Senior Director, Government Affairs

Overview /Objective:

The Senior Director, Government Affairs will assist in establishing the public policy agenda and executing a government affairs strategy to achieve these goals at the state and federal levels. 

Responsibilities:

The Senior Director, Government Affairs should possess significant political acumen and be perceived as an influential consensus-maker and strong reputation in Washington. The ideal candidate should have personal relationships with bipartisan, bicameral Members of Congress and their staffs. S/he should also have strong Member contacts on the relevant committees (e.g. Judiciary, Commerce, Ways & Means, Finance, HELP, etc.), Congressional leadership, and federal agencies. S/He will use these contacts to help implement a strategic plan for successfully achieving specific legislative results in Washington.

The Senior Director, Government Affairs will work with the SVP of Government Relations to help set and drive the NFL's public policy agenda and at the state and federal level. The individual will be involved with communications with the NFL and clubs regarding the status of legislation and regulatory actions vital to their interests. S/He will coordinate activities of individuals who are lobbying for the NFL and will work with other sports and entertainment organizations in Washington, which have aligned public policy. The Senior Director of Government Affairs will also work directly with the clubs regarding their own legislative agendas and Washington meetings.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience as a government relations executive, a Congressional staffer or a senior public servant in a relevant government department or agency. Previous experience and qualifications should include:

• An ability to quickly grasp and address the issues facing the NFL
• Thorough understanding of the Congressional legislative process including the roles and decision points in the Senate, House, Federal agencies, White House.
• Experience working directly with Members and staff on key Congressional legislation.
• Excellent analytical ability and experience of gathering and interpreting data.
• Exceptional writing skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels of government as well as to internal audiences.
• Strong decision-making skills. Must be able to recommend positions on issues and suggest changes in strategies as the legislative and regulatory processes unfold. The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs at the highest level of government and business.
• A keen sense of political discernment with the ability to identify and influence the key policy makers and develop and maintain relationships with key people and organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Law degree preferred.
• Ideal candidate will have background in government or private sector government affairs

Other Key Attributes / Talent Characteristics:

• Senior executive presence and maturity with not less than 10 years related experience.
• Significant understanding of, and exposure to, drivers of the priority topics and the impact these have on businesses broadly.
• Strong policy knowledge; able to draft a holistic picture of the overall activities and policy as they relate to sports.
• The ability to work collaboratively with international and national partners to deliver successful outcomes, as well as a developed ability to work and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders handling potentially ambiguous objectives.
• Possesses drive, energy, ambition and future potential.

Travel:

Some travel required.  Less than 15 percent of work time.

Terms /Expected Hours of Work:

NFL employees are required to work 40 hours per week in the office.

Salary / Pay Range

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials, or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range. 

At the NFL, in-person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.

NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.

The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

WHO WE ARE:

NFL Core Values:

• Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
• Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
• Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
• Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.

NFL Leadership Attributes:

• Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
• Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
• Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
• Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
• Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
• Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact

WHO YOU ARE:

Talent Attributes:   What we expect for our employees:

• Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude 
• Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
• Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
• Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
• Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset