Director of Government Relations

Civil Air Patrol, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement savings with 401(k) match

Job summary

Civil Air Patrol is seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead the federal legislative and funding strategy, securing CAP’s authorization and appropriations priorities. You will manage relations with Congress, relevant committees, and federal agencies while guiding a team of staff and volunteers.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, policy advocacy, and cross-functional collaboration in a mission-driven organization with remote work eligibility.

Qualifications

• Exceptional analytical, research, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Experience developing and advancing federal priorities and outcomes.
• Experience working with members of Congress and staff; preferred exposure to defense committees.

Responsibilities

• Lead CAP's federal authorization and appropriations strategy from end to end.
• Manage engagement with Congress, committees, and federal agencies to advance CAP priorities.
• Oversee government relations operations, analytics, and reporting to track funding and authorization outcomes.
• Supervise a team of staff and volunteers supporting legislative advocacy capabilities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Oral communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government, law, public administration, business, communications, or related field

Job description

Date Posted September 29, 2026 Expiration Date October 16, 2026 Type Full Time Location Civil Air Patrol
105 S Hansell St Bldg 714
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6332, US Salary Range 155,000 -165,000 per year

Requirements

Job Title:Director of Government Relations
Department:Government Relations
Location:Washington, DC (Remote)
Reports To:Chief Growth Officer
Position Type:Full Time
Typical Hours:40 Hours / Week
Required Travel:Yes, <=10%
Contractor: No
FLSA Status:Exempt
Remote Work Eligible: Yes
Closing Date: 16 October 2026

Join a mission-driven organization that supports Civil Air Patrol’s nationwide operations! We’re seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead Civil Air Patrol's federal legislative and funding strategy, with primary responsibility for securing, protecting, and advancing CAP's federal authorization and appropriations priorities. The Director manages CAP's engagement with Congress, including the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, as well as relevant federal agencies and administration stakeholders.

Salary Range: $155,000 – $165,000 (annually), based on experience and qualifications.

What You’ll Do

Federal Authorization & Appropriations Strategy

Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of CAP's federal government relations strategy, serving as CAP's organizational lead for the end-to-end federal authorization and appropriations cycle to advance annual defense authorization and appropriations objectives aligned with CAP's mission, strategic plan, and Board-approved priorities.

Track and advance federal authorization and appropriations requests through all phases of the legislative process, identifying opportunities to secure favorable bill and committee report language, funding levels, congressional support, and other actions that advance CAP's approved priorities.

Congressional and Stakeholder Engagement

Lead CAP's engagement with members and professional staff of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, congressional leadership, relevant member offices, and other committees and subcommittees affecting CAP's missions, authorities, and federal resources.

Prepare and engage executive leadership, Board members, National Legislative Day participants, volunteers, and subject-matter experts for engagements with members of Congress, congressional and committee staff, federal agency officials, and other government stakeholders.

Government Relations Operations, Analytics, & Administration

Lead CAP’s federal and state government relations strategy, including National Legislative Day, congressional engagement, advocacy priorities, funding and authorization requests, messaging, and outcome tracking to advance organizational objectives.

Establish and track government relations performance metrics, maintaining dashboards, analyses, and executive reporting on authorization and appropriations outcomes, congressional engagement, funding status, stakeholder activity, and advocacy effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises a team of paid and volunteer staff members responsible for providing legislative advocacy capabilities to support CAP’s strategic goals and initiatives in alignment with the mission, vision, and core values.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in political science, public policy, government, law, public administration, business, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.

5+ years of progressively responsible experience in federal government relations, congressional affairs, legislative affairs, appropriations, authorization, public policy, or a closely related field, including experience leading complex federal legislative or funding initiatives.

Demonstrated success developing and advancing federal appropriations, authorization, legislative, or policy priorities and achieving measurable outcomes, such as securing or protecting federal funding or advancing favorable legislative or committee report language.

Experience working with members of Congress, congressional staff, professional committee staff, federal agency officials, or senior military and civilian leaders; direct experience with the House or Senate Armed Services Committees or the House or Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense is preferred.

Exceptional analytical, research, writing, and oral communication skills, including experience preparing congressional submissions, funding justifications, programmatic requests, legislative or committee report language, testimony, policy memoranda, executive briefings, white papers, talking points, and presentations.

Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, lead cross-functional initiatives, supervise staff, manage multiple time-sensitive priorities, and exercise sound judgment, discretion, integrity, political acumen, and nonpartisan professionalism.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with ability to meet short deadlines.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

Valid driver's license. Ability to obtain a security clearance, if requested.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Impact a national organization dedicated to serving our communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

Enjoy flexibility with remote work eligibility.

Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth

Comprehensive Health Coverage:

Medical, dental, and vision plans.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

Health and dependent care.

Retirement Savings:

401(k) with employer match.

Paid Time Off:

Generous vacation, sick and personal leave, and holidays.

Professional Development:

Training programs and certification support.

Life Insurance:

Employer-paid coverage.

Supplemental Insurance:

Disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.

Flexible Work Options:

Remote work eligibility and family-friendly policies.

Why Work for Civil Air Patrol

At Civil Air Patrol (CAP), you are joining a mission-driven national organization working to save lives, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation of leaders. As the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP blends