Open to opportunities

Crystal Rains

@crystalrains

Message

I am a government affairs and policy leader specializing in advocacy, communications, and legislative strategy.

Zimbabwe

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm seeking senior government relations or policy advocacy roles that leverage my legislative strategy, regulatory expertise, and strategic communications to drive mission-driven outcomes and mentor teams.

I am a government affairs and policy strategist with more than a decade of experience leading advocacy, communications, and regulatory efforts across state, federal, and global arenas. I build political strategy and legislative forecasting to influence policy outcomes.

As Head of Advocacy Communication and Global Policy at ISC2 and in senior communications roles, I developed government relations strategies, prepared testimony, drafted regulatory responses, and led global policy initiatives across the US, EU, and APAC.

As a consultant, I cultivate relationships with Members of Congress and key stakeholders, manage legislative tracking and forecasting, and use technical writing and data-driven analysis to inform regulatory decisions for nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns.

I deliver strategic and crisis communications, brand positioning, event promotion, and stakeholder engagement while mentoring teams and executing outreach campaigns. I am mission-driven and seek opportunities to lead cross-functional policy and advocacy programs that produce measurable impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Head of Advocacy Communication

ISC2

Oct 2021 - Jan 2024 (2 years 3 months)

Developed and executed government relations and regulatory strategies across the US, EU, and APAC, drafted white papers and official responses, and prepared testimony for legislative and regulatory matters. Oversaw regulatory affairs and led U.S. advocacy communications, media relations, and event promotion for the advocacy team.

Government Relations Regulatory Affairs Strategic Communications Stakeholder Engagement Media Relations Global Policy Technical Writing

Senior Communication Manager

Total Administrative Services Corporation

Jan 2020 - Oct 2021 (1 year 9 months)

Served as chief communications writer for the CEO and led government relations, legislative tracking, and policy forecasting while directing brand strategy, media, and event promotion. Planned and executed strategic communications and collateral for company-wide initiatives including the Annual Company Meeting.

Executive Communication Brand Strategy Media Relations Event Promotion Content Development Stakeholder Engagement

Senior Account Executive

Commonwealth Consultants

Jan 2011 - Jan 2013 (2 years)

Led communications, community outreach, and media relations for major infrastructure projects including the $6.2B Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project and express lane programs. Managed marketing, stakeholder engagement, event planning, and political/legislative liaison activities for transportation and government contracting clients.

Community Outreach Media Relations Stakeholder Management Event Planning Liaison Marketing Public Affairs

Legislative Associate

Stateside Associates

Tracked and triaged state legislation across 18 states, evaluating over 2,000 bills to identify client-relevant measures and producing strategic summaries, forecasts, and daily amendment and budget monitoring. Assessed political landscapes and candidate viability to inform client strategy.

Legislation Monitoring Policy Analysis Triage Research Forecasting Monitoring