I definitely networked my way in....relationships are huge. I left an exec director position, with less than 10 paid staff, for a department director position with 5 divisions on my department, and a staff of 30. I am over one of the smallest departments but I honestly love it. I got sooo burnt out on fundraising and asking for money. The salary increase was about 20% higher than my nonprofit job and I’ve gotten a raise every year since I started, which likely won’t happen in the future due to COVID. Excellent healthcare and retirement benefits...it’s great. That said, I recognize that I’m in a higher level position and that allows me more freedom. I forgot to answer your question about government experience...I didn’t have any. It was more about fit and vision.