Agency Relations & Compliance Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Agency Relations & Compliance Manager manages relationships and communications with government agencies, elected officials, and tribal representatives in support of Black Rock City’s annual permits and contracts, and in support of Burning Man’s special projects in Northern Nevada. The Agencies Relations & Compliance Manager works closely with the Legal and Event Operations Departments. In Black Rock City, the Agencies Relations & Compliance Manager works to ensure compliance with permit requirements, plays an important role in emergency incident response, and serves as a primary liaison to the Bureau of Land Management. Success in this role hinges on the ability to build lasting relationships and navigate complexity through collaborative problem-solving. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, impeccable discretion, and initiative in a fast-paced setting. This role reports directly to the Director of Government Affairs.

This is a regular full-time role, located in Reno, Nevada. Working hours will be based on Pacific Time.

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on February 20th, 2026.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT

Relationship, Permits, and Compliance (85%)

• Manage relationships, organize and attend meetings, and conduct and support negotiations as assigned with government agencies, elected officials, and Tribal representatives in Nevada, including the Nevada Department of Transportation, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Washoe County, Pershing County, the Central Nevada Health District, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Nevada State Police.
• Work with agencies, external contractors, and event operations to: evaluate permit requirements and related costs; obtain necessary permits; and ensure compliance with permit stipulations.
• Support Burning Man’s compliance with Bureau of Land Management Special Recreation Permit requirements including special stipulations, vending and environmental.
• Support Burning Man’s community relations in Gerlach, Empire, Nixon and other local communities, including monitoring local impacts and community concerns Prepare and attend as needed meetings of the Gerlach General Improvement District and Gerlach Empire Citizens Advisory Board.
• Prepare for and attend pre-event and post-event meetings with government agencies and Tribal bodies; ensure After Action Reports are submitted and submitted on time and reflect accurate compliance, incident, and operational information
• Track agendas for the Pershing County and Washoe County Commissions as well as the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council; attend and present at meetings as needed; and meet with elected officials.
• Interface with Tribal representatives and agencies including Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and NDOT to ensure smooth communications, compliance, and completion of highway cleanup post-event.
• Manage the relationship with the Central Nevada Health District to ensure permits are approved and onsite inspection activities are coordinated.
• Respond to, research, and manage other agency inquiries and requirements as needed.
• Daft official letters and correspondence from Burning Man Project to government agencies and other officials.
• In Black Rock Rock City:
  • Assist with Bureau of Land Management meetings, negotiations, communications, inspections, and operations
  • Meet with and guide government agencies including the Nevada Division of Public & Behavioral Health, the Central Nevada Health District, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and coordinate their onsite visits and related logistics
  • Drive Highway 447 post-event to evaluate trash collection operators
  • Meet with PLPT representatives in Nixon
  • Meet with PLPT and NDOT representatives in Black Rock City
  • Population and Reporting Management liaison
  • Support External Relations Team
  • Help coordinate and attend the post-event inspection
• Work closely with the Director of Government Affairs and the legal Department to draft and review legal filings.
• Support Burning Man’s work and advocacy at the Nevada Legislature.
• Special projects as assigned: provide regulatory, compliance, and strategic guidance related to land use and real estate development.

Operational & Project Management (15%)

• Work with Event Operations on the annual Black Rock City Operations Plan
• Update resources databases, standard operating procedures, and protocols annually
• Attend and contribute to internal strategy and operational meetings, and the annual Operations Summit
• Coordinate with Tech and Event Ops teams to manage the Population and Reporting Management planning processes
• Support and guide Event Operations staff to prepare for agency inspections in Black Rock City
• Draft the annual Burning Man After Action Report, track deadlines, and work with Event Operations to deliver content
• Participate in annual goal-setting and strategic planning
• Travel to San Francisco, Nixon, and Gerlach as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Documentation - Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
• Teaching – Takes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e-learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community.
• Mentoring - Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
• Training development - Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested.
• Learning – Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
• Speaking – Represents Burning Man as a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• 4+ years experience working in regulatory affairs and government relations
• Juris Doctor degree or an advanced degree in public administration or public policy
• Proven track record of multifaceted internal and external relationship, contract, permit, and project management
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and organizational discipline while managing multiple initiatives and deadlines
• Strategic thinker and motivated self-starter with a strong record of creative problem-solving
• Ability to both work independently and foster teamwork
• Professional experience in Northern Nevada
• Personable, friendly, professional demeanor
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Direct experience with contract negotiations
• Excellent judgement, reliability, and professionalism
• Ability to uphold very high standards of confidentiality
• Proficiency in the Google suite (Mail, Calendar, Sheets, Documents, Slides)
• Must have flexibility to work fluctuating hours and time beyond the regular work day/week as needed
• Must have ability to adjust schedule seasonally to work in Black Rock City for 2-3 weeks
• Ability to travel as necessary

PREFERRED

• Experience working at or with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Familiarity with Burning Man; preference given to those who have attended Black Rock City

Note: If you have gained the necessary experience to succeed in this role and have acquired this experience in other ways, we encourage you to apply and share all relevant experience in your application.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

We are certain that working for Burning Man Project is unlike any other job on the planet! In addition to the unique opportunity to participate and contribute to our global community and culture within a creative, fun, and inspiring work environment, we’re also thrilled to provide the following:

COMPENSATION:

Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000 annually.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• Health benefits: medical, dental, vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Long term disability and life insurance.
• 401k retirement plan with voluntary employee contribution.
• Accrued vacation and sick time: Up to 10 days vacation per 12 months on assignment.
• Additional annual paid time off in accordance with policy guidelines; 7 paid holidays annually, in addition to paid office closure during December 24th - January 1st.
• Paid parental and bonding leave.
• Communications benefits for remote employees; reimbursement of up to $120/month for home office internet and phone expenses.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Mental health support, life coaching, financial and legal consultation services through our employee assistance program.
• Professional development fund along with unique leadership and learning opportunities.
• Equipment and tools necessary to succeed in a remote friendly workplace.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Off-playa: Work is primarily sedentary in nature; no special demands are required.
• On-playa: Work is primarily sedentary but will also include the need to find and meet with department representatives who may not be in the vicinity therefore, this could include walking or using some form of transportation. Some of the work will be in outside weather conditions and exposed to fumes or airborne particles, as well as possible extremes in temperature.

• Health benefits: medical, dental, vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Long term disability and life insurance.
• 401k retirement plan with voluntary employee contribution.
• Accrued vacation and sick time: Up to 10 days vacation per 12 months on assignment.
• Additional annual paid time off in accordance with policy guidelines; 7 paid holidays annually, in addition to paid office closure during December 24th - January 1st.
• Paid parental and bonding leave.
• Communications benefits for remote employees; reimbursement of up to $120/month for home office internet and phone expenses.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Mental health support, life coaching, financial and legal consultation services through our employee assistance program.
• Professional development fund along with unique leadership and learning opportunities.
• Equipment and tools necessary to succeed in a remote friendly workplace.