Civil Air Patrol (CAP) | Captain

Senior Director of Government Relations

About Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) stands as a distinctive 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Comprising 69,211 dedicated volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds, CAP members embody core values of integrity, volunteerism, excellence, and respect. As neighbors and co-workers, these servant leaders volunteer their time and resources to provide critical emergency response, essential aviation and ground services, robust youth education and development programs, and promote vital air, space, and cyber opportunities across the nation.

Uniquely positioned as a Total Force Partner with the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard, Civil Air Patrol is the sole non-profit organization in the United States that integrates search and rescue missions with youth leadership development and comprehensive aerospace and cyber education. With 32,966 cadets and 36,245 adult members, CAP serves with passion across 8 Regions and 52 CAP Wings, spanning all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Government Relations (GVR) holds a pivotal leadership role in advancing the strategic interests of the Civil Air Patrol through comprehensive engagement with governmental entities at federal and state levels. This position requires a seasoned professional with profound expertise in legislative processes, government funding mechanisms, and effective advocacy strategies. The Senior Director will be instrumental in overseeing CAP’s Washington Office, securing federally allocated resources, cultivating essential relationships with key stakeholders, and providing expert leadership in navigating the evolving legislative landscape. This role is crucial for driving strategic engagement to achieve legislative and funding objectives vital to CAP's mission and sustained success, particularly in its unique capacity as an aviation and aerospace auxiliary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Government Affairs Strategy

• Oversees, plans, and executes CAP’s comprehensive government relations strategy, ensuring alignment with CAP’s strategic goals and programmatic needs to secure annual funding.
• Serves as CAP’s primary Legislative Liaison, advocating for CAP’s interests and funding within the U.S. Congress and government, fostering coalitions, and leading grassroots campaigns to advance legislative priorities.
• Prepares CAP’s annual legislative agenda, including strategic positions for impending CAP-focused legislation, for endorsement by CAP leadership and the Board of Governors. Develops persuasive arguments and materials to influence favorable outcomes and accurately represent the organization.
• Monitors budget cycles, identifies funding opportunities, and actively advocates for the organization's priorities.
• Maintains and directs the CAP Washington Office, cultivating robust relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry associations, non-profit organizations, and other key stakeholders or partners within the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Represents and supports CAP in high-level meetings, public hearings, and industry forums to advocate for its positions and build influence.
• Acts as a spokesperson and/or strategically positions CAP leadership on government relations matters, effectively articulating organizational positions to internal and external audiences.
• Provides oversight and support to CAP’s Congressional Squadron, serving as the primary liaison from the National Staff.

Policy Analysis and Compliance

• Remains comprehensively informed about defense policies, regulations, and funding opportunities directly relevant to CAP’s mission and vision.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments at both national and state levels for potential impact on CAP, analyzing implications, and advising senior leadership accordingly.
• Conducts in-depth analysis of proposed legislation and regulatory initiatives, offering expert guidance on strategic responses.
• Ensures organizational compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Collaboration

• Collaborates and communicates closely with internal and external stakeholders and key leadership to align government relations activities with broader organizational strategies and foster robust relationships.
• Works strategically with the Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Logistics Management Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Growth Officer to support CAP’s strategic goals, government funding efforts, and key relationships/partnerships within the NCR and beyond.
• Provides guidance and training to colleagues on critical government relations matters.
• Offers leadership and mentorship to government relations staff, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
• Works closely with and supports the CAP Pentagon Liaison team.

National Legislative Day (NLD) Campaign

• Develops and implements a comprehensive NLD campaign plan, including objectives, timelines, and budgets, designed to inform and educate all members of Congress.
• Organizes and leads training sessions, workshops, and briefings in support of CAP’s legislative agenda.
• Monitors, supports, and ensures the scheduling of every possible Congressional meeting during NLD.
• Conducts comprehensive follow-up to every NLD meeting, acknowledging the interaction and assisting with any potential support requests from Congressional offices.
• Coordinates and collaborates with the Marketing and Strategic Communications (MAC) Team and other key CAP staff on the annual Report to Congress and other critical NLD documents.

State Government Relations

• Provides strategic guidance and oversight for state-level government relations activities.
• Collaborates with region and wing Government Relations Advisors, offering advice, support, and training on state and local government relations strategies.
• Supports CAP’s volunteer leaders, particularly Wing Commanders, in establishing and maintaining strong relationships with state legislators, regulators, and other key decision-makers.

Tracking and Monitoring

• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments at both federal and state levels.
• Tracks relevant policy issues, legislation, and regulations impacting the organization's interests, analyzes potential impacts, and recommends appropriate responses or advocacy strategies.
• Prepares regular reports, presentations, and briefings for senior leadership on government relations activities and outcomes.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and adjusts strategies as necessary to optimize results.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises a dedicated team of paid and volunteer staff members responsible for legislative advocacy, ensuring their efforts support CAP’s strategic goals, initiatives, mission, vision, and core values.
• Assists in the selection of GVR staff, ensuring a commitment to the highest ethical practices and integrity.
• Provides strong leadership and coaching to the GVR team, empowering staff, managing performance, activities, and priorities while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or a related field/certificate program from an accredited college or university.
• Six or more years of relevant experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or a similar advocacy role.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to develop rapport and articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a broad range of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working directly with Congressional staff and/or committees, with a strong preference for experience involving key defense committees (e.g., Defense Appropriations, Armed Services).
• Experience working within a large non-profit organization, particularly one engaging with a significant volunteer base.
• Prior experience as an aviation professional, aircrew member, and/or a Civil Air Patrol volunteer.
• A successful track record in advocacy, including securing appropriated funds and significantly influencing policy outcomes.
• Strong understanding of federal and state legislative processes, budget cycles, and regulatory frameworks. Experience conducting legislative research and analysis is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Civil Air Patrol offers a competitive salary ranging from $153,000 to $173,000. Comprehensive benefits include a 401(k) retirement plan, health and dental insurance, paid life insurance, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays, optional short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, and a flexible spending account. Please note, this position does not offer a relocation package.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume via email to the address provided on our website. The closing date for applications is September 2, 2025.