JOB SUMMARY

The Agency Relations & Compliance Manager manages relationships and communications with government agencies, elected officials, and tribal representatives in support of Black Rock Citys annual permits and contracts, and in support of Burning Mans special projects in Northern Nevada. The Agencies Relations & Compliance Manager works closely with the Legal and Event Operations Departments. In Black Rock City, the Agencies Relations & Compliance Manager works to ensure compliance with permit requirements, plays an important role in emergency incident response, and serves as a primary liaison to the Bureau of Land Management. Success in this role hinges on the ability to build lasting relationships and navigate complexity through collaborative problem-solving. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, impeccable discretion, and initiative in a fast-paced setting. This role reports directly to the Director of Government Affairs.

This is a regular full-time role, located in Reno, Nevada.Working hours will be based on Pacific Time.

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on February 20th, 2026.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT

Relationship, Permits, and Compliance (85%)

• Manage relationships, organize and attend meetings, and conduct and support negotiations as assigned with government agencies, elected officials, and Tribal representatives in Nevada, including the Nevada Department of Transportation, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Washoe County, Pershing County, the Central Nevada Health District, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Washoe County Sheriffs Office, and Nevada State Police.
• Work with agencies, external contractors, and event operations to: evaluate permit requirements and related costs; obtain necessary permits; and ensure compliance with permit stipulations.
• Support Burning Mans compliance with Bureau of Land Management Special Recreation Permit requirements including special stipulations, vending and environmental.
• Support Burning Mans community relations in Gerlach, Empire, Nixon and other local communities, including monitoring local impacts and community concerns Prepare and attend as needed meetings of the Gerlach General Improvement District and Gerlach Empire Citizens Advisory Board.
• Prepare for and attend pre-event and post-event meetings with government agencies and Tribal bodies; ensure After Action Reports are submitted and submitted on time and reflect accurate compliance, incident, and operational information
• Track agendas for the Pershing County and Washoe County Commissions as well as the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council; attend and present at meetings as needed; and meet with elected officials.
• Interface with Tribal representatives and agencies including Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and NDOT to ensure smooth communications, compliance, and completion of highway cleanup post-event.
• Manage the relationship with the Central Nevada Health District to ensure permits are approved and onsite inspection activities are coordinated.
• Respond to, research, and manage other agency inquiries and requirements as needed.
• Daft official letters and correspondence from Burning Man Project to government agencies and other officials.
• In Black Rock Rock City:
  • Assist with Bureau of Land Management meetings, negotiations, communications, inspections, and operations
  • Meet with and guide government agencies including the Nevada Division of Public & Behavioral Health, the Central Nevada Health District, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and coordinate their onsite visits and related logistics
  • Drive Highway 447 post-event to evaluate trash collection operators
  • Meet with PLPT representatives in Nixon
  • Meet with PLPT and NDOT representatives in Black Rock City
  • Population and Reporting Management liaison
  • Support External Relations Team
  • Help coordinate and attend the post-event inspection
• Work closely with the Director of Government Affairs and the legal Department to draft and review legal filings.
• Support Burning Mans work and advocacy at the Nevada Legislature.
• Special projects as assigned: provide regulatory, compliance, and strategic guidance related to land use and real estate development.

Operational & Project Management (15%)

• Work with Event Operations on the annual Black Rock City Operations Plan
• Update resources databases, standard operating procedures, and protocols annually
• Attend and contribute to internal strategy and operational meetings, and the annual Operations Summit
• Coordinate with Tech and Event Ops teams to manage the Population and Reporting Management planning processes
• Support and guide Event Operations staff to prepare for agency inspections in Black Rock City
• Draft the annual Burning Man After Action Report, track deadlines, and work with Event Operations to deliver content
• Participate in annual goal-setting and strategic planning
• Travel to San Francisco, Nixon, and Gerlach as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Documentation– Drives the creation, publishing, and maintenance of process documentation related to assigned duties.
• TeachingTakes a leadership role in the acculturation and training of staff. Teaches live or e-learning classes, as requested. Promotes a culture of teaching and learning throughout the community.
• Mentoring– Mentors subordinates in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience that will allow them to advance in the organization. Aids, encourages, and inspires their team.
• Training development– Collaborates with the education team to develop training materials in their area of expertise, as requested.
• LearningPursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes. Participates in conferences, forums, and networking events, where appropriate.
• SpeakingRepresents Burning Manas a subject matter expert and culture-bearer, as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• 4+ years experience working in regulatory affairs and government relations
• Juris Doctor degree or an advanced degree in public administration or public policy
• Proven track record of multifaceted internal and external relationship, contract, permit, and project management
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and organizational discipline while managing multiple initiatives and deadlines
• Strategic thinker and motivated self-starter with a strong record of creative probl…