Director of Government Relations

Job Title: Director of Government Relations

Department: Government Relations

Location: Washington, DC (Remote)

Reports To: Chief Growth Officer 

Position Type: Full Time

Typical Hours: 40 Hours / Week

Required Travel: Yes, <=10%

Contractor: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Remote Work Eligible: Yes

Closing Date: 16 October 2026

Join a mission-driven organization that supports Civil Air Patrol’s nationwide operations! We’re seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead Civil Air Patrol's federal legislative and funding strategy, with primary responsibility for securing, protecting, and advancing CAP's federal authorization and appropriations priorities. The Director manages CAP's engagement with Congress, including the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, as well as relevant federal agencies and administration stakeholders.

Salary Range: $155,000 – $165,000 (annually), based on experience and qualifications.

What You’ll Do

Federal Authorization & Appropriations Strategy

• Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of CAP's federal government relations strategy, serving as CAP's organizational lead for the end-to-end federal authorization and appropriations cycle to advance annual defense authorization and appropriations objectives aligned with CAP's mission, strategic plan, and Board-approved priorities.
• Track and advance federal authorization and appropriations requests through all phases of the legislative process, identifying opportunities to secure favorable bill and committee report language, funding levels, congressional support, and other actions that advance CAP's approved priorities.

Congressional and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead CAP's engagement with members and professional staff of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, congressional leadership, relevant member offices, and other committees and subcommittees affecting CAP's missions, authorities, and federal resources.
• Prepare and engage executive leadership, Board members, National Legislative Day participants, volunteers, and subject-matter experts for engagements with members of Congress, congressional and committee staff, federal agency officials, and other government stakeholders. 

Government Relations Operations, Analytics, & Administration

• Lead CAP’s federal and state government relations strategy, including National Legislative Day, congressional engagement, advocacy priorities, funding and authorization requests, messaging, and outcome tracking to advance organizational objectives.
• Establish and track government relations performance metrics, maintaining dashboards, analyses, and executive reporting on authorization and appropriations outcomes, congressional engagement, funding status, stakeholder activity, and advocacy effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises a team of paid and volunteer staff members responsible for providing legislative advocacy capabilities to support CAP’s strategic goals and initiatives in alignment with the mission, vision, and core values.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in political science, public policy, government, law, public administration, business, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in federal government relations, congressional affairs, legislative affairs, appropriations, authorization, public policy, or a closely related field, including experience leading complex federal legislative or funding initiatives.
• Demonstrated success developing and advancing federal appropriations, authorization, legislative, or policy priorities and achieving measurable outcomes, such as securing or protecting federal funding or advancing favorable legislative or committee report language.
• Experience working with members of Congress, congressional staff, professional committee staff, federal agency officials, or senior military and civilian leaders; direct experience with the House or Senate Armed Services Committees or the House or Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense is preferred.
• Exceptional analytical, research, writing, and oral communication skills, including experience preparing congressional submissions, funding justifications, programmatic requests, legislative or committee report language, testimony, policy memoranda, executive briefings, white papers, talking points, and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, lead cross-functional initiatives, supervise staff, manage multiple time-sensitive priorities, and exercise sound judgment, discretion, integrity, political acumen, and nonpartisan professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with ability to meet short deadlines.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

Valid driver's license. Ability to obtain a security clearance, if requested.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Impact a national organization dedicated to serving our communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
• Enjoy flexibility with remote work eligibility.
• Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick and personal leave, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Training programs and certification support.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage.
• Supplemental Insurance: Disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.
• Flexible Work Options: Remote work eligibility and family-friendly policies.

Why Work for Civil Air Patrol
 
 At Civil Air Patrol (CAP), you are joining a mission-driven national organization working to save lives, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation of leaders. As the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP blends the purpose of public service with the innovation and agility of a modern nonprofit. Every role contributes directly to meaningful service in America’s communities.
 
 Our people advance youth development, aerospace education, and provide trusted emergency response mission support for military, civil, and government agencies. Working at CAP means collaborating with passionate professionals and skilled volunteers across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and more than 1,400 communities.
 
 We offer an environment where your work makes a visible impact. Employees support first responders after natural disasters, contribute to Air Force-assigned missions, and empower thousands of cadets nationwide. You will be part of a team committed to service, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities to grow your career while supporting critical community and national needs.
 
 If you want a career with purpose, teamwork, and the chance to make a difference every day, Civil Air Patrol is where your work truly matters.

Background Check: The successful completion of a comprehensive background check is mandatory for this role. This is a critical component of our child protection policy and our commitment to providing a safe environment for minors.

To apply, submit a detailed resume via email. This position does not offer a relocation package. Salary range: $155,000 - $165,000. Closing date: 16 October 2026.