Director of Government and Strategic Relations

Unbound Now is ending human trafficking by identifying victims, supporting survivors, seeking justice, and leading system change. We are motivated by our faith in Jesus and work each day as individuals driven by hope, oriented towards service, and committed to excellence. To learn more about our values, please read our Statement of Faith.

Director of Government and Strategic Relations

Austin, Texas (hybrid/remote) with regular travel

Full-time, exempt

The Director of Government and Strategic Relations is Unbound Now's senior external-affairs leader, responsible for advancing the mission through relationships with government, quasi-government bodies, nonprofits, faith organizations, philanthropic partners, and the media. The Director serves as the CEO's trusted advisor on public policy and partnership strategy and represents the organization in legislative, regulatory, coalition, and public settings. This is an individual-contributor role that succeeds through influence, credibility, and coalition-building rather than managerial authority.

Annual salary

Unbound Now is proud to offer a premier benefits package that prioritizes the health and financial security of our team members and their families:

• 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance:
  We cover 100% of medical premiums for both the employee and their family.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance:
  Fully covered for the employee at no cost.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a 3% salary match (eligible after 90 days; 1-year vesting).
• Dental & Vision:
  Comprehensive plans available at the employee’s expense.

Generally, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; occasional evenings and weekends. Anticipated 40–50 hours/week. Active on-site presence required.

Work is performed in standard office settings, partner agency facilities, and field environments. Work is primarily hybrid/remote, with mandatory on-site presence required for scheduled team meetings, executive briefings, stakeholder sessions, and during legislative demands in Austin. The role involves frequent travel, evening and weekend events, and a heavier workload during legislative sessions. The Director works with limited supervision and has no direct reports.

Position requires frequent travel throughout assigned service regions and multi-office footprints, as well as travel for required state/regional agency meetings, leadership retreats, professional development, or training. Official travel expenses and personal vehicle mileage are reimbursed through payroll via Trip Log following organizational guidelines and IRS standard mileage rates. To ensure compliance with IRS accountable plan rules, the Director must submit contemporaneous weekly travel logs via Trip Log detailing date, mileage, destination, and business purpose.

• Develop and execute an annual government relations strategy and policy agenda aligned with the organization’s mission and priorities, in consultation with the CEO and board.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agency leaders, legislative and committee staff, governors' and mayors' offices, and county and municipal officials.
• Monitor legislation, budgets, rule making, and appropriations at every level; analyze their impact and brief the CEO and leadership team in plain, actionable terms.
• Prepare and deliver testimony, comments, position papers, fact sheets, and talking points; prepare the CEO and other leaders for hearings and official meetings.
• Develop and advocate for annual legislative and budget priorities, including during legislative sessions, interim hearings, and agency stakeholder…