Deputy Government Relations Leader
About The Position
The Deputy Government Relations Leader serves as the second-in-command within RSM’s Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) office, supporting development and execution of the firm’s public policy and government affairs strategy. The role is a key liaison between the firm and federal, state, and local government stakeholders, advancing policy priorities that support RSM’s business objectives and the modern middle market. Working closely with the PPGA Leader, firm leadership, and lines of business, the Deputy Leader monitors legislative and regulatory developments, provides actionable insights, and drives strategic engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry associations. The role also supports thought leadership and advocacy, coordinates external lobbying resources, and ensures public policy activities align with the firm’s risk management, independence, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 12–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in federal policy development or government affairs.
- Significant experience in senior Capitol Hill roles, such as Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, or Policy Director, or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated strong relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and key staff.
- Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, including rulemaking and committee procedures.
- Strong network within government, trade associations, and policy organizations.
- Ability to analyze policy impacts and develop policy positions, briefs, and commentary.
- Knowledge of lobbying laws, compliance requirements, and ethical standards.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to collaborate across functions and influence senior leadership.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree, such as a JD, MPP, MBA, or related field.
- Experience working with congressional committees such as Senate Banking, House Financial Services, Senate Finance, Ways and Means, or Appropriations or Budget Committees.
- Experience supporting or advising leadership roles within Congress or major policy organizations.
- Prior experience in professional services, financial services, or regulatory environments.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of RSM’s government relations strategy in alignment with firm priorities.
- Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative and regulatory developments affecting RSM and its clients.
- Provide timely policy insights to support client service, business development, and go-to-market strategies.
- Advocate for policies supporting the middle market, professional standards, and innovation in assurance, tax, and consulting.
- Ensure compliance with independence requirements, including restrictions related to attest clients.
- Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials.
- Represent RSM in industry associations and coalitions, including the AICPA, Center for Audit Quality, National Association of Manufacturers, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- Represent the firm in public policy discussions and forums and coordinate engagement across external touchpoints.
- Partner with line-of-business, industry, risk, and communications leaders to align public policy strategy with firm objectives.
- Help firm leadership translate policy developments into business impacts and client opportunities.
- Standardize delivery and use of policy intelligence across the firm to support client engagement.
- Contribute to policy-focused insights and commentary that position RSM as an advisor to the modern middle market.
- Support development of position papers, comment letters, testimony, and policy briefs.
- Help prepare executives for advocacy engagements and public-facing opportunities.
- Support the PPGA Leader in building and managing the firm’s government relations function.
- Coordinate external lobbying firms and consultants with legal and compliance teams, monitoring alignment, performance, deliverables, and return on investment.
- Contribute to internal processes, reporting, and operational effectiveness for the PPGA function.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including ORM, GCO, Audit Practice National Office, and Office of Audit Quality, to ensure compliance.
- Maintain adherence to lobbying laws, reporting requirements, and ethical standards.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits and compensation package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
