Jobs

State Government Affairs Manager

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has an opening for a State Government Affairs Manager to assist the federal government affairs director in developing and implementing the Society’s state government affairs programs and in representing and advocating ASLA’s interests with external audiences, including state agencies, legislatures, and other organizations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manages state legislative issues as assigned, including licensure, right to practice, business services tax, and small business issues.
• Researches, analyzes, and reports on current state statutes, proposed legislation, as well as policy, regulatory, and business trends on the state and local level.
• Manages partnerships and relationships with coalitions, allied and related organizations, including other design professions and industry groups.
• With Government Affairs team, issues grassroots communications on state issues through the ASLA iAdvocate Network and other grassroots tools.
• Support the state government director in staffing member volunteer advisory committees, including the Policy Committee and the Licensure and State Advocacy Committee.
• Manages and coordinates the ASLA Advocacy Summit and quarterly Advocacy Web Summits.
• Manages and updates a repository of information and resources (e.g. statistics, new research, case studies, articles, etc.) on issue and program areas.
• With Government Affairs Coordinator, updates and maintains government affairs web pages to ensure timely, accurate information.
• Assists state government affairs director as needed in advancing ASLA state and local legislative/regulatory goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Preferred Background/Experience:

Education: BA degree in political science, public policy, communication, or related field; graduate degree a plus.

Skills: Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 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. Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications required; experience with grassroots engagement tools and legislative tracking services helpful.

Knowledge of state government processes and lobbying strategies. Ability to work with membership committees and volunteer leadership. Strong consensus-building and facilitation skills.

Experience: Five-to-seven years’ experience in state or federal government affairs or in a state or congressional office, with emphasis on advocacy and in legislative, regulatory, and political processes; knowledge of landscape architecture and/or the planning, design, and construction industry a plus.

Policy Formation: Provides counsel on policy and priority setting for state and local government affairs prorams.

Planning: Contributes to the development of government affairs operating plans, budgets, and short- and long-term goals to the extent required in carrying out the duties of this position.
        
How to Apply

Please send resume and at least 2 writing samples to HR@asla.org.

Work Environment, Culture, and Values: ASLA’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship of the land is reflected in the organizational culture and values and in the work environment. The organization embraces the “Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence” – a leadership and performance management framework. ASLA values are dedication, excellence, integrity, leadership, and stewardship. The ASLA culture is collaborative, member-focused, accountable, responsible, and volunteer-supported. The work environment is a four-story recently redesigned building with LEED Platinum and WELL Building certifications. The building is located one-and-a-half blocks from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station serving the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines. ASLA is recognized as a Best Workplace for Commuters and as one of the Washington region’s Healthiest Employers.  The ASLA building is Energy Star certified and uses 100 percent renewable wind energy.