Manager, Government Relations

Organization: Independent Sector (IS)
Location: Washington, DC
Date Posted: 09/09/2025

About Us

Independent Sector (IS) is the national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive. We unite nonprofits and philanthropies to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.

Driven by the deep recognition of our impact, our organization is growing to meet the need for our work. At IS, we are seeking passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to strengthening nonprofit institutions that, in turn, strengthen our nation. We deeply value and welcome those who bring their whole selves to our work. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our team and our sector. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact, drive transformative change, and lead with purpose and passion, we invite you to join us in advancing this critical mission.

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.

Identify and 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.

Represent Independent Sector in regular coalition meetings, coordinating policy and advocacy activities with members and coalition partners.

Draft bill summaries, letters, action alerts, background memos, talking points, web updates, public comments, and written testimony.

In collaboration with the IS Advocacy team, contribute to legislative tracking dashboards and grassroots mobilization efforts.

In collaboration with the IS Advocacy team, provide legislative briefings through regular programming and outreach to Independent Sector members and other stakeholders.

Make recommendations on key initiatives to the Director, Chief Strategy Officer, and other staff.

Collaborate with the Communications and Advocacy teams 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.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

Experience and Education:

Bachelor’s degree plus at least four (4) years of experience in public policy and/or advocacy.

Experience working in the U.S. Congress highly preferred; federal agency or state legislature also preferred.

Experience working on appropriations and federal grants issues preferred.

Qualifications:

Strong working knowledge of the federal-level public policy process.

Knowledge of the nonprofit sector, including scope, role, history, needs, legal framework, and critical issues.

Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, coworkers, and members.

Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with limited supervision.

Ability to clearly and effectively communicate information and ideas (both spoken and written) in ways understandable to a wide variety of audiences.

Strong public speaking and presentation skills (addressing individuals and larger groups).

Strong attention to detail and 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 adheres to a hybrid working model. All staff currently are required to work from the IS office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

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.

Benefit Offerings

Medical Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)