The National Fire Protection Association’s mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. Established in 1896, we are dedicated to the elimination of death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The Association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.

To better meet the needs of those who rely on our information and knowledge to keep people and property safe, we are amidst a transformation to expand our influence and further our safety mission. We are becoming increasingly digital and global to grow, thrive and save more lives from fire, electrical and other hazards. To accomplish this, we need effective leaders at all levels of the Association who understand what we are striving for, why it is important, how to execute on our vision and who passionately want to see NFPA through this important stage. It is an exciting and empowering time to work at NFPA.

The NFPA is looking to add a Director of Government Affairs. Based in Washington DC, the Director of Government Affairs is responsible for defining, developing, implementing and managing a strategic government affairs approach and achieving effective outcomes for NFPA. Develops and maintains relationships with relevant individuals, organizations and agencies within the federal government. Proactively identifies, recommends and executes targeted activities to advance NFPA strategy and mission. Collaborates with individuals across NFPA and applies resources to deliver high value outcomes that promote NFPA and its strategic goals. Represents NFPA’s policies and positions both in writing and in person at appropriate legislative and policy hearings and meetings. Monitors and informs NFPA staff of legislative, regulatory and other issues of importance to NFPA by developing appropriate context and communication channels. Works with NFPA teams on relevant state and federal activities. 

This role reports to the Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy and is based in our Washington DC office.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Establishes and maintains relationships with Congressional and federal agency staff as well as officials in private sector groups and organizations to advance NFPA and its mission
• Provides leadership, guidance and coordination across NFPA on federal issues including preparing, coordinating and delivering legislative and regulatory correspondence and comments on behalf of NFPA
• Serves as NFPA representative to promote NFPA policies, positions, and capabilities.
• Attends, monitors, participates and reports on Congressional and agency hearings and meetings
• Gathers and analyzes information important to the organization and educates NFPA staff
• Working closely with VP of Outreach & Advocacy, determines best use of government affairs resources to advance NFPA’s goals, aligned with strategy.
• Serves as the NFPA representative to government and non-government committees, coalitions, and advisory groups as appropriate
• Acts as a resource on federal government activities (legislative, regulatory, etc.) to NFPA staff
• Maintains NFPA’s integrity and leadership in fire, electrical and life safety
• Responsible to develop and manage allocated budget 
• Responsible for managing outside consultants to support government affairs as needed. 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years of government relations experience, including work on Capitol Hill with Congress and Federal agencies, is required.
• Demonstrated track record managing government affairs activities to achieve desired outcomes
• Strong communication skills – both written and oral
• Flexible, strategic and forward thinking with ability to create and execute ideas and strategies
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Proven public speaking experience
• Knowledge/prior experience of the fire service is beneficial but not required

National Fire Protection Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.