and elsewhere.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on government relations matters.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to government relations staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Work in partnership with the Chief Diversity Officer to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that create a culture of belonging.
• Work with and support the CAP Pentagon Liaison team.

National Legislative Day (NLD) Campaign:

• Develop a comprehensive campaign plan including objectives, timelines, and budgets that informs and educates all of Congress.
• Organize training, workshops, and briefings in support of CAP’s legislative agenda.
• Monitor, support, and ensure the scheduling of every possible Congressional meeting.
• Conduct comprehensive follow-up to every NLD meeting to acknowledge the meeting and assist with any possible support from that office.
• Coordinate and work with the Marketing and Strategic Communications (MAC) Team and other key CAP staff on the annual Report to Congress and other critical NLD documents.

State Government Relations:

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight for state-level government relations activities.
• Work with region and wing Government Relations Advisors to provide advice, support, and training on state and local government relations.
• Support CAP’s volunteer leaders, especially wing commanders, in building and maintaining relationships with state legislators, regulators, and other key decision-makers.

Tracking and Monitoring:

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the federal and state levels.
• Track relevant policy issues, legislation, and regulations affecting the organization's interests, analyze potential impacts, and recommend appropriate responses or advocacy strategies.
• Prepare regular reports, presentations, and briefings for senior leadership on government relations activities and outcomes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and adjust strategies, as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise a team of paid and volunteer staff members responsible for legislative advocacy, which supports CAP’s strategic goals and initiatives and is aligned with its mission, vision, and core values.
• Assist in selecting GVR staff committed to the highest ethical practices and integrity.
• Provide leadership and coaching to the GVR team; empower staff; manage performance, activities, and priorities while fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science and/or related degree or certificate program from an accredited college or university; master’s degree preferred.
• Six + years of relevant experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or a similar role.
• Experience working with Congressional staff and/or committees; experience with the key defense committees (Defense Appropriations and Armed Services) is preferred.
• Experience working at a large non-profit organization, especially with volunteers, is preferred.
• Experience as an aviation professional, aircrew member, and/or CAP volunteer is preferred.
• A track record of successful advocacy, including securing appropriated funds and influencing policy outcomes, is preferred.
• Strong understanding of federal and state legislative processes, budget cycles, and regulatory frameworks. Experience conducting legislative research and analysis is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop rapport and articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a broad scope of audiences.

To apply, visit our website at to complete and submit our required online employment application. A resume and a completed employment application may be submitted via email to employment@capnhq.gov . This position does not offer a relocation package. In this position, Civil Air Patrol offers 401(k) retirement plan, health/dental insurance, paid life insurance, sick/vacation leave, paid holidays, optional short/long term disability, vision, critical insurance, accident insurance, and flexible spending account. Salary: $163,000. Closing date: November 27 , 2024 .

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