Government Relations Manager

Organization Mission

National Dance Institute of New Mexico is founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of our distinctive programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives.

Purpose of Government & Corporate Relations Director Role:

The Government Relations Manager is responsible for annual government program and capital grants giving as well as developing and maintaining relationships on behalf of the organization with government entities, staff, and elected officials. This position will work closely with the NDI New Mexico Grants team, board members, and the Santa Fe & Albuquerque advancement staff to meet NDI New Mexicos government funding goals in alignment with our strategic plan. The Government & Corporate Relations Manager is part of NDI New Mexicos administrative staff.

Primary Responsibilities:

Leads Public Funding/Government Relations

• Builds, maintains, and improves NDI New Mexicos relationships with local, state and federal government agencies.
• Coordinates with the Director of Advancement and Executive Director to develop the government strategy for fundraising goals, staffing needs, and vision to achieve the growth objectives set forward in the organizations long-range plan.

• Works with the Director of Advancement and Executive Director to set income goals for statewide and local government, coordinating with the advancement team to oversee and carry out all government fundraising, communication and marketing activities.
• Creates and maintains a personal portfolio of government prospects and opportunities. Fundraising strategies include identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of relationships via one-on-one meetings, telephone conversations, written correspondence, and emails.
• Develops and sustains a network of broad local support through networking, attending special events, and building relationships with organizations and individuals who can support the work of NDI New Mexico, including but not limited to Santa Fe Public Schools, City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, Albuquerque Public Schools, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and State of New Mexico.
• Responsible for overseeing RFPs that would be appropriate for NDI New Mexico.
• Works with government agencies to negotiate contracts for services including deliverables, and draw down of funds in coordination with NDI New Mexicos Finance Department.
• Responsible for communicating with and involving the Executive Director, Director of Advancement, advancement staff, and volunteers as appropriate and necessary.
• Communicates with, recognizes, cultivates, solicits and stewards government partners as needed.
• Promotes NDI New Mexico in the community through attending events outside NDI New Mexico.

Other

• Participates in NDI New Mexico committees as needed.
• Reports regularly to Director of Advancement on progress towards goals.
• Prepares quarterly reports for board meetings and senior staff meetings as needed.
• Other duties as needed.

Working Conditions, Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Functions performed in a variety of environments including: NDI New Mexico offices, schools, residency sites, and other locations
• Requires reliable transportation. Will be reimbursable in-state travel to NDI New Mexico locations, participating schools, residency sites, and community events
• Requires weekend and evening hours
• May be required to lift to 15 lbs.
• May be required to navigate stairs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Job Specific Requirements:

• College Degree.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in Government Relations, with demonstrable experience government lobbying in direct appropriation requests.
• Strong organizational, computer, and smart-phone skills including extended familiarity with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), strong development database skills, MS Windows file/folder management, and Android, Blackberry, or i-Phone calendaring and emailing skills.
• Willingness to assist with whatever needs to get done for the success of the organization including weekly meetings outside the office, trips to Albuquerque, and running errands.
• Management experience and supervision skills.

Core NDI New Mexico Employee Requirements:

• Believes in the mission of the organization
• Strives for excellence in this job with a Can Do attitude
• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and ages
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and result driven
• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task to meet priorities
• Supports teamwork and collaboration by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills
• Communicates effectively through clear speaking, writing and effective listening
• Behaves respectfully, ethically and with personal integrity
• Operates in a fiscally responsible manner
• Demonstrates adaptability through a willingness to be flexible and versatile in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
• Professional appearance and telephone manner