ABOUT RAZOM

Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, is dedicated to upholding the principles of the Revolution of Dignity (Maidan) and actively contributing to the establishment of a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine. Razom is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3). 

Razom Advocacy, based in Washington DC, is a non-partisan Razom program committed to advancing policy for Ukrainian victory and to nurturing community engagement across the United States and Ukraine. We value a collaborative and dynamic work environment where individuals are encouraged to take initiative and contribute to decision-making, while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to evolving needs.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

The Director of Government Affairs is a strategic leader responsible for driving legislative and policy outcomes that deliver tangible results for Ukraine, with a focus on victory against Russia’s invasion and on long-term recovery. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive government affairs strategies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in government affairs and a broad understanding of the legislative process and U.S. political landscape. 

The Director of Government Affairs leads a 2–4 person Government Affairs team, setting strategic goals and managing workflow for staff, volunteers, and interns. This position reports to the Program Director for Razom Advocacy and works alongside the Director of Public Engagement, who leads the Public Engagement team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Advocacy

• Advance federal policy and legislation through direct engagement with legislators, executive branch officials, and other stakeholders.

• Monitor and analyze policy developments and legislative proposals.

• Establish strong connections and nurture relationships with congressional and executive branch decision-makers at all levels, ensuring access and influence to achieve Razom’s objectives.

• Cultivate relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and influencers across Washington, fostering support for Ukraine’s objectives on both sides of the aisle.

• Track and analyze the effectiveness of government advocacy activities to identify areas for improvement and to demonstrate impact.

• Partner with Americans Together for Ukraine, a 501(c)(4) organization, to execute lobbying activity and manage external lobbying partners.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead the Government Affairs team to achieve tangible outcomes in federal legislation and policy.

• Oversee the onboarding, training, and mentorship of new team members, including interns and volunteers assigned to the Government Affairs team.

• Provide comprehensive mentoring and training, delegate tasks effectively. 

• Provide clear expectations, constructive feedback, and opportunities for professional development for team members, volunteers, and interns.

• Cultivate a thriving work environment by fostering a welcoming and productive atmosphere.

• Create opportunities for team members to learn, develop new skills, and advance their careers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a policy expert, keeping Razom leadership, staff, and community stakeholders informed about relevant legislative and policy proposals.

• Maintain appropriate record-keeping and abide by all applicable laws and regulations relating to this work.

• Collaborate with the Director of Public Engagement to design and execute public outreach campaigns that support the Government Affairs team’s goals, including coordinating constituent fly-ins, in-district work, media relations, and other related work.

• Expand Razom’s network by cultivating connections with key public figures, Ukrainian American organizations, and other key individuals.

• Represent Razom effectively by being a persuasive and articulate spokesperson for Razom at public events, meetings, and conferences. Effectively communicate Razom’s mission, initiatives, and impact to diverse audiences.

• Develop innovative legislative/policy proposals by identifying emerging needs and creating solutions that align with Razom’s mission and advocacy priorities.

• Plan and implement events and other activities to support Razom Advocacy’s government relations goals, such as congressional staff briefings, town halls, conferences, district and office visits, stakeholder meetings.

• Serve as a leader at Razom at-large, collaborating with team-members across the organization and with Razom’s other programs in Ukraine and the United States.

• Assist with fundraising for Razom in partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer.

• Execute additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in national security policy and government relations, including a track record of creativity and adaptability by leveraging non-traditional approaches to advocacy work.

• Strong knowledge of Ukraine policy and U.S. support for Ukraine.

• Established credibility and relationships with decision-makers in Washington, D.C. Strong network in foreign policy and national security. 

• Proven proactive and tenacious approach to government relations, demonstrating exceptional persistence and enthusiasm in advancing priorities, targeted personal contact with officials and staff members, maintaining rigorous follow-up, and consistently overcoming challenges to advance policy and legislation.

• 1-3 years of experience managing a team of 2 or more individuals.

• Proven familiarity with executive branch and congressional operations, hierarchies, and processes.

• High degree of cultural competence in both the political and non-profit contexts, including the ability to work collaboratively and inclusively across diverse groups with a sensitivity and appreciation of cultural differences.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

• Experience working with a 501(c)(4) organization and with political campaigns preferred.

• Preferred but not required: Ukrainian language fluency. Proven track record of supporting Ukraine’s fight for a stable, prosperous, secure, and democratic future. Familiarity with the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.

Notes

• Travel requirement: 10%

• This position requires registration under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA).

• Razom does not act as the agent of any foreign entity or individual. Neither Razom nor the incumbent for this position will engage in activity registrable under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA).

Logistics and Benefits

• Razom offers generous paid time off, medical/dental insurance, a 401k plan, and unique opportunities for ongoing professional development.

• U.S. work authorization required; unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available at this time.

Salary Range

• $110,000–$135,000

• Final salary based on experience, qualifications, and finalized scope of work.

Razom is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status. Razom is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We encourage candidates from different backgrounds to apply.