Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Government Relations
at Public Lands Alliance
🏢 About Public Lands Alliance
The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) is the only national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the nonprofit partners of America's public lands—the friends groups, conservancies, and philanthropic organizations that provide volunteerism, funding, and programs for national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Working at PLA means being at the heart of a collaborative movement that leverages public-private partnerships to protect and enhance public lands for future generations. The remote-first culture and bipartisan mission offer a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on conservation policy.
About This Role
As the Director of Government Relations, you will be the chief architect of PLA's advocacy strategy, directly influencing legislation and federal agency policies that empower nonprofit partners of public lands. You will report to the CEO, collaborate with the PLA Board's Government Relations Committee, and engage with Capitol Hill and agency leadership to advance policies that strengthen partnerships. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the voices of local nonprofit partners are heard in Washington, D.C., and that they have the resources and capacity to advocate for their sites.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning call with the CEO and Government Relations Committee to refine advocacy strategy, followed by meetings on Capitol Hill with Congressional staff to discuss pending legislation. In the afternoon, you could be on a video call with PLA member organizations to train them on advocacy tools, then draft a policy brief for agency leadership. The role blends strategic planning, relationship-building, and empowering local partners, all in a remote setting.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Public Lands Alliance Is Looking For
- Extensive experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or advocacy, preferably with a focus on public lands, conservation, or environmental policy.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across the political spectrum, including with Congressional staff, federal agency officials, and diverse stakeholders.
- Strong strategic planning skills, with a track record of developing and executing successful advocacy campaigns that achieve legislative or policy outcomes.
- Experience working with or within nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on public lands or conservation, and a passion for empowering local partners.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent PLA effectively in high-level meetings and public forums.
📝 Tips for Applying to Public Lands Alliance
Highlight specific examples of legislative victories or policy changes you have helped achieve, especially those related to public lands, conservation, or nonprofit partnerships.
Demonstrate your understanding of the unique role of nonprofit partners in supporting public lands; mention specific agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Emphasize your experience working with boards of directors and committees, as you will collaborate closely with PLA's Government Relations Committee.
Show your ability to work across party lines; provide examples of bipartisan collaboration and relationships with staff from both parties.
Tailor your cover letter to PLA's mission and mention specific programs or initiatives that resonate with you, showing you've done your homework beyond the job description.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your proven track record in developing and executing government relations strategies that resulted in legislative or policy successes.', 'Your ability to build and sustain relationships with Capitol Hill staff, federal agencies, and diverse stakeholders, including examples of bipartisan work.', "Your experience in empowering nonprofit organizations or local partners to advocate for themselves, aligning with PLA's member-focused approach.", 'Your passion for public lands and understanding of the critical role nonprofit partnerships play in their protection and enhancement.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore PLA's website to understand their mission, member organizations, and current advocacy priorities, including any recent policy wins or ongoing campaigns.
- → Research the key Congressional committees and federal agencies that oversee public lands, such as the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
- → Learn about the landscape of nonprofit public lands partners—friends groups, conservancies, and their specific challenges and successes—to speak credibly about their needs.
- → Follow recent news on public lands policy, including legislation like the Great American Outdoors Act, and understand PLA's stance or involvement.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on high-level policy without demonstrating an understanding of the grassroots, site-specific needs of nonprofit partners.
- Showing partisanship or an inability to work with diverse political viewpoints, as PLA values bipartisan collaboration.
- Neglecting to mention specific public lands agencies or laws, which signals a lack of genuine interest or expertise in the field.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Public Lands Alliance!