Nonprofit
Government Affairs Specialist
Details
Description
Position Description: The Government Affairs Specialist is a full-time position based in
Washington, DC that supports NACD’s federal advocacy and policy agenda by leading analysis
within assigned issue areas and supporting legislative and stakeholder engagement efforts. This
role applies independent analytical judgment while operating within Director-approved policy
and advocacy frameworks. The Specialist serves as a subject-matter resource and supports
NACD leadership and members through policy analysis, communications, and grassroots
advocacy execution.
Duties and Responsibilities
NACD Advocacy
o Analyzes and tracks legislation, regulations, and administrative actions related to
natural resources conservation and assesses implications for conservation
districts.
o Prepares background research, summaries, and analyses to inform NACD
advocacy positions.
o Assists in preparing briefings, talking points, testimony, letters, position papers,
and regulatory comments.
Legislative and Policy Engagement
o Serves as point staff for assigned policy or legislative issue areas, committees, or
initiatives.
o Supports meetings with congressional offices, federal agencies, coalitions, and
partners by preparing materials, participating in meetings, and coordinating
follow-up actions.
o Monitors emerging legislative and policy developments and flags issues; keeps
NACD leaders and staff up to date with Government Affairs priorities through
regular briefings and weekly written communications, blogs, and other analyses.
Member and Partner Engagement
o Maintains working relationships with NACD’s members, Congressional offices,
federal agencies, coalitions, and partner organizations.
o Supports NACD’s participation in coalitions and working groups to advance
mutual conservation priorities.
NACD Membership Support
o Supports communication with conservation districts and state associations to
gather input and elevate grassroots perspectives.
o Responds to member policy inquiries and supports NACD’s member-driven,
grassroots advocacy framework.
o May serve as staff lead for assigned subcommittees, initiatives, or working
groups.
o Supports NACD’s policy development and resolutions process by developing
background and communications materials, working with members to refine
policy statements, and supporting the overall policy development process.
o Leads government affairs–related grant deliverables, including coordination,
documentation, and reporting, as assigned.
o Assists in planning and execution of NACD conferences, meetings, and advocacy
events such as Spring Legislative Fly-In.
Other Duties
o Performs other duties as assigned that advance NACD’s mission and strategic
objectives.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced coursework or experience in public policy
preferred.
At least 4 years experience in federal policy, advocacy, government relations, or related
experience.
Significant professional experience working with Congress and federal agencies.
Strong analytical, writing, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple issue areas and deadlines.
Willingness to travel as required.
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 annually.
Location: This position is located in NACD’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This position
reports to the NACD Director of Government Affairs.
Benefits
Health Insurance:
Single coverage – 100% of premium paid by employer. Family plans are available at the employee’s expense.
Dental and Vision: Dental (Metlife) and Vision (VSP) Single coverage – 100% of premium paid by employer. Family plans are available at the employee’s expense.
Enrollment takes effect on the first day of the month following the employment start date for all health benefits.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance:
MetLife AD&D/Life Insurance
All full-time employees are provided (at no cost) death and dismemberment insurance along with basic life insurance benefit of 1 times their annual salary. Employees are eligible on the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Flex Plan:
Annual enrollment to set aside pre-tax funds for qualified health, dependent care, parking and transportation expenses.
Retirement Plan:
TIAA Cref Retirement
There are two components to the 403b contribution pension plan. Eligibility requires the employee must be 21 years or age.
- Employee contributions can be effective immediately through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.
- Employees are eligible for a minimum of 2.5% employer match contributions with a one-to-one match of an additional 2.5%, not to exceed 5% after 6 months of employment. The Vesting Schedule for Matching Contribution and Employer Contributions is: 0% after less than 1 year or employment; 30% after one year of employment; 70% after two years of employment; and 100% after three years or employment.
Paid Holidays/Sick Time
13 paid federal holidays
10 days sick leave (520 hours eligible for carryover annually)
Vacation Time
Minimum 10 days paid vacation increases after two full years of employment and increases every two years thereafter. (80 hours eligible for carryover annually)
Professional Development
Each staff member can receive a stipend for allowable expenses up to $1,000 upon successful completion of the continuing education or professional development activity.
Telecommunications Stipend
Monthly telecommunication stipend for phone and/or internet expenses.
Benefits
Health Insurance:
Single coverage – 100% of premium paid by employer. Family plans are available at the employee’s expense.
Dental and Vision: Dental (Metlife) and Vision (VSP) Single coverage – 100% of premium paid by employer. Family plans are available at the employee’s expense.
Enrollment takes effect on the first day of the month following the employment start date for all health benefits.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance:
MetLife AD&D/Life Insurance
All full-time employees are provided (at no cost) death and dismemberment insurance along with basic life insurance benefit of 1 times their annual salary. Employees are eligible on the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Flex Plan:
Annual enrollment to set aside pre-tax funds for qualified health, dependent care, parking and transportation expenses.
Retirement Plan:
TIAA Cref Retirement
There are two components to the 403b contribution pension plan. Eligibility requires the employee must be 21 years or age.
- Employee contributions can be effective immediately through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.
- Employees are eligible for a minimum of 2.5% employer match contributions with a one-to-one match of an additional 2.5%, not to exceed 5% after 6 months of employment. The Vesting Schedule for Matching Contribution and Employer Contributions is: 0% after less than 1 year or employment; 30% after one year of employment; 70% after two years of employment; and 100% after three years or employment.
Paid Holidays/Sick Time
13 paid federal holidays
10 days sick leave (520 hours eligible for carryover annually)
Vacation Time
Minimum 10 days paid vacation increases after two full years of employment and increases every two years thereafter. (80 hours eligible for carryover annually)
Professional Development
Each staff member can receive a stipend for allowable expenses up to $1,000 upon successful completion of the continuing education or professional development activity.
Telecommunications Stipend
Monthly telecommunication stipend for phone and/or internet expenses.
Location
Associated Location
How to Apply
To apply: Interested candidates please send a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to the attention of NACD with ‘Government Affairs Specialist” in the subject line to hr@nacdnet.org no later than Friday, February 20, 2026, to receive priority consideration. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the search is successfully completed.
