Director, Government Affairs

careers-cfr; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Outstanding benefits

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington, DC seeks a seasoned Government Affairs professional to advance CFR priorities with Congress and federal agencies. The role emphasizes building a strong Capitol Hill network, coordinating policy events, and delivering tailored outreach strategies.

Ideally you bring 8+ years in government relations, a related bachelor's (master's preferred), and proven experience with congressional staff, senior officials, and policy advocacy in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience, including event planning.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Congressional or government relations experience required.

Responsibilities

• Help craft and set strategy for outreach to members of Congress and congressional staff.
• Maintain a professional network on Capitol Hill to advance priorities.
• Moderate and oversee program events, roundtables, and briefings for policymakers and staff.
• Coordinate private consultations for members of Congress and staff to ensure CFR expertise and products are incorporated into policymaking.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies for CFR initiatives and other institutional priorities.
• Invite and oversee relationships with outside experts participating in CFR programming.
• Develop strong working relationships with CFR fellows to promote their expertise and scholarship.
• Track international affairs developments on Capitol Hill.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Skills

Event planning

Policy outreach

Relationship building

Written communication

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, government, public policy, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

CFR’s Government Affairs operation is focused on actively engaging members of Congress and their staff, executive branch officials, and Washington, DC-based diplomats to provide timely, relevant, and useful analysis to further inform policymaking. Through discussion and examination of the critical challenges facing the United States and the international community, the program seeks to serve as both a direct resource and convener of leading thinkers and practitioners in a nonpartisan forum.

This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC at least four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Help craft and set strategy for outreach to members of Congress and congressional staff in innovative and policy relevant ways.
• Maintain a professional network on Capitol Hill and leverage that network to advance institutional priorities.
• Moderate and oversee some program events, roundtables, and briefings for policymakers and their staff.
• Coordinate private consultations for members of Congress and their staff to ensure CFR expertise and products are incorporated into the policymaking process.
• Develop and implement unique and custom outreach strategies for CFR initiatives and other bespoke institutional priorities.
• Invite and oversee relationships with outside experts participating in CFR programming.
• Develop strong working relationships with CFR fellows to promote their expertise and scholarship.
• Track international affairs developments on Capitol Hill.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• 8+ years of related experience, with event planning experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, government, public policy, or other related field is required; master’s degree preferred.
• Congressional or government relations experience required.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong judgement, discretion, and strategic instincts to operate in high-level, dynamic, and confidential environment.
• Established relationships across significant segment of House or Senate environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including with senior principles.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task and problem solve independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and on a team.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $145,000 – $155,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers an outstanding benefits package.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.