Manager, Government Affairs

INTRODUCTION 

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We believe that our future and our democracy depend on our ability to solve big problems—and that we need an effective federal government to do so. For more than 20 years, we have helped make this vision a reality, helping our government—the public institution most fundamental to our democracy—address current and future challenges.    

Our staff is diverse in experience and perspective, but at our core, we share a lot of the same traits: we are mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. 

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:    

• Passion for public service and our work toward a more effective government   
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect  
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results  
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible  

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process. 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM OVERVIEW 

The Government Affairs team advocates for and supports Partnership initiatives to modernize federal management laws, policies and practices in the executive branch and Congress. We work collaboratively to: 

• Provide direction, guidance and proposals on needed changes to federal management laws, policies and practices 
• Increase policymakers’ awareness, support and engagement in the Partnership’s work by amplifying our signature programs and research
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and staff in Congress and across the executive branch
• Build partnerships with stakeholder organizations and individuals to enhance our impact in driving policy changes
• Drive progress in accomplishing the Partnership’s strategic priorities
• Uphold the Partnership’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and nonpartisanship
• Raise the Partnership’s public profile through targeted media and outreach strategies related to our policy work

POSITION OVERVIEW 

As a member of the Government Affairs team, you will play a key role in developing and advocating for policy priorities that help build a more efficient, effective, innovative and accountable federal government. This work includes outreach to offices and committees across Congress to share information and resources as they consider topics and legislation impacting government operations and federal workforce management; developing and leading briefings for Hill staff; engaging with stakeholders; and, working across teams within the Partnership on policy recommendations (legislative, regulatory or administrative).  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Contribute to the development and execution of the Partnership’s policy agenda.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Partnership’s congressional engagement strategy. 
• Build relationships with Members of Congress and congressional staff in personal offices and key committees, as well as key policy makers in the executive branch, to advance the Partnership’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Initiate and/or respond to congressional requests for information and briefings and serve as an advisor to Partnership program teams. 
• Draft congressional testimony, blog posts, legislation, public comments, white papers, etc. to advance the Partnership’s policy and engagement objectives. 
• Create opportunities to raise the Partnership’s profile on Capitol Hill, including through in-person briefings, congressional testimony, securing Hill speakers for Partnership events, etc.
• Serve as a liaison between the GA Team and other teams across the Partnership as necessary based on policy portfolio alignment.
• Manage a portfolio and serve as a subject-matter expert on policy topics related to government operations and management generally and agency-specific issues, which may include the federal workforce and labor management, federal hiring, federal cybersecurity/STEM/AI workforce management, customer experience, performance management and presidential transitions. 
• Work with internal and external stakeholders and funders to manage programs focused around strengthening relationships and information-sharing between the executive branch and Congress, to include developing strategy, setting performance goals and objectives, developing and monitoring budgets and driving results through program implementation. 
• Help plan and implement leadership training sessions for career executives though our working with Congress modules.
• Manage internal Government Affairs team budgeting and support team operational planning. 

KEY COMPETENCIES 

• Desire and ability to work on a nonpartisan basis. 
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative and oversight processes. 
• Strong project management skills.
• Initiative, agility and resourcefulness in meeting deadlines. 
• Exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Ability to achieve results both as a member of a team and individually with minimal direction. 
• Commitment to working collaboratively and communicating openly with colleagues. 
• Commitment to seeking and engaging a diversity of perspectives and viewpoints.
• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to public service and an interest in the mission of the Partnership. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent professional work or military experience.
• Five to seven years of relevant work experience required, preferably either on Capitol Hill, a non-profit or in the Executive Branch.
• At least three years demonstrated experience with policy analysis, drafting testimony or other forms of persuasive writing, policy storytelling and representing organizations’ policy positions to external stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE 

This position reports to the Vice President for Government Affairs. This position will directly or indirectly supervise associate managers, associates and/or interns. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a hybrid (remote office) environment in Washington, DC, and requires the candidate to be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, two days per week. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.     

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, demonstration of our values and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Our performance review process runs the calendar year; we conduct a performance check-in at mid-year and complete a formal full-year assessment at year end. Salary increases are based on the full-year performance assessment.   

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK 

This is a full-time exempt position with regular work hours Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please note the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules. 
  

TRAVEL 

If travel occurs, it is usually local and during the business day.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000-$95,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility.  
  

AAP/EEO STATEMENT 

The Partnership is an inclusive organization that fosters learning, collaboration and respect. We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission of revitalizing government. The Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.