Jobs

Federal Government Affairs Manager

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has an opening for a Federal Government Affairs Manager to assist the federal government affairs director in developing and implementing the Society’s federal government affairs programs and in representing and advocating ASLA’s interests with external audiences, including Congress, federal agencies, and other organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manages federal legislative and regulatory issues as assigned, including water infrastructure and management, green infrastructure, national parks and federal lands, community design and resilience.
• Researches, drafts, and provides timely updates on federal legislative and regulatory issues important to the profession.
• Manages partnerships and relationships with coalitions, allied and related organizations, including other design professions and industry groups.
• With Government Affairs team, coordinates and issues grassroots communications on federal legislative issues through the ASLA iAdvocate Network and other grassroots tools.
• Supports the federal government affairs director in staffing the Government Affairs Advisory Committee, a member volunteer advisory committee.
• Manages and coordinates efforts for ASLA’s annual advocacy day program.
• With the Government Affairs Coordinator, updates and maintains government affairs web pages to ensure timely, accurate information.
• Assists the federal government affairs director as needed in advancing ASLA federal legislative/regulatory goals.

Preferred Background/Experience

Education: BA degree in political science, public policy, communication, or related field; graduate degree a plus.

Skills: Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent organizational skills, good judgment, and attention to detail. Ability to balance heavy workload with short- and long-term project deadlines, address changing priorities, and work well under pressure. Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications required; experience with grassroots engagement tools and legislative tracking services helpful. Knowledge of federal government processes and lobbying strategies. Ability to work with membership committees and volunteer leadership. Strong consensus-building and facilitation skills.

Experience: Five-to-seven years’ experience in federal government affairs or in congressional office, with emphasis on advocacy and congressional and agency relations; knowledge of landscape architecture and/or the planning, design, and construction industry a plus.

Policy Formation: Provides counsel on policy and priority setting for federal government affairs programs.

Planning: Contributes to the development of government affairs operating plans, budgets, and short- and long-term goals to the extent required in carrying out the duties of this position.

How to Apply

Please send resume and at least 2 writing samples to HRGA@asla.org.

Work Environment, Culture, and Values

ASLA’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship of the land is reflected in the organizational culture and values and in the work environment. The organization embraces the “Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence” – a leadership and performance management framework. ASLA values are dedication, excellence, integrity, leadership, and stewardship. The ASLA culture is collaborative, member-focused, accountable, responsible, and volunteer-supported.

The work environment is a four-story recently redesigned building with LEED Platinum and WELL Building certifications. The building is Energy Star certified and uses 100 percent renewable wind energy.

The building is located one-and-a-half blocks from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station serving the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines.

ASLA is recognized as a Best Workplace for Commuters and as one of the Washington region’s Healthiest Employers.