Government Affairs Director

The Century Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading progressive think tank is seeking a Government Affairs Director in Washington, D.C. This full-time role involves shaping legislative strategies and engaging with policymakers to drive impactful public policy change. The ideal candidate will have extensive Capitol Hill experience and a robust network of congressional contacts. The position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, promoting a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Plan

Parental Leave

Unlimited Sick Days

Generous Vacation

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience working on or with Capitol Hill.
• Deep understanding of Congressional policymaking and procedure.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute a government affairs strategy.
• Cultivate relationships with key congressional contacts.
• Generate high-impact written materials for policymakers.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Job description

Washington, D.C. | Hybrid Minimum 2 Days a week in office, plus additional in-person time expected for in-person meetings or events offsite| $150,000-$170,000

The Century Foundation (TCF), a progressive, independent think tank, seeks a Government Affairs Director with deep experience working in congress to craft and execute our congressional affairs strategy and leverage TCF’s research and thought leadership for policy impact.

The Government Affairs Director will serve as an advisor and connector to TCF’s executive team and policy experts, ensuring that TCF’s research and analysis reaches policymakers positioned to drive change. They will develop TCF’s government affairs strategy and goals, overhaul TCF’s tracking and compliance systems, and execute on all aspects of Hill engagement, from setting up meetings on behalf of team members, to briefing TCF experts on developments on the Hill, to generating original and action-oriented communication materials to support the organization’s mission to improve working families’ lives and build an economy that works for everyone.

Job Reporting and Details

This is an ideal position for an individual with established relationships with members and staff on relevant committees, a keen sense for how issues are likely to land with policy makers, and the ability to work across teams to help distill complex policy research and ideas into relevant, bite-sized information packaged for policymakers and key influencers.

This position reports to the Chief of External Affairs and Special Initiatives, but will work across the policy and external affairs groups. This is a full-time position based in our Washington D.C. Office.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy to advance The Century Foundation's federal policy agenda across education, health care, and the economy.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key congressional contacts including staff and members to drive meaningful legislative action.
• Brief the TCF team on Hill and Administration news and developments, and advise in real time on effective congressional engagement strategies.
• Generate high-impact written materials, including talking points, emails, and policy summaries, informed by The Century Foundation's research, to educate and equip policymakers and their staff
• Organize, lead and participate in effective and timely briefings, meetings and events on Capitol Hill to advance TCF’s legislative priorities
• Brief TCF experts on developments on the Hill, and in the Administration relevant to our work and identify opportunities for impact
• From time to time, support state or local level lobbying efforts on a case by case basis
• Overhaul and manage TCF’s tracking and compliance systems and maintain accurate and timely 501c3 lobbying reporting.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience working on or with Capitol Hill to effect public policy change, ideally with multiple years of experience working in a Hill office.
• Deep understanding of Congressional policymaking and procedure.
• A robust network of contacts in congressional offices and on relevant committees including, but not limited to: Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Education and the Workforce; Finance; Energy and Commerce; Budget; and Appropriations
• Experience leading government affairs at a 501c3 non-profit preferred
• Excellent communication skills, including experience producing policy briefings and fact sheets, as well as persuasive messaging tailored to specific target audiences
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and willingness to learn new skills or techniques
• Dedication to building a stronger, more equitable, and more inclusive society
• A commitment to progressive values and interest in TCF’s research agenda

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $150,000 to $170,000 plus excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision, and an employer-funded health reimbursement account (HRA). This benefit package is in addition to generous vacation and unlimited sick days, employer matching 401k plan, and up to twelve weeks parental leave.

Apply

Please apply with resume and cover letter, and two writing examples (3-5 pages maximum) via BambooHR. No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls please. If you have any issues accessing the hiring portal, please reach out with questions to [e-mail]. The deadline for submission of application materials is June 9, 2025.

About The Century Foundation

The Century Foundation is a progressive, independent think tank that conducts research, develops solutions, and drives policy change to make people’s lives better. We pursue economic, racial, gender, and disability equity in education, health care, and work, and promote U.S. foreign policy that fosters international cooperation, peace, and security. TCF has offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. You can learn more at tcf.org.

The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.