Director of Government Affairs

The Century Foundation•Washington, DC

3d•$150,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Century Foundation (TCF), a progressive, independent think tank, seeks a Director of Government Affairs to develop and execute congressional affairs and partnership engagement strategies and use TCF research and thought leadership to advance policy impact. The Director will advise and connect executive leadership and policy experts with policymakers, staff, and opinion leaders, and position TCF and its experts at the center of policy discussions in and outside Washington, D.C. The role includes building and maintaining congressional and government relationships, keeping TCF teams informed about developments on Capitol Hill and in the administration, and creating concise, action-oriented materials that translate complex research for policymakers and other audiences. The Director will lead briefings, meetings, and events; manage external organization relationships and lobbying compliance systems; and mentor team members on projects. The role works across policy and external affairs groups and reports to the Chief of External Affairs and Special Initiatives. This is a full-time hybrid position based in TCF’s Washington, D.C. office, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. The position is not in the bargaining unit of TCF’s unionized workplace. The salary range is $150,000–$170,000.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience working on or with Capitol Hill to effect public policy change.
Deep understanding of congressional and administrative policymaking and procedures.
Robust network of contacts in congressional offices and relevant committees.
Excellent communication skills, including experience producing policy briefings and fact sheets and tailoring persuasive messages to specific audiences.
Strong analytical and organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and willingness to learn new skills or techniques.
Dedication to building a stronger, more equitable, and more inclusive society.
Commitment to progressive values and interest in TCF’s research agenda.
Eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Multiple years of experience working in a Hill office.
Experience leading government affairs at a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and knowledge of lobbying compliance.

Responsibilities

Update and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy to advance TCF’s federal and state policy agenda across education, labor, health care, and the economy.
Cultivate and strengthen relationships with congressional and government contacts, including staff and members, to drive legislative action.
Brief the TCF team on Hill and administration news and developments, and advise in real time on congressional engagement strategies.
Create talking points, emails, policy summaries, and other written materials based on TCF research to educate and equip policymakers and their staff.
Organize, lead, and participate in briefings, meetings, and events on Capitol Hill to advance TCF’s legislative priorities.
Brief TCF experts on relevant developments on Capitol Hill and in the administration, and identify opportunities for impact.
Manage and mentor team members on a project basis to advance government affairs goals.
Support state or local lobbying efforts on a case-by-case basis.
Manage TCF’s tracking and compliance systems and maintain accurate, timely 501(c)(3) lobbying reports.
Map and maintain relationships with external organizations relevant to economic, labor, health care, and education policy.