Government Relations Director, Foreign Policy and Defense

Government Relations Director, Foreign Policy and Defense

Reports to: Vice President, Government Relations

Job Summary

The Government Relations Director, Foreign Policy & Defense, oversees the Congressional strategic outreach portfolio, which provides policy guidance, educational events, fellowships, and trainings for current members of Congress and their staff, Congressional candidates, and allies in the conservative movement.

This portfolio focuses on matters of foreign policy and national defense, particularly related to China and the annual NDAA process, as well as border security and immigration. The Director serves as a spokesperson for The Heritage Foundation and ensures Heritage policy positions are communicated to Hill audiences. The Director also informs Heritage analysts of emerging issues in Congress and spearheads opportunities for analysts to educate members of Congress and their staff.

Job Duties

• Ensure Heritage policy positions are communicated effectively to the Hill through strategic policy briefings, technical assistance, retreats, fellowships, and working groups.

• Drive successful achievement of department priorities, including coordinating and leading coalition working groups on strategic priorities, using innovative approaches.

• Lead cross-departmental collaboration by representing government relations in one or more internal policy campaign teams.

• Represent Heritage policy positions to external audiences.

• Develop and foster strategic congressional relationships for the President of Heritage and attend Capitol Hill meetings with him.

• Coordinate Heritage Fellowship and staff training programs, such as the Marshall Fellowship, which focuses on grand strategy and national security.

Qualifications

Education: BA/BS required

Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in foreign policy and defense, with an emphasis on China; SASC/HASC experience, including the annual NDAA process, strongly preferred

Communication: Excellent writing, interpersonal, presentation, and public speaking skills

Technology: Microsoft Suite

Other Requirements

• Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department’s goals and objectives.

• Promote policies consistent with Heritage’s priorities; speak with one voice.

• Strategic thinker, understanding of the importance of collaboration.

• Work well in a fast-paced environment.

• Extensive Hill relationships and advanced knowledge of issues before Congress and Congressional priorities.

• Clear articulation of Heritage policy positions to external stakeholders.

Benefits and Salary

The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance

• Employer-sponsored retirement funding

• “Take what you need” PTO and sick leave

• 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads

The salary range for this role is $115,000 – $125,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• The candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications

• Internal and external market pay for comparable jobs

• Level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications

Learn more here