Director of Government Relations

Company Description

Beyond 22 Project is dedicated to enhancing the lifelong wellbeing of adults with disabilities and their families, with a focus on Washington State. After individuals age out of school-based programs at 22, they often lose access to necessary structure, community, and resources, placing financial strain on caregivers. The organization advocates for stronger family support, lifelong community-based programs, and utilizes lived experiences to shape policy and inspire action.

Position Overview

The Director of Government Relations will play a key leadership role in shaping and advancing the Beyond 22 Project’s legislative and advocacy priorities. This position is ideal for someone passionate about disability rights, policy change, and community organizing. As we are still in the early stages of building the organization, this is a volunteer position with the opportunity to help lay the foundation for impactful statewide advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the organization’s government relations strategy in alignment with our mission and legislative priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, agencies, coalitions, and advocacy groups at the local and state levels.
• Monitor, analyze, and track relevant policy developments and legislative proposals.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns, including grassroots organizing, testimonies, and public awareness efforts.
• Represent the Beyond 22 Project at hearings, stakeholder meetings, and public events.
• Supervise and mentor interns to assist with policy research, legislative tracking, and advocacy communications.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and other leadership to align advocacy goals with organizational strategy.

Qualifications

• Strong interest or experience in public policy, government relations, or advocacy (experience with disability policy is a plus).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate lived experience and community concerns into policy recommendations.
• Organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a collaborative, start-up nonprofit environment.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at monthly Board meetings.
• Approximately 5–10 hours per month on advocacy-related work, with flexibility based on legislative cycles.

Compensation

This is a volunteer position. We recognize that unpaid labor creates barriers to accessibility, and our long-term goal is to secure grant funding so that leadership roles like this can become paid.