The New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, New Jersey’s statewide network and champion for the charitable community, strengthens nonprofits individually and collectively through public education, advocacy, management and compliance assistance, and member services, in order to improve the quality of life for all people of our state. For more than 40 years, our network has come together to share knowledge, amplify a collective voice, get expert advice, and advocate for a strong nonprofit community for the greater good.

We have an immediate opening for a strategic, energetic, detail- and solutions-oriented Government Affairs Specialist with a passion for advocacy and nonprofits. Reporting to the President & CEO and working alongside our talented team, the Government Affairs Specialist guides and advances our public policy advocacy in service to our mission and the nonprofit community.

Primary responsibilities

• Responsible for executing the Center’s public policy goals/objectives, strategies and activities, with particular focus on New Jersey state-level legislation and regulations.
• With President & CEO, advocacy committee and board of trustees, develops comprehensive advocacy plan, identifies policy issues and government activity relating to the nonprofit community, and develops proactive and responsive action strategies.
• Monitors and analyzes legislation and proposed regulations; with President & CEO, prepares necessary responses, including position statements, direct lobbying or outreach to government officials, organizing grassroots response, etc.
• Maintains a consistent presence for the Center at the State House by regularly attending legislative sessions and committee meetings on session days, cultivating relationships with key government officials, and advancing the Center’s policy objectives.
• Primary staff to Center Advocacy Committee; organizes, drafts agenda and runs bimonthly committee meetings, takes meeting minutes, and tracks follow-up activity.
• Assists with organizing policy-related web and in-person events, such as monthly Policy World Wednesday web calls; annual in-person Joint Policy summit; NJ Nonprofit Day at the Capitol in Trenton; annual NJ Nonprofits Conference; and others as required.
• Assists in public policy communications by drafting newsletter/web/blog articles, policy updates, media releases/op-eds and other items as applicable.
• Very occasional visits Washington, DC, arranging and attending meetings with Congressional offices with President & CEO, preparing/compiling materials and following up on visits as applicable.
• Participates in other coalitions, committees and working groups to advance advocacy objectives.
• Makes occasional presentations to external audiences on nonprofit topics and concerns.
• Complies with Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) and other requirements by completing and submitting necessary governmental affairs agent filings and reports, and maintaining sufficient records of actual lobbying activities to ensure ELEC and IRS compliance.
• Facilitates ongoing financial support and stability for the Center and its public policy activities by assisting in member recruitment, funder outreach, and project-applicable grant reporting.
• Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with diverse members and organizations from the nonprofit community as well as other key public and private sector constituencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, political science, public administration or related field preferred; at least five years of governmental affairs/lobbying experience working on state-level issues in New Jersey. Experience may be substituted for the degree requirement or area of degree study, and advanced degree in appropriate field may satisfy some of the experience requirement. Knowledge of nonprofit organizations and issues a strong plus.
• Outstanding analytical, oral and written communications skills, including ability to convey information and positions in clear, compelling ways.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with and represent the Center professionally and effectively to government officials, funders, board, nonprofit representatives, other partners/allies and the public at large.
• Independent, self-directed and organized; ability to manage and prioritize multiple activities, projects and tasks.
• Shared commitment to the Center’s mission and values, including a strong appreciation of the role of nonprofits in advancing a thriving, equitable society for all.
• Team spirit essential; sense of humor a definite plus.

Related Functions  

• Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other software as needed to accomplish essential functions of job.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time and move items up to 25 lbs. as needed.
• Must have sufficient scheduling flexibility to represent the Center at various meetings and events throughout the state, some of which may occur outside the typical 9AM-5PM timeframe.
• Occasional out-of-state travel.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle required.