The Director of Government Relations (Director) works to develop, implement, execute and evaluate the long-range public policy and legislative strategy for ACM, its members and the museum field. The Director works directly with members of  Congress, federal agencies, and coalition partners; produces messages and materials to directly engage policymakers and equip museum leaders to engage policymakers; engages museum staff and supporters in calls to action on critical public policy issues; and plays a significant role in participating in the annual Museums Advocacy Day and any other government relations events, directing all elements involving the policy agenda.

The Director is responsible for translating the public policy and legislative strategy into field-wide actionable advocacy agenda to coordinate advocacy activities at the local, state and federal level.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent (i.e. lobby, negotiate, speak for) the museum field before Congress, federal agencies, and related coalitions.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, committees, federal agencies, and policy allies within and beyond the museum field. Identify and advise on key partnerships and strategies, including year-round outreach, participation and visibility strategies.
• Design and implement strategies, events, and tactics to advance the museum field’ legislative and policy agenda with Congress and federal agencies. Strategies and tactics may include but are not limited to: congressional briefings or meetings; congressional testimony; internal briefing notes; issue briefs; website, email, advocacy alert or other digital materials.
• Support the government relations and public policy activities of the President and CEO and executive team; prepare briefing notes, talking points and other materials.
• Staff the President and CEO as needed or necessary, attending panels, events, conference calls, agency council meetings or other events. Identify and advise appropriate speaking opportunities for the President and CEO providing support and preparation as needed.
• Analyze trends and research of the museum field and in public policy to identify opportunities and lead the field’s public policy agenda.
• Create written material, such as congressional testimony, letters, fact sheets, issue briefs, articles, social media content and advocacy alerts on issues on the Alliance’s legislative and public policy agenda. Provide background issue information and legislative updates to the press, working with or through public relations and communications staff, as needed and appropriate.

Travel: Out of state for conferences and industry events 2-4 times per year.

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of congressional procedure, committee structure and process, federal budget process and the larger political landscape
• Understanding of legislative issues that affect museums, including arts and humanities funding, tax policy, education policy and the related federal agencies
• Familiarity with advocacy and lobbying strategies and tactics and platforms

Skills/Abilities:

• Exercise independent judgment requiring considerable knowledge, use and interpretation of Alliance public policy positions
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with key stakeholders
• Encourage, motivate, and sustain the cooperation of others
• Persuasively and succinctly convey museums’ societal value to policymakers of all kinds
• Problem-solve in response to challenging situations and evolving political circumstances
• Compile and organize complex material and prepare reports about the Alliance’s activities for multiple audiences
• Compose correspondence and written materials such as congressional testimony and Alliance position statements
• Manage multiple complex projects individually and as part of a team while meeting deadlines

Education and Experience:

• College degree required. At least 5-7 years of experience in policy advocacy. Some Capitol Hill experience (or equivalent experience) strongly preferred.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to turn ideas and issues into public policy positions and, where appropriate, legislative language
• Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues and outside partners
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong computer skills

About Association of Children's Museums

In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play and exploration with the caring adults in their lives. There are approximately 400 children’s museums around the world, which annually reach more than 31 million visitors. ACM provides leadership, professional development, advocacy and resources for its member organizations and individuals.

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