Director of Government Relations & Legislative Strategy

The Texas Railway Preservation Association (TRPA) is seeking a high-level Director of Government Relations & Legislative Strategy. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and the Director of Brand Strategy, you will be the chief architect of the Association’s political influence.

Your mission is to manage our 50-person Legislative Advocacy Team and serve as the primary liaison between the TRPA and professional lobbying groups, municipal leaders, and state officials. We are moving beyond the "Apple Garage" and into a phase that requires sophisticated land-use agreements and historical preservation legislation. You are the strategist who ensures the TRPA is not just a hobbyist group, but a recognized institutional partner at the highest levels of Texas government.

Key Responsibilities

• Legislative War Room Management: Lead and synchronize the 50-person Legislative Advocacy Team, ensuring every district lead and officer is operating on-message and meeting strategic touchpoints.
• Professional Lobbyist Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for external lobbying firms and advocacy groups. You will facilitate partnerships that amplify the TRPA’s voice in Austin and at Houston City Hall.
• Master Plan Entitlement: Drive the political strategy for our permanent headquarters, navigating the complexities of zoning, tax abatements, and municipal development deals.
• Strategic Brand Alignment: Collaborate with the Branding Director to ensure that our political "ask" is wrapped in a narrative of economic growth, educational excellence, and Texas pride.
• High-Stakes Negotiation: Serve as the lead negotiator for Inter-Local Agreements (ILAs) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) that secure long-term sustainability for the Association.
• Policy Architect: Draft official position papers and legislative briefs that define TRPA’s stance on industrial preservation, tourism development, and STEM education funding.

Professional Requirements

• Political Mastery: Extensive experience in government relations, legislative staffing, or professional lobbying within the state of Texas.
• Operational Leadership: Proven ability to manage large, decentralized teams (50+) and keep them focused on complex, long-term goals.
• Network Authority: An existing network within the Houston City Council, Harris County Commissioners Court, or the Texas State Legislature.
• Strategic Communication: The ability to simplify complex industrial and legal issues into "Layman’s Terms" that win over voters and politicians alike.
• Mission Alignment: A fierce belief in the TRPA’s vision and the political savvy to protect our "Apple Garage" spirit while scaling into a premier institution.

The TRPA Advantage

You are the architect of our institutional legitimacy. Working at the executive level, you have the power to shape the laws and agreements that will protect the SP 982 and our future headquarters for the next 100 years. This is a rare opportunity to lead a massive advocacy force and leave a permanent mark on the Texas political and physical landscape.

Join the TRPA. Command the Narrative. Secure the Future.