Government Relations Specialist

The Government Relations (GR) Specialist performs subject matter, research and analysis, writing, outreach, and administrative functions under the supervision of the GR Vice President and in coordination with other GR staff to advance the goals of the GR Department. The coordinator develops and implements social media outreach and messaging, and conducts outreach efforts to a broad range of constituents, including legislators, dog club members and officers, legislative liaisons, state federations, media outlets, and provides other assistance as assigned. *Resume and cover letter required for consideration. 

*This is a hybrid role onsite in our Raleigh office.

Primary Job Duties

• Conducts high-level research and analysis on canine policy and legislation or laws
• Under the Direction of VP or Legislative Directors/Managers, research, reports on, and creates written materials pertaining to canine policy and legislation, such as blogs, press releases, legislative alerts, background information, testimony and articles on assigned issues
• Maintains public policy microsite & manages and expands GR social media and online presence 
• Develops logistics & implementation plans for educational and legislative events and public outreach activities such as national and regional conferences, Canines at the Capitol events, lobby days, workshops, classes, Meet the Breeds, meetings, and presentations for a variety of in-person and virtual events
• In conjunction with the Director of Legislative Outreach and/or VP, creates and implements grassroots strategies to support advocacy for purebred dogs, considering the most appropriate and effective messaging and methods of outreach for key strategic constituencies
• In conjunction with appropriate GR Staff, creates monitors and reports on day-to-day legislative actions, and useful performance measures for monitoring internal legislative successes and outcomes
• May track federal legislation and provide reports and updates to the VP, Government Relations.
• Manages GR award programs, including Legislator of the Year, Dog Friendly Community, and Bebout Awards
• Plans, creates, and edits content for key grassroots communications, including monthly newsletter, ensuring timeliness, quality and consistency of blog and special content
• Assists in serving as crucial first point of contact for phone and general email box, ensuring inquiries are answered appropriately and promptly
• Under direction, creates public policy educational resources using primary research and professional design software to clearly and accurately communicate AKC’s legislative policy positions and information to lawmakers and the general public
• Works with VP, Government Relations and/or Director, Legislative Outreach to develop and send press releases as appropriate and necessary
• Ensures consistency and coordination of GR public outreach efforts with AKC PR department 
• Works with the Director of Legislative Outreach to develop guidelines and offer assistance on AKC clubs and federations on advocacy outreach and communications
• Executes special projects and assists other team members as needed.
• May, as directed, represent AKC GR to the public, legislators, and media 

Required Skills, Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements

• Legal, legislative (including logistics), PAC, and/or campaign experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Diplomacy is critically important, as are excellent phone manners and organizational ability.
• Knowledge of the legal or legislative process is preferred.
• Experience in the sport of purebred dogs and the ability to articulate AKC policies is very desirable.