Careers

Manager, Federal Government Affairs

ASLA seeks talented team members to help the profession achieve its goals. Currently, ASLA is recruiting for a highly motivated Manager, Federal Government Affairs to assist the Director, Federal Government Affairs in developing and implementing ASLA's federal government affairs programs, and to represent and advocate for ASLA's interests with Congress, federal agencies, coalitions, and other organizations. This Manager will manage and oversee critical issues that advance the work of landscape architects, including: water infrastructure, green infrastructure/nature-based solutions, and community and national parks and federal lands. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a congressional office and/or a government affairs office and have a background in and a passion for advocating for issues that help our nation achieve sustainability, resilience, and climate goals.

Responsibilities:

• Researches, tracks, responds to, and provides timely updates on federal legislative and regulatory issues, including water infrastructure, green infrastructure/nature-based solutions, and community and national parks and federal lands.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with members of Congress, congressional committees and their staff, and members and staff of the executive branch with jurisdiction over assigned issues. 
• Drafts legislation and amendments, engages with partners and coalitions to find champions in Congress to introduce language, and works to pass it. 
• Researches and drafts comments for proposed rules, administrative proceedings, and other regulatory actions for assigned issue areas. 
• Manages partnerships and relationships with coalitions, allied and related organizations—including other design professions—and industry groups.
• Manages and coordinates efforts for ASLA's biennial federal advocacy day program. 
• Works with the Government Affairs team to draft and execute grassroots messages using the ASLA iAdvocate Network (Voter Voice) a grassroots advocacy tool. 
• Coordinates with the Communications/Public Relations team on statements, quotes, and other messaging related to federal government affairs issues. 

Qualifications:

• BA in Political Science, Public Policy, Communication, or related field; graduate degree a plus.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in federal government affairs or in congressional office, with emphasis on advocacy and congressional and agency relations.
• Knowledge of federal government processes and lobbying strategies.  
• Strong written and oral communications skills, with an emphasis on drafting and editing well-written, persuasive documents are required. 
• Knowledge of water management, green infrastructure/nature-based solutions, parks and recreation, and community development issues is helpful. 
• Ability to work with ASLA Government Affairs committees and volunteer leadership.  
• Strong consensus-building and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of landscape architecture and/or the planning, design, and construction industry a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, grassroots engagement tools (i.e. VoterVoice) and legislative tracking services helpful.
• Excellent organizational skills, quality control, and attention to detail.

Compensation: $80,000/yr.

Benefits: ASLA offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance (ASLA contributes 100% for employees), vision insurance, company-paid STD & LTD, 401k plan with employer match, and 10 paid holidays each year.

Interested applicants are asked to email a cover letter and resume to HR@asla.org. Please include “Manager, Federal Government Affairs” in the subject line of your email.

ASLA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture. We value the talents our diverse associates bring to the organization and are wholly committed to provide a culture free of discrimination and harassment.  Employment decisions at ASLA are based on business needs and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by laws or regulations.