Director of Government Relations

We seek a motivated, highly skilled government relations professional to develop and lead Public Lands Alliance’s (PLA) government relations strategies with Congress and federal agencies. You will enrich America’s public lands by advancing policies that empower and expand partnerships between land management agencies and nonprofit organizations. The programs, services, volunteerism, and philanthropic support generated by nonprofit public lands partners are essential to ensuring parks, forests, and wildlife refuges are protected and conserved for future generations.

You will report to our CEO, work closely with the Government Relations Committee of the PLA Board of Directors, and build and sustain relationships across the political spectrum. You will plan, coordinate, and implement effective strategies to achieve legislative success on Capitol Hill and inform policy decisions with land management agency leadership. You will regularly engage with PLA member organizations – the nonprofit partners of America’s public lands – to enhance their capacity to advocate for their site-specific initiatives.

What You Can Expect in This Role

You will:

Create, execute, and evaluate PLA’s government relations strategy (50%)

· Collaborate with the PLA Board of Directors, membership, and CEO to create an advocacy agenda that strengthens public lands and their partnerships.

· Develop relationships with Capitol Hill staff members from all backgrounds and with key Administration staff and leadership, most frequently in the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.

· Proactively engage with PLA board directors and member organization leadership with respect to congressional meetings, legislative and policy proposals, and information-sharing/fact-finding efforts.

· Understand and assess policies related to public lands and their potential impact on PLA objectives and our membership.

· Draft testimony or positions for PLA to submit to Congress or federal agencies, as well as public comments in response to federal agency proposals. Research and prepare briefs on legislative issues and on policy development.

· Build national partnerships and engage in coalitions focused on public lands and relevant conservation activities.

Manage government relations events and activities (20%)

· Manage and execute public-facing events on and off Capitol Hill, such as fly-ins, congressional staff trips, briefings and regional partnership events. Coordinate related meetings, background materials, fact sheets, and related items.

· Disseminate PLA program updates and other deliverables to congressional offices and policy makers on a consistent basis.

· Provide support to the CEO and Board of Directors, including scheduling and compiling materials for Congressional and federal agency meetings.

Support advocacy efforts of PLA member organizations (30%)

· Proactively work with PLA’s education program manager and marketing and development team to build government relations capacity within PLA member organizations through meetings, training opportunities, and events.

· Help to prepare member leaders in government relations and advocacy-related activities to advance their unique policy and legislative goals.

· Routinely distribute pertinent information to the PLA membership regarding Congressional and federal agency activities, oftentimes translating complex topics into understandable, actionable language.

Your Knowledge and Expertise

You will need:

· Minimum of 3 years serving in government relations position(s) and a thorough understanding of political advocacy. Experience working on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, and/or with a national nongovernmental organization is preferred.

· Proven track record of effectively working with elected officials, policy makers, and key staff to inform, educate, and persuade. Working knowledge of public lands legislation, policy and issues, a plus.

· Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including a demonstrated ability to translate complex policies succinctly and clearly.

· Effective project and event management skills.

· Knowledge of lobbying and nonprofit laws and regulations.

· Strong problem-solving skills and careful attention to detail.

· Adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing conditions; tolerance for adversity and uncertainty.

Working at the Public Lands Alliance

PLA is a fully remote national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization staffed by eight full-time positions and several contracted consultants. The successful candidate should be based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to participate in regular Capitol Hill and federal agency visits and events. Travel outside the DC area will consume approximately 15% of your time and include participation in our annual convention, staff and board meetings and other regional travel as needed.

PLA offers a comprehensive benefits package that addresses:

· Health and work-life balance. You will have access to medical, vision, and dental insurance, as well as competitive leave policies and 11 paid annual holidays.

· Investments in you. You will have access to a 403(b) retirement plan immediately, with employer contributions after one year of service. PLA supports professional development opportunities for its staff including membership with applicable professional societies.

· Tech support. You will be provided a laptop, as well as partial reimbursement for your monthly home internet/phone expenses.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience and skills. PLA will hire at the salary posted and will not make an offer outside this range. For more information about our organization, visit www.publiclandsalliance.org.

How to Apply

Send a resume and a compelling letter of introduction to [email protected] with “Government Relations” in the subject line.

Submissions received by May 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Submissions will be accepted until the position is filled.