Deputy Government Relations Leader

RSM US LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

RSM US LLP is seeking a Deputy Government Relations Leader to serve as second-in-command within the PPGA office and support the development and execution of the firm’s public policy strategy.

You will monitor legislative developments, engage with policymakers, and coordinate with leadership and lines of business to translate policy into client opportunities and business impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 12–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in federal policy development, government affairs.
• Significant experience in senior Capitol Hill roles or equivalent.
• Demonstrated strong relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and key staff.
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process.
• Strong network within government, trade associations, and policy organizations.
• Proven ability to analyze policy impacts and develop policy positions, briefs, and commentary.
• Knowledge of lobbying laws, compliance requirements, and ethical standards.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the firm’s government relations strategy.
• Monitor legislative developments and provide policy insights.
• Engage with Congress, congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials.
• Represent the firm in industry associations and coalitions.
• Coordinate engagement across external touchpoints.
• Align policy strategy with firm objectives across lines of business.
• Prepare position papers, comment letters, testimony, and policy briefs.
• Oversee external lobbying firms and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with independence and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership experience

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree (JD, MPP, MBA)

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

The Deputy Government Relations Leader serves as the second-in-command within the Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) office and is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the firm’s public policy and government affairs strategy. This role serves as a key liaison between the firm and federal, state, and local government stakeholders, while advancing policy priorities that support RSM’s business objectives and the modern middle market.

The Deputy Leader partners closely with the PPGA Leader, firm leadership, and lines of business to monitor legislative and regulatory developments, provide actionable insights, and drive strategic engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry associations. This role also supports thought leadership, advocacy efforts, and the management of external lobbying resources.

Strategy Execution & Operational Leadership

• Support the development and execution of RSM’s government relations strategy aligned with firm priorities
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative and regulatory developments impacting RSM and its clients
• Provide timely, actionable policy insights to support client service, business development, and go-to-market strategies
• Advocate for policies that support the middle market, professional standards, and innovation in assurance, tax, and consulting
• Ensure compliance with independence requirements, including restrictions related to attest clients

Stakeholder Leadership & Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials
• Represent RSM in industry associations and coalitions (e.g., AICPA, Center for Audit Quality, National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• Serve as a key external representative of the firm in public policy discussions and forums
• Ensure consistent and coordinated engagement across all external touchpoints

Internal Integration & Business Alignment

• Partner with line of business, industry, risk, and communications leaders to align public policy strategy with firm objectives
• Partner with firm leadership to translate policy developments into business impact and client opportunities
• Standardize how policy intelligence is delivered and utilized across the firm to support client engagement by equipping teams with relevant policy intelligence

Thought Leadership & Communication

• Contribute to positioning RSM as a leading advisor to the modern middle market through policy-focused insights and commentary
• Support the development of position papers, comment letters, testimony, and policy briefs
• Assist in preparing executives for advocacy engagements and public-facing opportunities

Team Leadership & Functional Management

• Support the PPGA Leader in building and managing the firm’s government relations function
• Assist in oversight and coordination of external lobbying firms and consultants in partnership with legal and compliance teams ensuring alignment and performance, including deliverables and ROI
• Contribute to internal processes, reporting, and operational effectiveness of the PPGA function

Risk Management & Compliance

• Align public policy activities with firm risk management, independence, and compliance priorities and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., ORM, GCO, Audit Practice National Office, Office of Audit Quality) to ensure compliance
• Maintain adherence to lobbying laws, reporting requirements, and ethical standards

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 12–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in federal policy development, government affairs
• Significant experience in senior Capitol Hill roles (e.g., Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, Policy Director) or equivalent
• Demonstrated strong relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and key staff
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, including rulemaking and committee procedures
• Strong network within government, trade associations, and policy organizations
• Proven ability to analyze policy impacts and develop policy positions, briefs, and commentary
• Knowledge of lobbying laws, compliance requirements, and ethical standards
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence senior leadership

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP, MBA, or related field)
• Experience working with key congressional committees such as:
  • Senate Banking
  • House Financial Services
  • Senate Finance
  • Ways and Means
  • Appropriations or Budget Committees
• Experience supporting or advising leadership roles within Congress or major policy organizations
• Prior experience in professional services, financial services, or regulatory environments

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

We believe flexibility and in-person connection both play an important role in how we work and grow. Most roles at RSM follow a hybrid workstyle, which means team members are aligned to an RSM office and come together in person when it best supports clients, teams, development or relationship-building. Some roles may be virtual or primarily on-site based on role requirements, team priorities and client needs.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at [e-mail].

RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.