Federal Policy Manager

Federal Policy Manager: Safe Routes Partnership

The Safe Routes Partnership is hiring a Federal Policy Manager to represent our organization on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies at a pivotal moment for federal transportation policy and public health funding. Congress is gearing up for the next surface transportation reauthorization, while ongoing implementation decisions and funding debates shape the future of Safe Routes to School, walking, bicycling, and physical activity nationwide.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who knows how Washington works and how to get results. We are looking for a policy professional who can work pragmatically and in a bipartisan manner to secure wins that advance safety, access, and mobility for kids and families in communities across the country. Ideal candidates will bring Hill or federal lobbying experience and a strong understanding of federal transportation policy.

The Federal Policy Manager plays a central role in advancing our legislative and administrative agenda. This position regularly meets with Members of Congress and staff from both parties, builds relationships with key federal agencies (especially the U.S. Department of Transportation), and collaborates closely with national, state, and local partners to move policy and funding forward.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Advocating for Safe Routes to School, walking, and bicycling funding and policies in surface transportation reauthorization and other legislative vehicles
• Building and maintaining strong bipartisan relationships with Congressional offices in the House and Senate
• Engaging federal agencies to influence implementation decisions that affect active transportation
• Supporting grassroots advocacy by working with local partners to organize site visits and elevate local success stories
• Tracking and analyzing federal and state implementation of transportation policy
• Writing policy briefs, reports, “Dear Colleague” letters, sign-on letters, Federal Register comments, blogs, and advocacy materials
• Representing the Safe Routes Partnership in coalition meetings, briefings, and events
• Serving as organizational expert on federal funding and policy and coaching partners and clients to successfully access federal transportation funding
• Advocating for funding for public health focused on chronic disease prevention and physical activity

We are seeking someone with at least four years of experience in legislative, government affairs, or advocacy roles, preferably with a focus on federal transportation policy. Strong writing, research, and relationship-building skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently while collaborating across a national team.

Location: This is a full-time, exempt position, based in Washington, DC, with regular in-person meetings on Capitol Hill and with agency partners, as well as occasional national travel for conferences and staff gatherings.

Salary Range: $68,000 – $78,000

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line “Federal Policy Manager.” We are not accepting telephone inquiries.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by email.

The Safe Routes Partnership values a diverse staff with a wide range of life experiences and perspectives, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, people with disabilities, and individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, religions, and backgrounds.

Job Description

Reports to: Managing Director, Policy and Partnerships
Supervises: None
FLSA Status: Full-time, exempt employee
Position Type: At-Will
Salary Tier: Programmatic staff

Summary

The Federal Policy Manager plays a critical role in representing the Safe Routes Partnership on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies. The Federal Policy Manager will regularly meet with Congressional offices and key federal agencies to convey the needs and importance of Safe Routes to School and to advocate for policies and funding levels that are supportive of Safe Routes to School, bicycling, and walking. This position is also responsible for tracking the implementation of surface transportation reauthorization, appropriations and policy related to public health, and researching and writing policy reports and papers on Safe Routes to School, walking and bicycling, and related topics.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy and Policy Change

• Working with the Managing Director, Policy and Partnerships, develop and implement pragmatic, bipartisan strategies to accomplish the Safe Routes Partnership’s legislative agenda.
• Work with Congressional offices to secure positive policy and funding levels for Safe Routes to School, bicycling, and walking in the transportation reauthorization bill.
• Regularly meet with Congressional offices representing both parties in the House and Senate to develop and strengthen relationships and develop allies.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Department of Transportation, to influence implementation decisions.
• Engage other national organizations with similar agendas and represent the Safe Routes Partnership’s position in coalition meetings.

Grassroots Engagement

• Work with state and local champions to organize site visits with members of Congress to showcase successful Safe Routes to School projects.
• Engage state and local groups and champions in grassroots advocacy.
• Provide information and technical assistance to state and local groups regarding legislative aspects of federal transportation law implementation.

Data Collection, Research, and Writing

• Serve as expert on federal policy and funding for Safe Routes to School, walking, and bicycling internally and to the field.
• Track state and MPO implementation of aspects of federal transportation law, including spending rates, staffing, and application processes.
• Develop outreach materials to educate and engage members of Congress, including state-specific lists of funded projects.
• Research and write policy reports, papers, blog posts, and advocacy alerts.

Team Work

• Coordinate and collaborate with various Safe Routes Partnership colleagues to complete assigned projects and resources.
• Attend regular staff meetings via telephone and Zoom and attend in-person staff retreats or meetings as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required qualifications include: experience working on or lobbying Capitol Hill (at least four years’ experience in legislative or government affairs), with a strong preference for federal transportation policy; a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; strong analytical and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as a team; and proficiency with PCs and Microsoft Office. This position is based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Regular in-person meetings on Capitol Hill and in Washington, D.C. are a requirement.

Physical Requirements

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. Regular travel within the DC region (without overnight stays) is required. Occasional national travel is required to attend conferences and retreats that include overnight stays. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.