Senior Director of Government Relations

Organizational Description

Founded in 1994, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice (Latina Institute) builds Latine power to fight for the fundamental human right to reproductive health, dignity, and justice. We center Latine voices, mobilize our communities, transform the cultural narrative, and drive policy change. We amplify the grassroots power and thought leadership of Latine across the country to fuel a larger reproductive justice movement.

The Latina Institute is seeking a Senior Director of Government Relations to shape and lead the organization’s federal policy advocacy, legislative strategy, and political engagement. This role serves as the organization’s chief strategist on government relations, collaborating closely with state teams, national program staff, public affairs, and senior leadership to align campaigns, initiatives, and partnerships for maximum impact. The Senior Director will be a visible and confident external ambassador, representing the organization in coalitions, before policymakers, in media, and at public events, including providing testimony and interviews on behalf of the Executive Director and organization, when needed.

A trusted leader and mentor, this position motivates and empowers teams, builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ensures the organization’s government relations strategy advances its mission and priorities. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role is a pivotal member of the Senior Leadership Team, driving strategic influence at the highest levels of policy and advocacy.

The Latina Institute operates as a primarily remote organization but requires certain roles to be based in specific locations and work in a hybrid capacity. This role must be based in Washington, D.C., or the DMV area, with the ability to work from the Washington, D.C. office and nearby locations as needed. Occasional travel (up to 30%) to other locations nationwide may also be required to participate in in‑person events, meetings, and fulfill essential responsibilities.

Full Time, Exempt, 40 of hours per week

Lead the development and execution of the organization’s federal government relations strategy with significant autonomy, in partnership with the Executive Director.

Provide strategic direction, leadership, creativity, and oversight of Latina Institute’s federal policy positions, initiatives, and activities.

Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Community Mobilization and the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs to integrate national and state policy advocacy, communications, and organizing strategies.

Provide strategic thought partnership and support to state staff to advance coordinated policy advocacy strategies across jurisdictions.

Communicate, strategize, and advise the Executive Director on federal policy priorities, political landscape assessments, and organizational government relations strategy.

Supervise the Director of Government Relations to implement federal policy and advocacy strategies that advance and protect the reproductive health, rights and justice for Latinas and immigrant communities.

Lead the Government Relations department’s annual operating plan and collaborate with senior leadership on strategic alignment, prioritization, and execution.

Manage the department’s programmatic budget and collaborate with Finance and senior leadership on fiscal planning and organizational budgeting.

Work cross‑functionally with Development, Operations, and Finance to ensure timely reporting, compliance, and fulfillment of grant and funding requirements related to government relations work.

Ensure compliance with all lobbying registration, reporting, and tracking requirements for the Government Relations department—reporting this information to the Managing Director and General Counsel.

Demonstrated success in people management, including mentoring, developing, and inspiring staff to achieve organizational goals.

Ability to foster…