Senior Director of Government Relations

About the role

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is seeking a Sr. Director of Government Relations to develop and execute the Foundation's federal government relations strategy. This role serves as NFF's principal liaison with Congress, the Administration, and other federal policymakers, helping to position NFF as the trusted nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement NFF's comprehensive federal government relations strategy.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Members of Congress, congressional committees, federal agencies, and Administration officials.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting National Forests, conservation funding, recreation, wildfire resilience, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit stewardship organizations.
• Identify opportunities to advance NFF's strategic priorities through legislation, appropriations, and executive actions.
• Coordinate congressional outreach, briefings, site visits, and events that demonstrate NFF's impact.
• Help lead NFF’s annual congressional fly-in with the Board of Directors, Ambassador Council and partners.
• Serve as the Foundation's internal advisor on federal policy and political developments.
• Engage and collaborate closely with external government affairs consultants, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's legislative priorities and organizational objectives.
• Develop policy positions, talking points, testimony, issue briefs, and other advocacy materials.
• Support leadership engagement with congressional offices, federal agencies, and national coalitions.
• Ensure all advocacy activities comply with applicable laws governing nonprofit organizations.
• Strengthen relationships with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of Management and Budget, the Council on Environmental Quality, and other relevant federal agencies.
• Represent NFF within national conservation coalitions and partnership networks.
• Identify opportunities to leverage bipartisan support for public-private partnerships and philanthropic investment in National Forests.
• Prepare the President & CEO, Chief Conservation Officer, Board of Directors and Ambassador Council members for congressional meetings, hearings, and policy engagements.
• Develop strategic messaging and briefing materials for senior leadership.
• Cookordination government affairs priorities across the Foundation's Executive Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, political science, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in federal government relations, congressional affairs, public policy, or legislative strategy.
• Demonstrated experience working with Congress, federal agencies, and senior executive leadership.
• A broad understanding of natural resource issues facing U.S. National Forests and Grasslands.
• A strong understanding of the federal appropriations process, authorization legislation, and executive branch policymaking.
• Experience in conservation, natural resources, public lands, agriculture, infrastructure, or nonprofit advocacy is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build bipartisan relationships and navigate complex political environments.

Abilities and Skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build a new function from the ground up.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional political judgment.
• Outstanding relationship builder with credibility across political parties and stakeholder groups.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong executive presence and ability to represent the Foundation with senior government officials.
• Collaborative leadership style that works effectively across departments.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and commitment to nonpartisan engagement.

Location

The position is located in Washington, DC. Applicants must be able to travel approximately 25% of their time. This position may work occasionally from-home and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation and Benefits

NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $140,000 to $157,500, with the ability to grow to $175,000 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually. Benefits include:

• Health and wellness insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.
• Financial wellbeing 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
• Whole life insurance at a discounted rate.
• Flexibility and time off.

To Apply

Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Position is open until filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online. The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, we prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly.