Director of Government and Strategic Relations

Unbound Now

. Serve as Unbound Now’s senior external-affairs leader .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeAustin • Texas • United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as Unbound Now’s senior external-affairs leader
Advance the organization’s mission through relationships with government, quasi-government bodies, nonprofits, faith organizations, philanthropic partners, and media
Advise the CEO on public policy and partnership strategy
Represent the organization in legislative, regulatory, coalition, and public settings
Develop and execute an annual government relations strategy and policy agenda with the CEO and board
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, legislative and committee staff, governors’ and mayors’ offices, and county and municipal officials
Monitor legislation, budgets, rulemaking, and appropriations at federal, state, and local levels
Analyze policy developments and brief the CEO and leadership team in actionable terms
Prepare and deliver testimony, comments, position papers, fact sheets, and talking points
Prepare the CEO and other leaders for hearings and official meetings
Develop and advocate for legislative and budget priorities during legislative sessions, interim hearings, and agency stakeholder processes
Pursue public funding, contracts, and policy partnerships with program and finance leaders
Ensure compliance with lobbying registration and reporting, gift and ethics rules, and nonprofit political-activity restrictions
Represent the organization on commissions, task forces, advisory councils, and public-private partnerships
Cultivate peer organizations, trade and membership associations, and advocacy coalitions
Join or lead mission-aligned coalitions and groups
Develop relationships with denominations, congregations, ministry networks, and faith leaders
Engage foundations, major donors, and corporate funders around policy and partnership priorities
Build media relationships and serve as a spokesperson and subject-matter voice on policy issues
Coordinate with communications staff on op-eds, interviews, and responses to breaking issues
Identify emerging markets and potential expansion opportunities and risks
Advise and build relationships in new markets and recommend partnership priorities
Track relationship activity in the organization’s CRM
Report regularly to the CEO on outcomes
Work as an individual contributor with limited supervision and no direct reports
Collaborate with the Executive Team, Development Team, Regional Directors, and headquarters staff
Travel frequently throughout assigned service regions and multi-office footprints
Submit contemporaneous weekly travel logs through TripLog
Report to the Unbound Now CEO

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree
At least 10 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, or a related field
Demonstrated record of advancing legislative, budget, or policy goals at the state level
Established relationships, or proven ability to build them quickly, across government, the nonprofit sector, and the philanthropic community
Strong knowledge of legislative and budget processes, nonprofit lobbying rules, and limits on political activity for tax-exempt organizations
Excellent written and verbal communication, including testimony, briefings, and media interviews
Comfort with and respect for the organization's Christian mission and values
Willingness to travel and work irregular hours during legislative sessions
Mature Christian faith, evidenced by participation in a local Christian church
Commitment to staff devotions and consistent prayer support for the ministry, donors, and volunteers
Pass employment eligibility verification (Form I-9)
Provide three references: supervisor, professional, and personal
Pass required criminal background checks, including DFPS criminal history and abuse and neglect registry checks
Abide by organizational policies and procedures, required annual trainings, time-sheet and grant-allocation requirements, travel reimbursement guidelines, and expense documentation procedures
Commitment to data security, donor privacy, and survivor confidentiality protocols
Proven ability to develop, operationalize, and execute strategies aligned with a strategic plan
Leadership, relationship management, and nonprofit development experience with a track record of success
Ability to inspire and engage staff, volunteers, donors, advisory board members, and community leaders
Deep understanding of human trafficking and Unbound Now’s core programs and operations
Ability to manage departmental resources, software subscriptions, and vendor contracts within budget guidelines
Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and proper insurance coverage
Ability to operate a personal vehicle for work-related regional travel
Ability to sit at a computer for long periods and participate in frequent video calls
Ability to perform repetitive keyboarding motions
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to maintain close visual attention to detail and prolonged mental concentration
Must align with Unbound Now’s Christian faith, mission, and core values
Preferred: Juris Doctor or master's degree in public policy, public administration, law, or a related field
Preferred: prior experience working directly with a CEO or executive team and governing board
Preferred: experience in the anti-trafficking movement
Preferred: experience with faith communities, coalitions, or philanthropic funders

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% employer-paid medical premiums for the employee and family
Employer-paid life insurance
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% salary match, eligible after 90 days, with 1-year vesting
Comprehensive dental and vision plans available at the employee’s expense
Official travel expenses reimbursed through payroll via TripLog
Personal vehicle mileage reimbursed according to organizational guidelines and IRS standard mileage rates
Professional development and training travel supported through required travel reimbursement
Hybrid/remote work arrangement