Government Affairs Manager jobs in Montana

MONTANA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER

Reports to:  Director of Conservation 

Location:  Helena, Montana 

Supervises: Not Applicable  

Status:  Full-Time, Exempt

Last Update: May 2024

Organizational Overview: For more than 40 years, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) has been “America’s voice for a Greater Yellowstone.” As the only on-the-ground conservation group working solely to protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), we strive passionately, professionally, and strategically to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of this remarkable area. Greater Yellowstone’s 20 million acres comprise one of the last and largest intact temperate ecosystems on Earth. It is also home to vibrant communities with varied economies and unique cultures in the three states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. As a place-based conservation organization, GYC uses the full range of tools available to achieve durable conservation outcomes. We believe in the power of working together. We are creative thinkers and aren't afraid to think big when it comes to achieving our goals and advancing our mission. We build authentic and trusting relationships. We believe in what we do.

Scope of Responsibilities: The Montana Government Affairs Manager (Manager) will lead the advancement of state policy priorities that help protect the lands, waters, wildlife, and Tribal conservation priorities of the GYE and corresponding defense against policies that would harm these priorities in areas such as grizzly bear, bison, and wolf policy, wildlife migration policy and funding for wildlife crossings, and water quality and quantity standards. Working closely with other GYC staff, the Manager will organize GYC’s relationship building and management with state elected representatives and legislative staff, state wildlife commissioners, appointed officials, agency staff, and key partners. The Manager will ensure tracking and monitoring of relevant legislation and engagement in relevant meetings and events. A primary responsibility of the Manager is to represent GYC in a professional manner and support long-term relationship building for the organization as we are committed to building durable relationships and maintaining the continuity of GYC's policy positions in Montana.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the advancement of state policy priorities that help protect the lands, waters, wildlife, and Tribal conservation priorities of the GYE and corresponding defense against policies that would harm these priorities.

• In close collaboration with the team, manage GYC’s relationship building, maintenance, and enhancement with priority state elected representatives and legislative staff, state wildlife commissioners, appointed officials, agency staff, and key partners.

• Ensure the GYC team is aware of all relevant state activity by tracking legislation, state administration policy and programming, legislative schedules and communications from elected representatives, partners, and a host of key interest groups. 

• Serve as a presence for GYC in the Montana Capitol during the legislative session and in all relevant interim committee meetings.

• Organize GYC staff engagement in all relevant state legislative hearings, interim committee meetings, and all appropriate state legislative activities. 

• Coordinate appropriate engagement in all relevant state legislative-based coalitions working on conservation in the GYE.

• Proactively communicate with relevant GYC staff to address any timely state issues and coordinate with GYC staff to ensure appropriate testimony at all relevant opportunities.

• Build durable relationships and maintain the continuity of GYC's policy positions in Montana.

• Serve as a spokesperson for GYC policy goals as appropriate in coordination with the team.

• Support and collaborate with GYC Communications team on earned and or paid media.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to perform the essential duties listed above.

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience working in the conservation field; ideally 5 years working in a government affairs related role in the West.

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred (highly relevant experience and a demonstrated commitment to personal development and growth will also be considered).

• Demonstrated experience building and managing durable relationships with elected representatives and government agency staff.

• Proven experience and success in planning and implementing government affairs strategies aimed at bringing about public policy change.

• Track record of effective collaboration as part of a cross-functional team.

• Strong written and verbal communications skills and a proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Experience in public speaking and external communications, including the ability to work well with the media and to articulate organizational positions and concerns.

• Ability to work successfully at the state level with a politically diverse array of stakeholders.

• Desire to learn and grow professionally, as well as support the growth of colleagues.

• Familiarity with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and conservation in Montana.

• Willingness to regularly travel across Montana.

• Commitment to GYC’s mission and goals.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $76,000-82,000

• Employer paid health premiums for employees and contributions for dependents, spouses, and domestic partners

• Employees can elect to have additional premiums for vision, dental, life, and accident policies

• Employer-paid long-term disability plan

• Generous time-off: vacation, sick, personal, paid holidays, and sabbatical

• Lifestyle spending account 

• Paid parental leave

• Hybrid work model 

• Paid volunteer hours

• Tuition reimbursement program

• Employer contribution to 401k plan with match available 

Physical Working Conditions 

GYC is committed to honoring and improving accommodation within our existing infrastructure. • Business office environment with moderate noise. 

• Will sit or stand at a desk and move between offices. Accommodations can be made. 

• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment. 

• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds. The use of a dolly, cart, etc. is available. Accommodations honored and assistance from other staff are strongly encouraged. 

• This position will be up to 40% travel, mostly by car, across Montana, including monthly visits to the Bozeman office.

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate and will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, Board membership, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason.