Leadership role
Director of Government Affairs
Directs an organization's relationships with government officials and its work on legislation and regulation.
Reporting and scope
Usually reports to the Executive Director / CEO, a Chief Policy Officer or a VP of Advocacy / Policy. Authority covers government relations and lobbying activity.
Core responsibilities
- Builds relationships with legislators, agency staff and executive offices
- Tracks legislation, budgets and regulations that affect the mission or its funding
- Lobbies directly and manages contract lobbyists
- Keeps lobbying registration and disclosure filings current
- Tracks lobbying expenses for Form 990 reporting
- Coordinates with appropriations and government contract staff on public funding
How it differs
Director of Advocacy usually leads broader public and grassroots campaigns, while Director of Government Affairs works directly with officials. Director of Community Relations deals with local partners rather than lawmakers. VP of Advocacy / Policy is the tier above.
By organization size
Small organizations rarely have this role and rely on a coalition or contract lobbyist. Large organizations, especially those relying on government funding, may have staff at state and federal levels.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Director of Government Affairs; Government Affairs Director; Director, Government Affairs; Director of Legislative Affairs; Sr. Director of Government Affairs; Director Government Affairs