Who We Are:

For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping change kids’ perspectives and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential.

Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through young adulthood in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Summary of Opportunity:

The Manager, Government Relations will be a direct report of the Senior Director, Government Relations of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). They will assist in furthering the national office’s federal government relations and advocacy goals to change policies and systems that will benefit the youth served by the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency network nationwide.

Primary responsibilities will include tracking and researching federal legislation, building effective relationships with federal policymakers in Congress and the Administration, supporting the implementation of a new grassroots strategy, supporting the direct lobbying efforts and development of an in-person day on Capitol Hill, and creating advocacy messaging in various communications vehicles that will inform the BBBS network.

Travel: ≤10%

Location: Full-time Remote (Washington DC Metro based)

People Manager: No

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the direct lobbying of BBBSA’s federal policy priorities, especially around our appropriations issues
• Researches, tracks, and analyzes BBBSA federal policy priorities in Congress and provides consistent updates to the Senior Director, Government Relations
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with key Congressional offices
• Provides advocacy related technical assistance to BBBSA affiliates
• Supports the workflow and deliverables of the BBBSA National Leadership Council Advocacy Committee
• Supports the engagement of policymakers in the Administration, especially the Department of Justice
• Researches and tracks potential federal funding opportunities for the BBBS network
• Composes fact sheets and online action alerts on BBBSA’s federal policy priority issues
• Develops and supports advocacy capacity building webinars for the BBBS network
• Writes advocacy updates for BBBSA’s communications vehicles and social media platforms
• Engages effectively with relevant policy groups and coalitions working on policy priorities of mutual concern
• Supports the development and implementation of an in-person day on Capitol Hill
• Manages related and other duties as assigned in support of department and business needs

Culture

• Demonstrates a commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion that reflects BBBSA’s commitment to JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion).
• Champions internal and external culture of the organization focusing on being a JEDI-focused youth empowerment and equity organization.
• Provides consistent follow-up regarding assigned projects and after meetings.
• Manages related and other duties as assigned in support of department and business needs.

Education & Related Work Experience

Education Level: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

Years of Related Work Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in federal policy and government relations.

JEDI Commitment
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We ensure the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be heard and honored. In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. We affirm that every person [regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, marital or veteran status] has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

Equal Employment Opportunity
BBBSA provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, age, sex, familial or marital status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or any other legally-protected status in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Employee must be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job Responsibilities
The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. BBBSA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is directly recruiting and hiring for this position. We are not engaging any staffing/recruitment firms or agencies for this position. If any candidate profile/resume/identifying information is sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and/or Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, we will not pay any referral or firm fees in relation to this information.