Salary

$110,000 – $120,000 (USD)
100% employer-paid health, dental, vision + 5% 401(k) match

Seniority

Senior
Closing: 11:59pm, 23rd Mar 2026 EDT

Job Description

Position Description

The Government Affairs & Access Manager will strengthen relationships with Congress and other local, state, and federal government institutions to support the organization’s theory of change and to ensure the progressive movement’s priorities are clearly understood and effectively advanced within the policymaking ecosystem.

As a key collaborator and participant in the development and execution of organizational policy and programs, the Government Affairs and Access Manager will promote access, education, and strategic coordination, helping lawmakers, advocates, and movement partners understand what is happening in Congress, how key policy changes impact communities, and how to most effectively influence the public policymaking process in alignment with approved organizational priorities.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in the Congressional process and political strategy, a strong commitment to progressive policy priorities, and managerial competency. You understand that advancing people-first priorities requires not only good policy ideas but shared strategy, aligned actors, and timely information. You are comfortable operating across issue areas and programs and translating legislative and executive branch developments into actionable insights for a wide range of audiences.

This management-level role works across We Build Progress (501(c)(3)) and Progressive Caucus Action Fund (501(c)(4)) programs, with responsibility for managing designated workstreams and projects, supervising staff, owning external relationships, and coordinating execution in support of strategy. The role maintains strong relationships on the Hill and serves as a key connector between internal teams, Congressional offices, state and local governments, and the broader progressive movement.

Primary Responsibilities

In close collaboration with senior leadership and program leads, the Government Affairs & Access Manager’s areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following:

Government & Congressional Affairs

• Build and maintain relationships with Congressional offices, committee staff, caucuses, and task forces to support understanding of and commitment to progressive priorities.
• Lead and coordinate Hill meetings, including solo meetings and meetings alongside senior leadership.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact for Congressional staff seeking information, analysis, or connection to movement expertise.
• Strengthen relationships with state and local elected officials and agency staff, particularly where alignment with federal priorities can reinforce impact.
• Recommend adaptations to the organization’s engagement strategy across branches and levels of government to maximize impact in response to political conditions.

Movement Education, Strategy, and Alignment

• Educate movement partners, issue organizations, and advocates on Congressional process, political dynamics, and current legislative and governing activity.
• Help ensure the progressive movement is informed, aligned, and positioned to engage effectively by sharing analysis, context, and strategic insights.
• Advise and support the development and implementation of government affairs and advocacy work for the organization’s program teams.
• Support cross-organization government affairs coordination by convening partners and facilitating strategic alignment.
• Translate and summarize complex policy and political developments into clear, accessible guidance for non-Hill audiences.

Briefings, Convenings, & Events

• Plan, organize, and execute Hill-facing briefings for members and staff.
• Organize public briefings focused on Congressional process, legislative developments, and policy priorities.
• Manage and support key organizational events, including town halls, summits, and convenings, by developing and executing agendas and staffing.
• Oversee event logistics and budget, including vendor selection, contract management, and cost tracking.
• Coordinate meetings and roundtables between lawmakers, staff, and movement stakeholders.

Analysis and Strategic Response

• Monitor and provide substantive and strategic analysis of Congressional activity, executive branch actions, and regulatory developments.
• Analyze the political landscape surrounding priority issues, including stakeholder positioning, timing, and decision-maker considerations.
• Brief internal teams and leadership on legislative and political developments and their relevance to ongoing work.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic response to legislative or political developments.

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Oversee relevant government affairs-related projects, workstreams, or budget areas.
• Independently execute complex, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through execution.
• Help establish and maintain systems for tracking engagement with Congress and other government institutions.
• Staff the Executive Director at Hill meetings and public events.
• Ensure coordination and compliance across C3 and C4 programs.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will have at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience, ideally including experience working in Congress or the Executive Branch; comparable experience in campaigns, federal advocacy, or policy organizations will be considered.

Core competencies include:

• Strategist’s Mind: Quickly grasp nuances of complex political landscapes and identify actionable pathways.
• Ownership & Resilience: Plan ahead, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain high standards under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: Produce clear, error-free work products and manage complex information with precision.
• Emotional Intelligence: Reflect on your own impact, welcome feedback, and provide constructive feedback to colleagues.
• Exceptional Communication: Professional writing and verbal skills adapted for diverse audiences, from Members of Congress to grassroots leaders.
• Commitment to Racial Equity & Social Justice: Bring an equity lens to strategy, relationships, and decision-making.

Key Relationships

This position will report to the Director of Government Affairs & Access. It will work across both We Build Progress (501(c)(3)) and the Progressive Caucus Action Fund (501(c)(4)).

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000. Salary is based on experience and is consistent with the organization’s compensation framework.

Benefits include 20 annual paid vacation days, 10 sick days, 1 personal day per month, and additional paid holiday leave (Dec 24 – Jan 1); 5% 401(k) match, 100% employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance, and generous paid parental leave.

Term and Classification

This position is currently structured as a two-year term, with the possibility of extension. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Location

This position is remote and based in Washington, DC. Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for regular in-person meetings and engagement.

Commitment to Diversity

We Build Progress is an equal opportunity, fair chance employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or other categories protected by law.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please reference “Deputy Director of Government Relations” in the subject line. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls, please.