Director, Government Affairs

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Managing Director and Chief of Strategy, the Director, Government Affairs provides leadership and management of the institution’s legislative and advocacy work. The position is primarily responsible for developing and executing the Academy’s external strategy at all levels of government including city, state, federal, international, and indigenous governments.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Government Affairs will lead the Academy’s governmental agenda. They will recommend, develop, and implement, strategies on policy, regulatory, and funding opportunities primarily at the city, state, and federal levels. They will serve as a liaison and partner with indigenous and international governments and representatives.

The Director will collaborate with all levels of government and with colleagues across the Academy on key institutional objectives, to obtain public support and funding for the Academy’s scientific research, educational programming, exhibitions, and operations. The Director will also develop and leverage internal and external partnerships and communication networks to maximize the Academy’s presence in the city and state, as well as nationally and internationally.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Heads the Academy’s federal, state, and local government relations, including public policy matters, grants, earmarks, and other sources of revenue as well as any relationship building, advocacy, and lobbying efforts.
• Lead the Academy’s engagement with City & County of San Francisco (CCSF) elected officials, department leadership, and staff. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Mayor’s Budget Office, partnering with the Academy Finance team and Building Operations Team to ensure requirements are met for the annual CCSF budget process. 
• Advocates in support of the Academy and its exhibits, programs, and curricula by meeting with federal, state, and local government officials. 
• Builds and cultivates professional relationships with members of federal, state, local, international, and indigenous government entities and agencies.
• Research and monitor government activities that could affect the organization's mission and vision.
• Participates and testifies before government committees in support of the organization and/or industry.

Public Policy & Strategy

• Partner with senior management and leadership on strategic planning for known and potential regulatory activities related to the business and industry.
• Directs the policy platform and stakeholder relationships to further the department’s objectives.
• Identify opportunities to shape potential government funding through legislation, regulations, or other avenues.
• Develop public policy and funding proposals to support Academy operations, research, and programs.

External & Association Engagement

• Joins trade associations and industry committees and seeks leadership roles.
• Collaborates with industry advocates to build areas of common interest.
• Host events that showcase the Academy’s work and build relationships with government stakeholders.
• Attend events to represent the Academy and advance its mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Department Management

• Provide management and strategic direction for the Government Affairs team, working with staff and external consultants as appropriate to achieve institutional objectives.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ex