Government Relations Manager

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Life and disability insurance

Commuter benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Clean Wisconsin seeks a Government Relations Manager to advance policy objectives in Wisconsin, engaging with legislators, agencies, and officials. The role includes drafting testimony, coordinating with communications, and building strategic relationships to win campaigns.

We value diversity, equity and inclusion, and offer a benefits package including health/dental insurance, a 403(b) with 6% match, life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Intimate knowledge of policy campaigns with Wisconsin experience preferred.
• Ability and willingness to talk to reporters.
• Experience centering advocacy priorities of affected communities.
• Excellent writing, oral communication and listening skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a nonprofit/government setting.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Report to and collaborate with the Director to develop a legislative and policy agenda.
• Advance priorities and campaigns at state, federal and local levels.
• Draft comments and testimony for delivery by leadership.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with legislators, administrators, and the governor’s office.
• Represent Clean Wisconsin in coalitions and media opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver testimony at hearings and briefings.
• Support reporting to ethics and campaign finance systems.

Skills

Policy campaigns

Talks with reporters

Writing & oral communication

Multitasking & prioritization

Non-profit/government leadership

Education

College degree in political science, environmental studies, public health, law, or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join a team of passionate advocates and experts who are committed to protecting Wisconsin’s vital natural resources and building a clean, sustainable, and equitable future for everyone in our state. Clean Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeking a motivated Government Relations Manager.

The Government Relations Manager is a full-time position reporting to the Government Relations Director. The Manager engages with legislators and their staff, administrative agencies, and other government officials to advance Clean Wisconsin’s policy objectives. The Manager provides oral and written testimony and comments on policy proposals and occasionally speaks with reporters and media outlets with the support of Clean Wisconsin’s communications department. The Manager will also work with the Director and other staff to develop and execute strategies to achieve meaningful policy victories.

Clean Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our work and in our hiring practices. We value a team with different perspectives, educational backgrounds, and life experiences, and we prioritize diversity within our team. If you have any doubt about whether you might be qualified for this position and you think you have something special to contribute, we encourage you to apply. Please also see our statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Report to and collaborate with the Director to develop a legislative and policy agenda.
• Collaborate with the Director and other staff to advance the organization’s legislative and policy priorities and campaigns at the state, federal and sometimes local levels.
• Draft comments and testimony for the Director or appropriate staff to deliver.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with members of relevant legislative committees and legislative leadership, with administrative officials, and in the governor’s office.
• Cultivate relationships with key local leaders to further campaign goals in coordination with program staff.
• Cultivate relationships with staff and elected members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation.
• Represent Clean Wisconsin in calls and meetings with national, regional and state coalitions and partnerships.
• Communicate Clean Wisconsin’s policy interests to legislators prior to and during the session.
• Prepare and deliver testimony at hearings before the legislature, administrative agencies, and other relevant bodies.
• Develop relationships with reporters and media outlets to increase Clean Wisconsin’s opportunities for earned media.
• Assist the Director in managing reporting to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission and Campaign Finance Information System.
• Assist the Director in properly recording Clean Wisconsin’s federal lobby time and expenses for reporting on IRS Form 990 if necessary.
• Work closely with Clean Wisconsin’s communications department to engage and educate Clean Wisconsin’s members, the media, and the public to advance policy goals, including action alerts and social media.
• Promote the organization at speaking engagements, fundraising events, and other venues.
• Interface with other environmental organizations—especially with their government-relations staff.

Required Skills and Experience

• Intimate knowledge of policy campaigns and how to achieve success. Experience working in the Wisconsin state legislature or executive branch in Wisconsin is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to talk to reporters
• Experience in working with and centering the advocacy priorities of affected communities
• Excellent writing, oral communication and listening skills
• Ability to perform in a multi-task environment and to prioritize work requirements; ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a long-term vision
• Flexibility and creativity
• Ability to interact effectively, appropriately, and compassionately with staff and colleagues
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
• College degree in political science, environmental studies, public health, law, or equivalent work or education-related experience
• Sense of humor
• Management or leadership experience with a non-profit organization, state government office or political campaign. A minimum of two years of such experience is preferred.
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position. An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Traits

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Discretion and sound judgment.
• Commitment to accuracy
• Flexibility and creativity.
• Sense of humor.

Required Education

College degree in political science, environmental studies, public health, law, or equivalent work or education-related experience.

Salary range for the position is $65,000-$82,000, commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, and paid time off and holidays.