Position Summary: The Director of Government Relations & Advocacy supports the strategic goals of the organization by implementing advocacy initiatives, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, engaging with key stakeholders, and coordinating grassroots and member advocacy efforts. This role works closely with the CEO, member groups, and external partners to advance policies that support the CPA profession in Colorado.

Job Responsibilities:

Develop and Drive Advocacy Strategy

• Lead development of a Colorado-based government relations strategy in collaboration with Board, staff, and members
• Create and update an annual public policy agenda aligned with CPA interests
• Monitor and analyze relevant state and federal legislation and regulations
• Provide timely analysis, policy recommendations, and briefing materials
• Stay current on industry trends and standards by attending AICPA and other events

Engage Members and Mobilize Grassroots Advocacy

• Launch and manage grassroots campaigns on key professional issues
• Utilize technology to increase and track member advocacy engagement
• Plan and lead events such as CPA Day at the Capitol and D.C. fly-ins
• Support advocacy groups and respond to technical/policy-related inquiries

Build and Sustain Strategic Advocacy Relationships

• Develop and maintain relationships with:
  • Regulatory agencies (e.g., State Board of Accountancy, Dept. of Revenue)
  • Legislative officials (state and federal)
  • Professional organizations (e.g., NASBA, AICPA, PEEC)
• Collaborate with lobbyists, consultants, and coalition partners

Represent the Profession and Deliver Advocacy Communications

• Represent the Colorado accounting profession at public hearings, rulemakings, roundtables, and events.
• Draft policy briefs, talking points, and testimony
• Draft and distribute content for websites, newsletters, alerts, and social media
• Prepare leaders and volunteers for engagements with legislators and regulators
  Ensure consistent advocacy messaging with internal marketing team

Lead Political Action Committee Initiatives

• Plan and execute annual PAC fundraising strategy (Goal: Double fundraising over 4 yrs)
• Promote political engagement through presentations and campaigns
• Manage PAC compliance and accurate reporting

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, MPA, JD, Master’s) are a plus
• 5+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative advocacy
• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, with experience in program development, stakeholder engagement, and board collaboration
• Familiarity with the accounting or financial services professions strongly preferred

Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communicator with professional, approachable demeanor
• Skilled at engaging diverse stakeholders and handling sensitive information with discretion

Data and Technology Skills

• Proficient with Google Workspace and standard office technology
• Experienced in managing databases and maintaining accurate records

Networking and Relationship Building Skills

• Proven ability to cultivate relationships with legislators, donors, and community leaders
• Service-oriented and confident in high-level stakeholder interactions

Leadership and Management Skills

• Self-directed, organized, and effective in managing projects and guiding teams
• Experienced in working with boards, volunteers, and cross-functional groups

General Skills

• Dependable and deadline-driven in fast-paced, mission-focused environments
• Must pass a background check

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands for handling and typing
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds and reach with arms
• Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus for computer and document work
• Non-smoking office

Work Schedule and Benefits

• Part-time role: 25 hours/week, with occasional additional hours for events or high workload (compensated hourly)
• 10–20% in-state travel; 5–10% out-of-state travel
• Minimum 20 hours must align with COCPA’s Core Office Hours (Mon–Thurs: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Fri: by appointment)
• Remote work available with supervisor approval; some weekly in-person work at Glendale, CO required
• Benefits include:
• 9 paid holidays (including 2 floating)
• 40 hours of sick leave and 75 hours of vacation in Year 1
• 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 5% (immediate eligibility at age 21+)
• Up to $1,500/year for education or certification reimbursement

Core Values

The successful candidate will embrace and consistently demonstrate the COCPA Core Values:

• We are Adaptable and Courageous – Be afraid and do it anyway.
• We Practice a Can Do Attitude – Yes we can!
• We Are Engaged and Dependable – Count on me. Count on us.
• We Deliver Professional High Quality Work – Excellence is the norm.
• We are Member/People Focused – People come first at COCPA.

About Colorado Society of CPAs

Founded in 1904, the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA) is a 501(c)(6) professional membership association for CPAs and accounting professionals in Colorado with a membership of 6,400+. Located in the Denver Tech Center, the COCPA operations encompass diverse activities, including member services, continuing education, and peer review. The Educational Foundation of COCPA, the affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, fundraises and grants scholarships to Colorado accounting students. The Educational Foundation of the Colorado Society of CPAs (501c3) was founded in 1958 to promote accounting education in Colorado. Its mission is to promote accounting education in Colorado and support individuals and institutions engaged in its study and teaching.

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