Government Relations & Policy Director

About American Wild Horse Conservation

American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) is the nation's leading nonprofit protecting wild horses and burros on public lands. Our purpose is to keep America's promise to wild horses and burros. We honor and uphold their federal protections under the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 and work to ensure humane, sustainable management through advocacy, public reform, and on the range conservation programs.

Position Summary

The Government Relations & Policy Director supports AWHC's federal and state policy agenda by advancing legislative, regulatory, and administrative strategies that protect wild horses and burros on America's public lands. This role works closely with the Executive Director to execute policy priorities, monitor political and regulatory activity, and build relationships with policymakers, coalitions, and internal partners.

Key Responsibilities

Policy & Legislative Support

• Identify, prioritize, and execute policy initiatives and projects aligned with AWHC's strategic objectives.
• Conduct comprehensive legislative, regulatory, administrative, and legal research and analysis.
• Track, monitor, and analyze federal and state legislation, regulations, appropriations, and political activity.
• Prepare timely policy briefings, memos, and internal updates.

Policymaker Engagement & Advocacy

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with federal and state policymakers, congressional staff, and agency officials.
• Conduct outreach to legislators and their staff to build support for AWHC's priorities.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing briefing materials, and conducting follow-ups.
• Represent AWHC in meetings with legislators, Administration officials, coalitions, and external partners.

Materials Development & Communications

• Develop and organize policy materials, including testimony, fact sheets, reports, and briefing documents.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for internal staff, Board of Directors, and donors.
• Coordinate with Communications, Digital, and Development teams to ensure alignment of policy messaging.

Coalition Building & Grassroots Coordination

• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners and advocacy organizations.
• Work collaboratively with AWHC staff to support grassroots engagement and mobilization.
• Support coalition strategy, coordination, and joint advocacy efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Conservation, Science, Communications, Digital, and Development teams.
• Facilitate internal communication to ensure policy developments inform advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, law, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Juris Doctor or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, advocacy, or a related role.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated experience tracking legislation and regulatory activity.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• Commitment to AWHC's mission and values.

Preferred

• Experience working on Capitol Hill, in a government agency, or with an advocacy or nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with public lands policy, wildlife conservation, animal welfare, or environmental law.
• Experience working with coalitions or grassroots advocacy programs.

Details

• Department: Government Relations
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Location: Remote (U.S.) - Washington, D.C. preferred
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year