Director of Government Affairs

Director of Government Affairs

This is a pivotal moment for economic policymaking. As Groundwork's Director of Government Affairs, you will lead direct, substantive engagement with Congress and the executive branch, shape the strategy for how we engage with policymakers, and connect Groundwork's experts, research, and messaging with the lawmakers and staff who need them. Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs, you will serve as a senior member of Groundwork's Partnerships and Influence team.

Groundwork's impact has grown considerably in recent years, powered by a best-in-class government affairs program that makes our research, policy, and communications work accessible for elected officials and their staff. If you know how to shape a government engagement agenda, build durable relationships across Washington, and represent an organization with credibility and impact, the role was built for you.

As Groundwork's Director of Government Affairs, you will:

• Partner with the Vice President of Government Affairs and Associate Director of Congressional Affairs to design and drive an outreach strategy that advances both immediate and long-term economic policy priorities.
• Broaden and deepen relationships with congressional committees and offices to amplify Groundwork's core messages.
• Serve as Groundwork's liaison to the federal government, spotting and seizing opportunities for strategic engagement.
• Craft sharp, persuasive materials for policymakers and their staff including but not limited to talking points, fact sheets, letters, testimony, and more.
• Lead meetings, briefings, hearing prep, and other high-stakes engagement with government officials and staff.
• Keep colleagues informed on legislative and executive branch activity.
• Proactively communicate across internal and external stakeholders.
• Support and mentor staff members, especially those on the Partnerships and Influence team.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner and technical resource to the team and organizational leadership on all things government.
• Move fast when news breaks, analyzing and responding to Congressional and executive developments in real time.

Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in government relations, legislative work on the Hill, congressional affairs work in the executive branch, and/or government affairs work at a nonprofit organization.
• Experience in preparing witnesses for congressional committee hearings.
• Commitment to creating a just, inclusive, and robust economy that delivers opportunity and dignity to all.
• Strong familiarity with federal economic policymaking institutions (including Congress, executive branch agencies, and the White House).
• Existing government staff relationships and policy coalition networks.
• Ability to write and speak with clarity and persuasion.
• Highly organized and thrive driving work forward under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative thinker with an entrepreneurial drive to develop new strategies that secure advocacy wins.
• Experience interfacing directly and managing relationships with government officials and senior staff.

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. If this role excites you and you meet most — but not all — of these criteria, we encourage you to apply.

The salary range for this role is $145,000 - $179,000 annually. We offer a generous benefits package, including five weeks of vacation and personal leave, two week-long office closures, additional time off for floating and federal holidays, zero-premium health insurance, a generous HRA, a retirement contribution of up to 6%, up to 16 weeks parental leave, and health club and cell-phone reimbursements, among other benefits. We are a hybrid workplace, with two days a week in the office and three days remote, as well as the occasional need to work in person for events and special projects. Groundwork is a unionized workplace and is represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is not in the bargaining unit.

To begin the application process, please submit an application on our career page, including a resume and cover letter. The cover letter should describe your specific experience related to this position and what excites you about this work. Thank you for your interest!