Job Title: Director of Government AffairsPosting Date: November 2026Job Department: External AffairsSchedule: Full Time
Job Type: On-site/Hybrid
Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202
JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Government Affairs turns the Aquarium's government affairs strategy into results. Reporting to the VP, External Affairs, this role helps set strategy and runs the day-to-day engine behind the Aquarium's public funding and government relations program: the request pipeline, filing calendar, legislative monitoring, compliance and the relationships that sit beneath them.
The Director builds and manages working relationships with elected officials' staff, agency and county staff, delegations, councils and community leaders. They also lead the Aquarium's special events engaging public sector leaders. The role helps the Aquarium meet its annual public funding goals from Baltimore City, Maryland counties, the State of Maryland and federal sources.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:Public funding program - Develop annual public funding strategy and manage the full cycle of public funding requests: city, county and state capital requests, operating grants and federal appropriations requests.
- Serve as close strategic advisor to the VP of External Affairs on the National Aquarium's public funding and cultivation strategies.
- Research and track new public funding opportunities, bringing recommendations to the VP.
- Draft request narratives, budgets, testimony and supporting materials in partnership with Philanthropy, Finance and program leads.
- Confirm every state, city and county request meets eligibility criteria and capital guidelines before submission.
- Own the Government Affairs master calendar: filing deadlines, hearings, budget cycles and reporting dates across all levels of government.
- Track request status and award outcomes; prepare regular pipeline and revenue reports for the VP and National Aquarium leadership against annual public funding targets.
- Work across Aquarium teams to manage post-award obligations to ensure the Aquarium remains in good standing with funders.
Relationship management and representation - Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships directly with local, state, and federal government officials who influence funding and policy decisions, as well as their staff.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for the Baltimore City delegation and county delegations on day-to-day requests and information.
- Represent the Aquarium before the General Assembly, Board of Public Works, City Council, Board of Estimates and other relevant hearings and meetings; share summaries and implications with Aquarium staff.
- Strengthen ties with community, neighborhood and civic organizations, including downtown and Inner Harbor partners.
- Maintain the Aquarium's government and community contact database and track engagement across stakeholders.
- Serve on various internal and external committees as assigned.
- Lead special projects to facilitate relationship building and public funding goals.
- Lobby directly on approved priorities, as delegated by the VP.
Legislative and policy monitoring - Monitor legislation, budgets, regulations and elections at the local, state and federal levels that affect the Aquarium.
- Prepare briefings, bill summaries and talking points for the VP, CEO, Leadership Team and Board.
- Partner with the Director of Conservation Policy to coordinate advocacy that supports the National Aquarium's conservation priorities.
- Track shifts in the political cycle and recommend adjustments to outreach and messaging.
Engagement events and VIP visits - Work across departments to plan and execute special events, including Legislative Family Night and government official site visits.
- Coordinate VIP and legislator visits and tours; greet and host guests as needed and lead groups on tours.
- Initiate and assist in developing publications and materials specific to cultivation and funding goals.
- Prepare briefing materials for Aquarium hosts and follow up with attendees after each event.
- Supervise the External Affairs Coordinator to execute public funding and cultivation strategies and other priorities identified by the VP.
Compliance and internal coordination - Maintain lobbying registration, activity reporting and ethics compliance in partnership with the VP and outside lobbyists.
- Coordinate with Philanthropy, Communications and program teams so all government contacts are consistent and logged.
- Support the VP in managing outside lobbying consultants, including meeting coordination and tracking deliverables.
- Network and understand the functions and processes of Aquarium teams and their relationship to the organization's mission.
- Represent Government Affairs in cross-functional meetings as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSRequired- Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public affairs, or related area.
- Minimum seven years' experience in government relations, legislative affairs or public affairs, including work with the Maryland General Assembly and Maryland local governments.
- Proven experience navigating state and local budget processes, including state or local capital requests.
- Registered with the Maryland State Ethics Commission, or able to register and complete required training within 60 days of hire.
- Demonstrated ability developing compelling request narratives, testimony and executive briefings.
- Proven experience building and sustaining relationships with elected officials, staff and community leaders.
- Event and meeting planning experience, with sharp attention to deadlines and details.
- Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience directly supervising staff and managing performance.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects across departments.
- Decisive and resourceful, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues and identify strategic opportunities.
- Ability to represent the Aquarium externally with professionalism and discretion.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.
Preferred- Advanced degree in public policy, public administration, law or a related field.
- Experience with federal appropriations or Community Project Funding requests.
- Demonstrated ability securing public sector funding in Maryland.
- Experience with county-level funding, including arts and cultural councils.
- Nonprofit, cultural institution or conservation sector experience.
- Experience managing consultants.
- Interest in the National Aquarium's conservation mission
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATIONSalary range ($71,000-92,399 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.
