Position Title:
Director, Government and Community Relations

Reports to:
President and CEO

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary:
Based on experience

Posting:
Applications are now being accepted for Director of Government and Community Relations at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. This is a full-time position with full benefits.

Summary:
Designs and directs strategies and programs to maintain and enhance relations with government and community organizations. Secures governmental and legislative actions in support of the mission of the Zoo. Oversees community relations efforts. Develops and implements effective communication programs and strategies. Furthers engagement of Board members to maintain relationships and secure governmental support of the Zoo. Facilitates implementation of the “Our Zoo Our World” strategic plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following:

• Manages a comprehensive strategic program for creating and sustaining relationships with elected and appointed officials at all governmental levels. This includes development, implementation, and evaluation of effective communication strategies and cultivation events for each governmental level, with special focus on ongoing, supportive relationships with key elected officials and decision-makers.
• Monitors ongoing governmental activities, including legislation, for potential impact on current or future zoo programs, sources of funding, or program opportunities, in conjunction with federal and state governmental counsel.
• Develops plans and oversees community relations efforts of the zoo. Ensures timely communication with the zoo’s many interested communities on ongoing and future zoo events and activities.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive plan to enhance and secure annual, programmatic and capital support from city, county, state, and federal governments. Working with senior staff, develops a listing of potential programs from the Our Zoo Our World plan for such support, including major repairs and improvements; education, training, and conservation operating (annual) programs; and field conservation programs.
• Works closely with the Zoo President and CEO to develop strategies and ongoing programs to further the active engagement of Board members with elected and appointed public officials.
• Staffs the Board’s Public Affairs Committee, working with Board committee chair to develop agendas, meeting dates, required reports, and meeting minutes.
• Works with appropriate zoo staff on relevant issues requiring the involvement or support of elected and appointed officials or other public relations concerns.
• Prepares and recommends the annual external affairs operating budget. Manages expenses against approved budget and takes necessary action(s) to ensure that a balanced budget is achieved.
• Works closely with the Vice President for Development to help facilitate the engagement of the President and CEO in a fully integrated plan to secure philanthropic support.
• Serves as a member of the senior management team and participates in other zoo-wide committees, teams, and initiatives as assigned or needed to successfully achieve zoo objectives.
• Handles confidential information in an appropriately professional manner.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Minimum 7 years proven experience managing people and functional areas/departments required.
• Strong understanding of, or appreciation for, conservation issues/zoo mission and vision essential.
• Articulate, well-spoken individual, capable of effectively representing the organization to various audiences, both within and outside the organization. Solid interpersonal and written communications skills.
• Understanding and sensitivity to public and private partnerships.
• Strategic thinking and orientation. Solid planning and organizational skills. Proactive with respect to development and government relations requirements, both short term and long term.
• Must be able to deal with emergent issues, multiple projects, and internal/external high-level officials simultaneously.
• Must be able to work effectively under pressure and effectively manage sensitive/crisis development and government relations issues.
• Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution’s Core Values.

Additional Information:
The person in the position is required to gain an intimate understanding of the zoo; its mission, vision, values, and philosophies; and how government relations impact the operation and sustainability of the organization. They will be expected to effectively integrate and coordinate a variety of disciplines, including development and government relations. They must be comfortable working in an environment that is very mission and values driven. They must have a high level of energy, be self-motivated, confident, and make strong, compelling presentations to diverse audiences. They must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about their work, and have a commitment to excellence. They must have the ability to establish strong working relationships, both internally and externally, and work effectively with others throughout the institution. This team player must have outstanding communications skills, verbal and written, including strong listening skills.

Education/Experience:
Masters degree (M.S. or M.A.) in arts, sciences, or a relevant business related field from an accredited college or university, and a minimum of 5 years directly relevant government relations experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 8+ years preferred. Government relations experience must include demonstrated success in developing and maintaining relationships with a variety of elected and/or appointed officials on the local, regional, and/or national levels, including an established network of contacts. Public relations experience will be helpful. Campaign experience a plus.

Computer Skills:
Proficient in MS Office applications (e.g. Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and database management software packages. Experience with Raiser’s Edge a plus.

Certificates and Licenses:
Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.

How To Apply:

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

<No Phone Calls Please>

Our Application for Employment is available below in two formats:

• Online
  Fill out the online application (which allows you to attach your cover letter and resume) and submit electronically.
  
• Portable Document Format
  Print and send the application along with a Cover Letter and Resume via U.S. mail or fax. If you experience difficulty downloading the PDF document you can obtain the necessary software (Adobe Acrobat Reader) here.

Attn: Director, Government and Community Relations
Fax: 206-548-1538
Email: hr@zoo.org

US Mail:
Human Resources        
Woodland Park Zoo
601 North 59th Street
Seattle, WA 98103

Application Deadline: March 28, 2008