Government Affairs Manager - Water and Environment

American Public Works Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-hybrid work schedules

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Insurance coverage

Job summary

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is seeking a Government Affairs Manager in Washington, DC to lead advocacy efforts and policy initiatives for water resources, waste management, sustainability, and other public works issues affecting members nationwide.

You will represent APWA before Congress and federal agencies, shape public policy priorities, and engage with coalition partners to advance APWA's positions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Legislative Affairs, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Seven+ years of relevant professional experience or equivalent.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with staff, volunteers, policymakers, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex legislative and regulatory issues.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments impacting public works.
• Develop and advance advocacy strategies on priority issues.
• Engage with congressional offices, federal agencies, and coalition partners to promote APWA's policy positions.
• Create opportunities for member involvement in advocacy efforts, including congressional meetings and testimony.
• Collaborate with members and staff to develop policy statements, position papers, and advocacy materials.
• Prepare articles, briefings, reports, and updates on legislative and regulatory activity.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Public policy understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science/Public Administration/Public Policy/Environmental Science or related field

Job description

Description

The American Public Works Association (APWA) serves and supports public works professionals through advocacy, education, professional development, and networking opportunities. APWA is dedicated to advancing quality public works services that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

We are seeking a Government Affairs Manager to join our Government Affairs team in Washington, D.C. This role will lead advocacy efforts and policy initiatives related to water resources, solid waste, environmental management, sustainability, and other key public works issues affecting our members and the communities they serve.

About the Role

As Government Affairs Manager, you will serve as a key advocate for APWA and the public works profession. You will represent the association before Congress, federal agencies, coalition partners, and industry organizations while helping shape and advance public policy priorities that support public works professionals nationwide.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring, analyzing, and responding to legislative and regulatory developments impacting public works
• Developing and advancing advocacy strategies on priority issues
• Engaging with congressional offices, federal agencies, and coalition partners to promote APWA's policy positions
• Creating opportunities for member involvement in advocacy efforts, including congressional meetings and testimony opportunities
• Collaborating with members and staff to develop policy statements, position papers, and advocacy materials
• Preparing articles, briefings, reports, and updates on legislative and regulatory activitySupporting APWA's overall government affairs objectives and strategic priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Legislative Affairs, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Seven or more years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, policymakers, and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex legislative and regulatory issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on Capitol Hill, in a government affairs office, trade association, or advocacy organization
• Knowledge of environmental, infrastructure, public works, or sustainability-related policy issues
• Experience developing and implementing advocacy campaigns and coalition-building efforts

Why APWA?

APWA is proud to be a people-centric workplace, with a key focus on flexibility and work-life balance. We offer remote-hybrid work schedules, 15 days each of paid vacation and family medical leave, 11 paid holidays and the opportunity to have a flexible schedule with alternate Fridays off. We also offer excellent and affordable insurance coverage as well as matching retirement contributions. APWA invests in ongoing growth through employee professional and continuing education opportunities.?

We’re proud of the work we do because our work matters. Every role at APWA contributes to advancing the quality of life for others as we support those who operate, improve, and maintain public works and infrastructure. As we serve over 30,000 members (and counting!) across North America, we’re always looking for motivated and inspiring people to join us. We can found at www.apwa.org.

APWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.