Position Summary: The Director of Government Relations, Advocacy & Foundation is a cross-functional leadership role responsible for advancing public policy, member advocacy, and talent pipeline development on behalf of Colorado’s CPA profession. This role leads COCPA’s government affairs and PAC initiatives (60%), serves as Executive Director of the affiliated 501(c)(3) Educational Foundation (25%), and provides administrative and cross-departmental support (15%). Working closely with the CEO, Foundation Board of Trustees, COCPA staff, educators, students, and stakeholders, this position drives advocacy strategy, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, coordinates grassroots engagement, leads fundraising, conducts student outreach, and oversees scholarship programs. This role plays a vital part in shaping the future of the accounting profession through both policy influence and educational outreach.

Job Responsibilities

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY (Estimated 60% of role)

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

FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Estimated 25% of role)

Lead, Manage, and Maintain Accountability for Strategy

• Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop and execute the Foundation’s mission-driven strategy using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
• Provide focused leadership, set measurable goals, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities

Drive Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Lead annual fundraising efforts (e.g., Colorado Gives Day, Battle of the Brains)
• Cultivate donor and sponsor relationships with a goal to grow contributions by 15%+ annually
• Ensure timely donor recognition and accurate recordkeeping

Manage Strategic Relationships & Promote Accounting Profession

• Represent the Foundation at public events, schools, and conferences
• Strengthen ties with Trustees, faculty, and community leaders to expand reach
• Promote the profession through student engagement and participation in career/networking events

Ensure Proper Governance, Compliance, & Financial Oversight

• Coordinate Board meetings, maintain records, and support compliance
• Manage budget preparation, financial monitoring, and reporting
• Oversee financial operations and regulatory filings in collaboration with COCPA Finance and external partners

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (Estimated 15% of role)

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

• Anticipated 40 hours of work per week with overtime hours required for time-critical projects, during events, or during high work volume periods.
• 10–20% in-state travel; 5–10% out-of-state travel
• Remote work available with supervisor approval; some weekly in-person work at Glendale, CO required

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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