The National Park Foundation is recruiting for a newly created position in the Government Relations Department. The Coordinator, Government Relations will provide support and department coordination under the supervision of the Director, Government Relations. The Coordinator will assist in developing and carrying out NPF’s legislative and Hill strategy to further the Foundation’s goals of engaging members and staff on national parks issues. Major focus will be on the upcoming Centennial celebration of the National Park Service, Centennial legislation and building overall support for national parks and parks funding.

Working at the National Park Foundation

Founded in 1967, the National Park Foundation (NPF) serves as the official philanthropic partner to the National Park Service (NPS). NPF directly aids, supports, and enriches over 400 national park units as well as numerous programming functions in every state in the country. In partnership with NPS and local affiliated groups, NPF promotes America’s national heritage, natural resources, and historic places for present and future generations.

In 2016 the National Park Service will celebrate a significant milestone—its 100th anniversary. It will be a moment to celebrate and reflect – but most importantly an opportunity to re-introduce and reengage the American people to their national parks. In anticipation of the Centennial Celebration, the National Park Foundation, in close partnership with the National Park Service, will be launching a multiyear major campaign to help identify, secure, and fund education, outreach, and environmental programs in parks at the historic sites and monuments.

You will be joining this growing organization at an exciting, pivotal, moment in the 48 year history of the National Park Foundation and the 100 year history of the National Park Service.

Essential Functions/Duties/Tasks :

Scheduling meetings with a special focus on Capitol Hill meetings and compiling background materials for those meetings, i.e. backgrounders on members of Congress, factsheets and one- pagers and leave-behind packets for staff.
Attend meetings with Director, Government Relations and on her/his own to further the mission of the National Park Foundation on Capitol Hill.
Assist Director, Government Relations with other activities including scheduling and carrying out briefings, lobby days, coalition management including communication with relevant parties and drafting of relevant materials.
Assist Director, Government Relations with analysis of legislation and legislative proposals and distill them for Senior Team and other audiences.
Assist Director, Government Relations in developing and implementing government relations strategy.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities :

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds
Strong writing skills with a focus on distilling information into concise, comprehensible briefs
Ability to identify opportunities for NPF to play a role in legislation and non legislative initiatives
Knowledge of Capitol Hill hierarchy and inner workings
Must be proficient in the use of technology and Microsoft Office software programs

Preferred education and experience :

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Political Science degree a plus.
At least 2 years of experience on Capitol Hill or in a position with frequent interaction with Capitol Hill

Description of physical demands and work environment :

Work environment is typical office environment with significant time spent at desk, typing and on phone as well as walking around Capitol Hill grounds

The National Park Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits program. You will also have access to an onsite fitness facility, exciting downtown community and a variety of metro stations.

How to apply

To learn more about the National Park Foundation, please visit www.nationalparks.org. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to resumes@nationalparks.org and indicate “Coordinator – GR” in the subject line of the email. The National Park Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.