Director, State Government Affairs
American SocietyWashington, District of Columbia
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.1
Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.
We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.
Job Description
Nature of the Position: Develops and oversees progress of licensure and state public policy issues important to landscape architects and the profession, and recommends and implements strategies and tactics regarding the execution of the Society’s licensure, state policy, and advocacy efforts. Expands the Society's voice by representing and executing ASLA's interests, through advocacy, education, and engagement at the state and local levels.
Responsibilities
- Provides oversight and direction for department staff and contract support services related to licensure and state advocacy.
- Serves as one of ASLA’s lead spokesperson on licensure and state government affairs issues.
- Works with ASLA leadership including staff, elected officers, board members, chapters, and committees to identify issues and set priorities for licensure and state advocacy.
- Identifies priorities, issues, and opportunities related to the strategic plan and execute programs and activities to further the licensure and state-focused goals.
- Identifies and assists state Chapter efforts to influence and drive legislative, regulatory, and policy goals related to the profession, with an emphasis on licensure issues.
- Guides the overall monitoring, review, and analysis of relevant state legislative activities, policies, and initiatives and identifies trends and opportunities.
- Leads and guides drafting of position statements, letters, comments, guidance, publications, and other resources to support and communicate ASLA's licensure and state advocacy issues and goals.
- Establishes and maintains relationships, partnerships, and coalitions with state regulatory, legislative, landscape architecture, and other relevant associations.
- Represents ASLA on national organizations, associations, and workgroups that further ASLA's licensure and state public policy efforts.
- Testifies or presents on behalf of ASLA at appropriate external hearings and meetings.
- Provides regular communications and updates on legislative and regulatory issues of concern for the leadership and general membership.
- Coordinates department internal and external communications.
- Supports the VP of Government Affairs. Leads, directs, and coordinates the work of the Licensure Committee, LARE Prep Committee, and Policy Committee. Participates in other special study groups, task forces, and/or representatives as needed.
- Serves as an advocate for members and member services. Provides support to the BOT and all other members as needed.
- Develops and manages the state advocacy work plan, products, and initiatives of the state government affairs staff team.
- Develops and manages assigned budgets.
- Contributes to projects and initiatives with the Senior Leadership and Government Affairs teams, and others to positively impact the long-term viability and success of the organization.
- Upholds the ASLA values and culture. Adheres to the ASLA policy on Standards and Conduct and all other administrative and management policies.
- Performs related other duties as assigned.
Preferred Background/Experience
- BA degree in political science, public policy, communication, or related field; Graduate degree preferred.
- Minimum ten years’ experience in government relations with broad knowledge of state government legislative processes; budget management and supervisory experience a plus.
- In-depth knowledge of government processes and lobbying strategies. Ability to work with committees and volunteer leadership. Strong consensus-building and facilitation skills.
- Knowledge of landscape architecture-related issues, including licensure, livable communities, transportation and land use policies, and other environmental and small-business issues a plus.
- Proficiency in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
- Excellent organizational skills, good judgment, and attention to detail.
- Ability to balance heavy workload with short- and long-term project deadlines, address changing priorities, and work well under pressure. Microsoft Office computer applications.
Flexible work from home options available.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 82 student chapters. The Society has a staff of 42 and annual revenues of $12.9 million.Landscape architects plan livable communities that foster active lifestyles, design parks and streets that manage stormwater runoff, plan cutting-edge transportation corridors that are safe for all users, and help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.Landscape architecture includes commercial developments, streetscapes, green roofs, parks, civic spaces, memorials, and residential communities, as well as large-scale land planning and design to protect watersheds, coastlines, and ecosystems. The Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship.
ASLA offers an attractive, competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance; a generous 401(k) plan; a comprehensive wellness program; and flexible schedules. Employees are expected to be in the office 2 days a week - Tuesdays and Wednesdays. All other days are typically remote.
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.