Manager, State Government Affairs

About the position Manages key components of ASLA’s licensure and state public policy portfolio and assists the Director, State Government Affairs in developing and advancing priorities important to landscape architects. Helps recommend and implement strategies and tactics for the Society’s licensure, state policy, and advocacy efforts. Expands the Society's voice by supporting and executing ASLA's interests through advocacy, education, and engagement at the state and local levels.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Director, State Government Affairs in the development and execution of ASLA’s licensure and state advocacy strategy, by helping to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Engages with state government officials and staff, and relevant state agencies, to inform and influence policy decisions on issues important to ASLA.
• Manages state legislative and regulatory issues as assigned, by monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing relevant state legislative and regulatory activities, policies, and initiatives.
• Conducts research and drafts background materials, talking points, position statements, testimony, letters, comments, guidance, and other resources to support and communicate ASLA's licensure and state policy goals.
• Assists State Chapters in efforts to influence and drive legislative, regulatory, and policy goals related to the profession, with an emphasis on licensure issues, including support for state advocacy days and project site tours.
• Leads and oversees, with support from the Government Affairs Coordinator, the coordination and issuance of grassroots communications on state licensure and other state policy issues through the ASLA iAdvocate Network (Voter Voice) and other grassroots tools.
• Contributes to building and maintaining relationships with state and national partners, coalitions, allied organizations, and industry groups to further ASLA’s licensure and state public policy efforts.
• In coordination with the Director, represents ASLA in meetings, briefings, coalitions, and workgroups that further ASLA's licensure and state public policy efforts.
• Supports departmental internal and external communications, including content for ASLA publications, web, email, and social media.
• Manages the updating and maintenance of government affairs web pages to ensure timely, accurate information.
• Help coordinate and staff member volunteer committees, including the Licensure Committee, LARE Prep Committee, and Policy Committee.
• Presents and participates in panels at internal and external conferences, on webinars, and other events.
• Upholds the ASLA values and culture.
• Adheres to the ASLA policy on Standards and Conduct and all other administrative and management policies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BA degree in political science, public policy, communication, or related design profession field
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in state government relations, with experience in proactive advocacy strategies
• Knowledge of state government legislative and regulatory processes and lobbying strategies
• Strong written and oral communications skills, with an emphasis on drafting and editing well-written, persuasive documents are required.
• Strong political acumen, and the ability to be effective with members of both political parties.
• Ability to work with committees and volunteer leadership.
• Strong consensus-building and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, grassroots engagement tools (i.e. VoterVoice) and legislative tracking services required.
• Excellent organizational skills, quality control, and attention to detail.
• Ability to balance heavy workload with short- and long-term project deadlines, address changing priorities, and work well under pressure.

Nice-to-haves

• Graduate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of landscape architecture-related issues, including licensure, livable communities, transportation and land use policies, and other environmental and small-business issues a plus.

Benefits

• ASLA offers an attractive, competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance; a generous 401(k) plan; a comprehensive wellness program; and flexible schedules.
• Flexible work from home options available.

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