Government Affairs Director jobs in New Mexico

Job Title: Government Affairs Director

Posting Date(s): July 2023, until filled

Employment Start Date: As soon as possible

Employment Category: Regular, exempt, full-time employment

Compensation: Competitive salary, generous paid time off, 100% employer paid health
insurance, 70% employer paid dental insurance; employee paid group vision insurance,
and employer contribution of up to 1% of salary to a 401k retirement plan annually.
Full-time Starting Salary: $60,785 (with no prior relevant experience), with final offer
based on demonstrated relevant experience.

(Example: Candidates with 10 years of experience will earn approximately $68,383.)

Location: Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Reporting to: Chief Government Affairs Officer

Summary of Position:

Position Responsibility:
To bring about systemic change for animals in New Mexico by pursuing the passage of
legislation to protect animals and opposing legislation harmful to animals in New
Mexico—at primarily the state level and occasionally the local and federal levels—
through Animal Protection New Mexico (APNM) and its 501(c)(4) arm Animal Protection
Voters (APV).

Position Objectives:

• Influence policymakers, including a presence during the annual state legislative

session during both regular and evening hours (physical presence in Santa Fe
required; online presence and monitoring supplementing as needed)

• Engage in full-spectrum lobbying work, including tracking and analyzing legislation,

conducting in-depth issue and legislative research, testifying at committee
hearings, developing and delivering lobbying materials, traveling to interim
committee meetings across the state, and engaging in savvy relationship-building
tactics and opportunities

• Utilize lobbying and influence work to advocate for animal protection policies as

well as for funding for animal protection causes including APNM
programs/projects and for other animal-related entities, programs, or projects

• Steward and organize APNM/APV grassroots supporters to support legislative

initiatives, including: organizing of Lobby Day at the Capitol and other events and
outreach opportunities, responding to general public inquiries/comments on
APV’s work, and working closely with the marketing & communications
department to develop regular public communications

• Manage the APV volunteer program to support APNM/APV’s legislative initiatives,

including: phonebanking, event production, and outreach activities.

• Manage and conduct APV’s voter engagement strategies, candidate questionnaire

and endorsement processes, and fundraising events & efforts

• Serve as a spokesperson on issues/legislation in the media and at

public/community outreach events or presentations

• Take on any other tasks as needed to facilitate successful advocacy for animals

on behalf of APV and APNM, including donor stewardship and development

Skills and Competency Areas:

• Computer-literate and experienced in using a variety of computer software and

online tools including Microsoft Outlook email, Excel, Word, online research, social
media, and adept at learning new software platforms

• Strong commitment to work non-traditional hours (e.g., evenings, weekends,

extended hours) during the state legislative sessions and election seasons to meet
deadlines or achieve outcomes

• Ability to effectively and considerately communicate and work with diverse

coworkers, constituents, partners, and stakeholders (diverse in race, ethnicity,
culture, gender, age, opinions, political ideologies, etc.)

• Persuasive oral communication, written communication, public speaking, and

negotiation skills

• Works well independently, as well as part of a collaborative team environment
• Strong aptitude for planning and managing multiple goals/projects/tasks

current, valid State of New Mexico driver’s license; must have and maintain an
insurable driving record under APNM’s vehicle insurance policy.

• Any employee using their personal vehicle for APNM business must have and

provide proof of current liability insurance that meets or exceeds State-required
minimum coverages, or other coverages required by APNM.

Minimum Physical Requirements: Occasional lifting/moving materials for some
projects. Wheeled carts are available. Candidates must be able to sit (or stand if
preferred) for long periods of time.

Education/Experience Requirements:
Minimum candidate qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree related to law, government, public administration, or

public policy

• Familiarity generally with legislative processes and procedures and

statutory/regulatory frameworks

• Experience with public policy, grassroots advocacy campaigns, voter

outreach, and event planning

• Commitment to the welfare and protection of animals
  

How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter via email with the subject line: “APNM
Government Affairs Director Application” to Jessica Shelton, Chief Government Affairs
Officer at jessica@apnm.org.