Director, Government Affairs

General Purpose of the Position

We are seeking a Director of Government Relations to join our Public Affairs Advocacy Team. As a part of the team, you will maintain effective outreach with designated policymakers, federal agencies, stakeholder organizations, and coalitions involved with issue related programs. Ensure client policies and positions are brought to the attention of appropriate government officials and related associations and coalitions.

As the government affairs lead for multiple accounts, this individual will provide client services within one of Kellen’s vertical markets. Additionally, this individual will support Executive Directors and their staff teams for several clients within the portfolio. They will serve as the go-to expert on government affairs, overseeing day-to-day advocacy agenda execution and offering strategic guidance as needed.

Please do not respond to this job posting unless you are located within commuting distance from our Washington DC office in the National Press Building.

Essential Functions

• Manage regulatory and government affairs issue scope, including development of advocacy outreach plans and leading working groups and committees for multiple association clients, managing tasks, addressing specific industry issues, and ‎working with internal teams or client members to influence policy. Experience with food, science and nutrition issues ideal. ‎
• Manage relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders, including appropriate administration officials and professional organizations in Washington to promote government affairs and regulatory agenda.
• Attend public policy or congressional hearings, briefings, coalition meetings, and other events to represent association ‎clients and develop or circulate reports. ‎
• Identify and analyze emerging issues in proposed federal policy, including priority client advocacy objectives.
• Develop accurate comment letters influencing policies, based on analysis of current and proposed regulations, ensuring comments are incorporated to policies.
• Build relationships with external organizations including identifying potential stakeholders or organizing conference participants and speakers.
• Communicate frequently with clients and internal team to meet deadlines and recommend actions as needed.
• May include other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required
• 10+ years’ experience working in Congress, Federal agencies, consulting firms, trade associations or specialty societies on federal government issues.
• Strong expertise regarding federal policy is strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills crucial for success, including relationship building and maintenance skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills.
• General understanding of current domestic affairs and their political implications.

Working at Kellen

This role is based in Kellen’s Washington, D.C., office located in the historic National Press Building. Kellen employees enjoy competitive compensation and full benefits packages including 12 U.S. holidays plus accrued PTO, retirement plans with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules, and much more. The successful candidate will join a collegial, diverse and friendly atmosphere of communications, management and public affairs professionals working hard to turn our client missions into reality. For more information, visit kellencompany.com.

Hybrid Work

We are currently working in the physical office every Tuesday. Beginning in January 2023, employees will be required to work in the office every Tuesday and Wednesday with no plans for additional days in the future.

Kellen EEO Statement

Kellen does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline. In addition, it is the policy of Kellen to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances where a particular employee works.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Consistent with Kellen’s mandatory vaccination policy, your commencement of employment is contingent upon you providing proof that you have been fully vaccinated on your first day of employment with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccination. Any medical information we receive will be kept confidential in accordance with applicable law. Requests for a reasonable accommodation for exemption from this policy due to medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs will be subject to review by our People & Culture Department.