Director, Government Relations (XS-8)

Announcement No:

DCA-05-25

Position:

Director, Government Relations

(XS 8)

Opening Date:

5/14/25

Closing Date:

Continuous

If "Open until filled," First Screening Date:

Continuous

Salary Range:

Grade 8

($106,497 - $159,747)

Agency Location:

1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 800 South, Washington, D.C. 20004

Hybrid Work Available

Tour of Duty:

To Be Determined

Promotion Potential:

No

Area of Consideration:

Open to the Public

Type of Appointment:

Excepted Service

No. of vacancies:

1
(To Be Filled As Grade 7 or 8)

Please note all ODCA staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This position is not a collective bargaining unit.

All applicants must submit (1) an application, (2) a resume (please include salary history), and (3) responses to their critical thinking exercises or writing sample (as applicable).  Critical Thinking Exercise will be sent to applicants upon receipt of the application and resume. Critical Thinking Exercise responses or Writing Sample must be submitted as an “Additional File” in JobVite. Resumes submitted without an application and critical thinking responses will not be considered.  Applications submitted without a resume and critical thinking responses will not be considered.

"Residency Preference Amendment Act of 1988:"

An applicant may claim a hiring preference over a non-resident applicant at the time of application.

To be granted preference, an applicant must: (1) be qualified for the position, (2) submit an application indicating residency preference and (3) submit proof of bona fide District residency, as required, and maintain such bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the date of the appointment or promotion or forfeit the position. To claim preference, complete the following form: https://dchr.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dchr/publication/attachments/Residency_Preference_for_Employment.pdf

Brief Description of Duties:

The Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA) seeks a Director, Government Relations to serve as the agency’s principal liaison with the D.C. Council, directors and staff of Executive Branch agencies, and District of Columbia community organizations with the goal of increasing the impact of the agency’s reports and recommendations. The Director, Government Relations works under the supervision of the Auditor, serves as a member of the ODCA Management Team, and independently plans and carries out assignments.

• Supports leadership in building and maintaining relationships with members and staff of the D.C. Council, representatives of the Executive Branch, and community, business and advocacy organizations with an interest in government policies and practice. 
• Promotes the activities of and increases the awareness of the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA).
• Advocates on behalf of ODCA report recommendations and drafts testimony, issue briefs, and other presentations to advance understanding and acceptance of ODCA recommendations.
• Analyzes District government programs and the annual Financial Plan and Budget and drafts budget briefs on priority issues as assigned.
• Serves in a leadership role in managing ODCA’s Key Performance Indicators and annual performance report and updates KPI standard operating procedures as needed.
• Responsible for the annual recommendation compliance reports including liaison with audited agencies and internal policies and procedures for tracking recommendation compliance using eCase (or other audit software).
• Provides support to leadership on project selection and to the General Counsel on FOIA requests as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

ODCA is an EEO and values work-life balance including options for remote work and virtual meetings. Some travel is required within the District including attendance at community meetings. The position requires a high degree of discretion due to the confidential nature of audit work and managing political relationships.

Educational Requirements:
An advanced degree from an accredited college or university in history, political science, public administration, or another field related to government operations or minimum of nine (9) years of progressive experience performing related duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications/General Experience:

• Demonstrated independence, initiative, and political sensitivity to operate effectively on behalf of the agency.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills sufficient to advise leadership and prepare and present reports
• Knowledge of the District of Columbia and federal governments including legislative processes.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to review, analyze, and draft legislation and identify challenges that may arise from pending legislation.