Government Affairs Associate

Libertas Institute is an award-winning, Utah-based think tank with an 87% success rate in turning our policy recommendations into law. We operate both as a state-based think tank in Utah—where we innovate policy reforms in a receptive legislative environment—and as a national institute that exports proven policy victories to other states. About the Role: Libertas Institute is looking for an entry-level Government Affairs Associate to support its work building relationships with legislators, coalition partners, and stakeholders at the Utah Capitol, while gaining hands-on exposure to legislative strategy and session execution. This position reports to the Executive Director and is based in Lehi, Utah. A hybrid schedule is available, with at least two in-office days per week. Libertas’s government affairs work centers on building trust-based relationships with Utah legislators, executive branch officials, state/local agencies, and coalition partners to move the Institute’s policy priorities forward at the Capitol. This entry-level role supports that work across all of Libertas’s policy pillars, offering broad exposure rather than a single-issue focus. Libertas works across the following policy pillars: Free Enterprise Personal Freedom Building Alternatives to Criminalization Education Empowerment Privacy Responsibilities: You will be responsible for: Supporting relationship-building with Utah legislators, executive branch officials, and coalition partners across Libertas’s policy priorities Tracking bills and legislative activity during the Utah session, and keeping internal tracking systems (e.g., Notion) up to date Attending legislative meetings, hearings, and events as part of the government affairs team Helping prepare briefing materials, one-pagers, and sponsor kits for priority legislation. Coordinating logistics for legislative outreach, including scheduling meetings and preparing materials for events Assisting with constituent and stakeholder correspondence Supporting the policy team with research and administrative tasks as needed during Utah’s regular and interim sessions Qualifications: You will bring to the role your: Genuine interest in government affairs, public policy, or the legislative process Prior Utah internship or campaign experience is a plus but not required Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to travel within Utah, up to 30% Ability to build rapport quickly and work well with people across the political spectrum Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks during fast-paced legislative sessions Self-starter who takes initiative and is eager to learn Deep belief in individual liberty and ability to collaborate respectfully across ideological differences Ability to work extended and irregular hours during the regular 45-day legislative session (January–March) You will enjoy: Salary range of $50,000 – 60,000, depending on skills and experience Matching 403(b) retirement plan Generous PTO Meal stipend and occasional work parties and outings Making a difference with a mission-driven organization that is materially improving people’s lives What Success Looks Like in this Role: 90 days: Learn Libertas’s policy priorities across all five pillars and become familiar with the Utah legislative process Begin building relationships with key legislators, staff, and coalition partners Take ownership of bill tracking and internal reporting systems 6 months: Independently manage relationships with an assigned set of legislators and stakeholders Provide full support to the government affairs team through a legislative session Contribute to briefing materials and sponsor kits for priority bills 1 Year: Take primary ownership of a defined portfolio of relationships or issue area Demonstrate strong command of the legislative process and Libertas’s policy priorities Be considered ready to take on increased responsibility within the government affairs team #J-18808-Ljbffr