Government Relations Manager

About the role

Clean Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeking a motivated Government Relations Manager. This full-time position reports 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, provides oral and written testimony and comments on policy proposals, and occasionally speaks with reporters and media outlets with the support of the communications department. The Manager also works with the Director and other staff to develop and execute strategies to achieve meaningful policy victories.

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.

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.

Pay

Salary range: $65,000–$82,000, commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match
• Life and disability insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Paid time off and holidays