Manager, Federal Government Affairs – Water Infrastructure

Landscape Architects, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic advocate to drive federal government affairs initiatives. In this role, you will engage with Congress and federal agencies to promote critical issues affecting landscape architects. Your responsibilities will include drafting legislation, managing grassroots communications, and cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders. This position offers a hybrid work option, allowing you to balance office presence with flexibility. Join a team committed to advancing the interests of landscape architects and making a meaningful impact in the community.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Plan with Employer Match

Paid Holidays (11 per year)

Company-Paid STD & LTD

Qualifications

• 4+ years in federal government affairs or congressional office.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Researches and responds to federal legislative issues.
• Establishes relationships with Congress and executive branch members.

Skills

Advocacy

Federal Government Processes

Strong Written Communication

Strong Oral Communication

Political Acumen

Consensus-Building

Education

BA in Political Science

Graduate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Grassroots Engagement Tools (VoterVoice)

Legislative Tracking Services

Job description

Nature of the Position: Assists the Managing Director, Government Affairs in developing and implementing ASLA's federal government affairs programs, and to represent and advocate for ASLA's interests with Congress, federal agencies, coalitions, and other organizations. Manages and oversees critical issues that advance the work of landscape architects, including water and stormwater management projects, green infrastructure/nature-based solutions, and community and national parks and federal lands.

Responsibilities:

• Researches, tracks, responds to, and provides timely updates on federal legislative and regulatory issues, related to water infrastructure, green infrastructure/nature-based solutions, and community and national parks and federal lands.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with members of Congress, congressional committees and their staff, and members and staff of the executive branch with jurisdiction over assigned issues.
• Drafts legislation, testimony, and amendments, and engages with partners and coalitions to find champions in Congress to introduce language and works to pass it.
• Researches and drafts comments for proposed rules, administrative proceedings, and other regulatory actions for assigned issue areas.
• Cultivates and manages partnerships and relationships with coalitions, allied and related organizations—including other design professions—and industry groups.
• In collaboration with the Government Affairs team, coordinates, and issues grassroots communications on federal legislative issues through the ASLA iAdvocate Network (Voter Voice) and other grassroots tools.
• Manages and coordinates efforts for ASLA's biennial federal advocacy day program.
• Coordinates with the Communications & Marketing teams on statements, quotes, and other messaging related to federal government affairs issues.
• In collaboration with the Government Affairs Coordinator, updates and maintains government affairs web pages to ensure timely, accurate information.
• Presents and participates in panels at internal and external conferences, on webinars, and other events.
• Upholds the ASLA values and culture. Adheres to the ASLA policy on Standards and Conduct and all other administrative and management policies.
• Performs related other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BA in Political Science, Public Policy, Communication, or related field; graduate degree a plus.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in federal government affairs or in congressional office, with emphasis on advocacy and congressional and agency relations.
• Knowledge of federal government processes and lobbying strategies.
• Strong written and oral communications skills, with an emphasis on drafting and editing well-written, persuasive documents are required.
• Strong political acumen, and the ability to be effective with members of both political parties.
• Knowledge of water management, green infrastructure/nature-based solutions, parks and recreation, and community development issues is helpful.
• Ability to work with ASLA Government Affairs committees and volunteer leadership.
• Strong consensus-building and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of landscape architecture and/or the planning, design, and construction industry a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, grassroots engagement tools (i.e. VoterVoice) and legislative tracking services helpful.
• Excellent organizational skills, quality control, and attention to detail.

ASLA offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, vision insurance, company-paid STD & LTD, 401k plan with employer match and celebrates 11 paid holidays per year.

This position is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid option of two days a week in the office.

Flexible work from home options available.