VP of Government and Public Affairs

About the Role

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is seeking a Vice President of Government and Public Affairs to lead the Aquarium’s government and public affairs strategy. This role will strengthen long-term public-sector partnerships and investment, supporting the Aquarium’s mission, growth, and regional impact. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President will serve as a member of the executive leadership team, leading government and public affairs related to the Aquarium as an institution, including public funding, civic partnerships, capital investment, and government relationships.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy in consultation with Aquarium executives, key staff, and lobbying team.
• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to the President/CEO and the board on government affairs, public investment, civic relationships, and emerging opportunities or risks.
• Lead a team of professionals responsible for designing and executing the Aquarium’s government affairs strategy.
• Align activities of the Government Affairs team to the Aquarium’s strategic plan, objectives, and annual work plans.
• Direct and manage projects and strategic initiatives from idea through implementation.
• Facilitate strategic collaborative projects among key members across the Aquarium and with external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison to elected officials at all levels.
• Oversee the development of materials supporting major institutional strategic initiatives and the government relations agenda.
• Participate in task forces, strategic initiatives, and collaboration opportunities with other departments.
• Research, pursue, and organize public funding sources and program resources to support the Aquarium’s work.
• Build coalitions of civic, community, nonprofit, business, and government partners to advance shared priorities.
• Manage outside lobbyist relationships.
• Provide briefings and updates to the Board of Directors on government funding initiatives and relationships.
• Support Board members in engaging with civic and government partners when beneficial to organizational priorities.
• Integrate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices into work, aligning with the Aquarium’s S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.
• Meet leadership expectations, including leading by example, mission/vision alignment, accountability, communication, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Expert understanding of local and regional government with a proven track record of developing relationships with elected officials, government staff, agencies, and civic partners.
• Experience with City of Seattle and/or King County government is highly valued.
• Ability to contribute as part of a collaborative executive leadership team.
• Exceptional ability to build and work with teams and develop relationships across all organizational levels.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced nonprofit environment with limited resources and tight deadlines.
• Strong presentation, verbal, writing, and editing skills.

Requirements

• B.S./B.A. degree in political science, communications, public relations, business, or related field (experience may substitute for degree).
• Minimum of 10 years of increasingly senior experience in government affairs, public affairs, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing public funding strategies (operating support, capital appropriations, levies, grants, etc.).
• Knowledge of local politics and experience working across various levels of government.
• Ability to manage diverse stakeholders and achieve expected outcomes.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with proficiency in office technologies.

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of capital campaigns and public/private partnerships.
• Experience with nonprofit and/or fundraising campaigns.

Pay

$180,000 - $210,000 per year, dependent on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer-funded health reimbursement account.
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• 403b retirement fund with employer match.
• Subsidized ORCA pass and Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership.
• Generous paid time off.