Managing Director, Government Relations
About The Position
The Managing Director of Government Relations will lead Roosevelt Institute’s engagement with federal policymakers — with a primary focus on Congress — and a select set of state and local leaders. This role is responsible for developing and executing a forward-looking government relations strategy that ensures Roosevelt’s ideas meaningfully shape legislative debates, policymaker thinking, and long-term economic governance. Working closely with senior leadership and policy directors, the Managing Director will translate Roosevelt’s research, programs, and long-term strategy into proactive congressional engagement. The Managing Director will position Roosevelt not only as an influential voice in shaping governing agendas, but also as a trusted, go-to think tank — relied upon by Members of Congress and committees for smart, creative, and rigorous policy expertise.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred
- 10+ years of experience working with Congress, in legislative leadership roles, or in high-level policy advocacy
- Deep understanding of federal legislative processes and congressional operations
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy ideas into actionable legislative strategy
- A track record of innovative policymaker engagement and coalition-building
- Strong political judgment and comfort operating in high-stakes, complex environments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing memos and executive- level materials
- Experience managing staff and cross-functional initiatives
- Commitment to Roosevelt’s values and goals of building a more just, inclusive, and equitable economy
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive federal government relations strategy, with a primary focus on Congress and select state/local engagement aligned with Roosevelt’s strategic priorities
- Identify priority committees, Members, caucuses, and key legislative moments where Roosevelt can shape debate and outcomes
- Design innovative approaches to congressional engagement — expanding alliances, cultivating emerging leaders, and building new pathways to socialize ideas and foster dialogue
- Establish clear goals and metrics for policy influence, relationship-building, and institutional positioning
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and select state and local elected officials
- Position Roosevelt as a trusted policy resource — proactively offering background briefings, policy ideas, hearing support, and one-on-one engagement with Members
- Ensure Roosevelt experts are visible, accessible, and relied upon in legislative conversations, hearings, and policy development
- Translate Roosevelt research into clear, actionable policy guidance tailored to diverse congressional audiences
- Staff organizational principals and senior fellows for high-impact policymaker engagements
- Interface appropriately with federal political stakeholders, including political committees and allied political infrastructure, within applicable compliance boundaries
- Monitor political dynamics that affect policy windows and advise leadership on strategic engagement opportunities
- Identify and cultivate relationships with rising political leaders and influential policy leaders
- Coordinate closely with policy teams to align government engagement with Roosevelt’s research agenda and campaign priorities
- Partner with Communications, Partnerships, and Roosevelt Forward (c4) leadership to ensure aligned strategy within appropriate compliance guidelines
- Support fellows and policy directors in developing engagement strategies that increase the uptake and visibility of their work
- Keep leadership apprised of congressional developments and recommend strategic interventions
- Oversee CRM systems and institutional tracking of government relationships
- Manage and mentor a small government relations team
- Ensure compliance with all applicable c3/c4 advocacy and lobbying requirements
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
