Position Overview: Vice President of Government Affairs, Legal and Advocacy

A faith-based nonprofit is seeking a Vice President of Government Affairs in Washington DC to join its senior leadership team. This Vice President of Government Affairs role in Washington DC will lead public policy advocacy, government engagement and legal strategy supporting children of incarcerated parents.

Vice President Government of Affairs Role, Public Policy and Advocacy Leadership

The Vice President of Government Affairs will oversee advocacy, policy and grassroots engagement initiatives. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the Vice President Government Affairs Washington DC will help shape public policy strategy and strengthen relationships with policymakers, foundations and partners.

Key Responsibilities: Government Affairs, Public Policy and Legal Leadership

• Lead the Government Affairs, advocacy and grassroots engagement teams, including programmes supporting reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Oversee a small legal team, providing compliance guidance and legal advice relating to Angel Tree children initiatives.
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on legal risks, regulatory issues and strategic policy direction.
• Collaborate with foundations and partners to review grant proposals and support organisational growth.
• Provide legal oversight across programmes, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, governance standards and best practice.

Candidate Requirements: Government Affairs, Public Policy and Legal Expertise

• Senior experience in government affairs, public policy, criminal justice reform or advocacy leadership.
• Legal background essential, ideally with a JD or equivalent legal qualification.
• Experience managing a legal team or providing legal oversight within a complex organisation.
• Experience within nonprofit, public sector or faith-based organisations is beneficial but not essential.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington DC metro area to support advocacy engagement.
• Comfortable working within a Christian faith-based environment.

Organization Overview: Faith-Based Nonprofit Focused on Criminal Justice and Family Support

The organization is entering an exciting phase of growth, with its budget expected to increase from $74 million to $90 million over the next five years. Under the leadership of a CEO with a strong background in advocacy, the organization continues to expand its work supporting children of incarcerated parents and strengthening programs that drive long-term social impact.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all.  You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.

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Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

Peter Ferguson

Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports some of the world’s most renowned communications consultancies, boutique public affairs agencies and global in-house clients. Peter has supported clients on mandates including Managing Director...

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