Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins, and the Punta San Juan Program, which supports the conservation and management of a marine protected area. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. The animals at Brookfield Zoo are ambassadors to those in the wild. Through care and breeding and, in some cases, reintroduction to their natural habitat, we replenish nature many times over. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Brookfield Zoo provides state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs to thousands of animals representing over 500 species. In fact, animal care technologies developed at Brookfield Zoo are employed in 165 countries.

Working closely with the Society President, the Vice President of Government Affairs will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining effective relationships with government officials and implementing activities to secure governmental support and legislative actions that benefit the Society and support the mission, programs, and operations of the organization. In a strategic and value-added manner, the VP of Government Affairs will articulate CZS's compelling stories to key audiences, building public support, to leverage and influence public policy and acquire resources in a manner consistent with the organization's mission and strategic plan.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Working closely with the Society President/CEO, develops and executes a fully integrated, comprehensive plan for creating and sustaining relationships with elected and appointed officials and decision-makers at all governmental levels to secure policy-setting support and annual, programmatic and capital financial support from county, state, and federal governments. This includes development, implementation, and evaluation of effective communications strategies and cultivation events for each governmental level, with special focus on promoting Society interests. Working with senior staff, develops a list of potential areas and programs for such support, including but not limited to major repairs and improvements, education, training, conservation initiatives, and field conservation programs.
• Monitors governmental activities, including legislation, for potential impact on current or future Society activities, programs, sources of funding, or program opportunities, in conjunction with governmental counsel.
• Manage the partnership between CZS and the Forest Preserves of Cook County ("FPCC"). Serve as the primary conduit between CZS and the FPCC, keeping the General Superintendent and Commissioners engaged on key issues, including investments CZS makes in Cook County communities, how Brookfield Zoo is meeting the needs of Cook County residents, CZS' capital needs, partnership opportunities between the FPCC and CZS, and CZS's commitment to diversity. Keeps Society President/CEO appropriately informed and involved.
• Staffs the Board of Trustees Government Affairs Committee, working with Trustee Chair to develop agendas, meeting dates, required reports, and meetings minutes.
• Works with appropriate Society staff on relevant issues requiring the involvement or support of elected and appointed officials or other government relations items or concerns.
• Prepares and recommends the annual government affairs operating budget. Manages expenses against approved budget and takes necessary action(s) to ensure a balanced budget is achieved.
• Works collaboratively with the Executive Team and Program Unit to facilitate the engagement a fully integrated plan to secure financial and other support for the Society.
• Assists in any cultivation efforts as directed and advises on strategic matters related to key constituencies.
• Identifies opportunities for enhancing relationships with community and political leaders and works collaboratively with CZS staff to take advantage of and leverage opportunities.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include:

• Master's degree in Political Science, Arts, Sciences, or other relevant business-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of five years directly relevant government affairs experience required; government affairs experience must include an established network of relationships with a variety of elected and/or appointed officials on the local, regional, and/or national levels, as well as success in influencing public policy decisions.
• Must have outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Must possess a strong ability to harness and influence key decision makers to achieve government affairs objectives.
• Excellent communications skills; must be articulate, well-spoken and highly professional individual capable of effectively representing the organization to various audiences, including strong writing and platform skills.
• Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Must have a keen understanding and sensitivity to public and private partnerships.
• Strategic thinking and orientation and solid planning and organizational skills required. Must be proactive with respect to government affairs program and agenda, both short term and long term.
• Must be able to deal calmly with emergent issues, multiple projects, and high-level officials simultaneously.
• Must be able to work effectively under pressure and manage sensitive/crisis government affairs issues or communications.
• Incumbent must be self-motivated, confident, and make strong, compelling presentations to diverse audiences.
• Must possess excellent follow-up and follow through abilities.
• Computer proficiency required. Must be able to use word processing and database management software packages.
• Must be a polished and articulate individual with a highly professional appearance and demeanor.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience required.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.

The preferred qualifications include:

• Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Strong interest in or appreciation of animals and conservation issues preferred.
• Eight years' experience or more of directly relevant government affairs experience preferred, including an established network of relationships with a variety of elected and/or appointed officials at various levels.

Additional Information: This position requires a polished individual with a highly professional appearance and demeanor. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, programs, and objectives and how activities impact the operation and sustainability of the Society and leverage this knowledge to influence government officials and decision makers. Incumbent will be expected to effectively integrate and coordinate a variety of interests and disciplines with departments. Incumbent must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence. Normal workweeks of 50+ hours are not unusual, including attendance at various events, meetings, etc., internal and external, including events sponsored by the Society for its employees, Board members, and other audiences and other meetings in the evening, on weekends, and early mornings as needed. Thus, incumbent must be make a significant commitment to the organization. Local and domestic travel is required.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.