Director of Policy & Government Relations

The Director of Policy and Government Relations advances PACT’s mission by leading advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. This role is pivotal in initiating and coordinating support for laws and policies that address the needs of child victims and promote child protection. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, the Director of Policy and Government Relations serves as the organization’s primary representative to Congress, federal agencies, and coalition partners while aligning advocacy initiatives with PACT’s mission.

Role Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Define and execute PACT’s policy, legislative, and advocacy objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Serve as PACT’s primary representative and point of contact with Congressional offices and federal agencies, including attending meetings on Capitol Hill.
• Research, monitor, and analyze federal legislation and appropriations impacting child victims of exploitation and trafficking.
• Draft testimony, legislative fact sheets, position papers, reports, letters, comments, and other advocacy materials to support PACT’s positions.
• Represent PACT at hearings, briefings, trainings, and conferences relevant to child trafficking and exploitation.
• Work with partners to monitor and report on the U.S. government’s implementation of the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Legislative Engagement:

• Develop and maintain relationships with elected and appointed officials, congressional staff, and administrative leaders to advance policy objectives.
• Attend and report on hearings and briefings to ensure alignment with PACT’s goals and advocacy priorities.
• Lead efforts to build bipartisan support for PACT’s initiatives by exercising nonpartisan political judgment.

Coalition Building and External Representation:

• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners to promote PACT’s mission and policy objectives, and identify opportunities for strategic alignment and collaboration.
• Represent PACT in public forums and policy-focused discussions to raise awareness of child exploitation and trafficking issues.
• Identify opportunities for PACT to take leadership roles in coalitions and working groups to maximize influence.
• Occasionally take on media interviews with reporters addressing PACT’s policy priorities.

General Organizational Support:

• Participate in functional and org-wide meetings and events, contributing to a collaborative and mission-driven culture.
• Act as a PACT ambassador, representing the organization externally to stakeholders, partners, and the broader community.
• Assist with org-wide initiatives and special assignments such as the Freedom Awards and other key events as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in policy and legislative advocacy.
• Experience working with executive and legislative bodies, agencies, and departments at the federal level.
• Advanced understanding of child sex trafficking and related issues, including child welfare and criminal justice reform.
• Strong project management skills, with experience overseeing budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to PACT’s mission and values, with a strong understanding of educational and human rights practices.
• Must be based in the Washington, D.C. metro area and can travel to meetings and events as needed in the area, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Ability to travel occasionally outside the Washington, D.C. Metro area for events, workshops, and meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices in advocacy and policy settings.
• Lived experience relevant to PACT’s mission and vision.