Manager, Government Relations

Job Title: Manager, Government Relations

Department: Public Policy

Reports to: Director, Public Policy & Government Relations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $80,500 - $105,000

Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

IS values a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization including diversity in experience, and diversity of perspectives. IS is committed to taking full advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of all employees and to promoting greater diversity in positions of influence

SUMMARY 

The Manager, Government Relations executes policy strategy, works closely with coalition partners, and supports initiatives of the broader Public Policy team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Represent the interests of Independent Sector's members and the nonprofit sector during meetings with congressional staff and coalition partners.
• Represent Independent Sector on multiple regular coalition meetings, coordinating policy and advocacy activities with members and coalition partners.
• Establish collaborative relationships with key congressional staff, regulatory agency officials, and other policymakers.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of Independent Sector policy positions and track key developments.
• Provide legislative briefings through regular programming for Independent Sector members, the Public Policy Committee, and other stakeholders.
• Draft bill summaries, letters, action alerts, background memos, talking points, web updates, public comments, and written testimony.
• Train internal staff in Independent Sector policy positions and lobbying skills to further embed advocacy within the organization.
• Organize and co-lead staff-wide advocacy initiatives.
• Make recommendations on key initiatives to the Director, Chief Strategy Officer, and other staff.
• Collaborate with the Communications team on execution of policy communications to ensure that members, advocates, congressional staff and federal policymakers have current and accurate information on Independent Sector policy issues and advocacy efforts.
• Write the DC Download, a monthly column with the latest legislative information for IS members.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

None.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree
• Four (4) years of full-time work experience in public policy and/or advocacy
• Experience working in the U.S. Congress, federal agency, or state legislature preferred

Qualifications: 

• Working knowledge of federal-level public policy process
• Knowledge of the nonprofit sector, including scope, role, history, needs, legal framework, and critical issues
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders, coworkers, and members
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with limited supervision
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking and writing so others will understand for a wide variety of audiences
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships
• Skill in identifying intermediate problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality work and meeting deadlines
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations in a professional manner
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of products and ability to learn association management systems (AMS), and legislative tracking and advocacy management software
• Willingness to register as a federal lobbyist, if deemed necessary

Work Environment: 

The work environment is a typical office environment. Up to 10% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IS has implemented a hybrid working model. All staff currently are required to work from the IS office on Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Physical Demands: 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers 
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.