Application Guide

How to Apply for Government Affairs & Access Manager

at We Build Progress

🏢 About We Build Progress

We Build Progress is a progressive 501(c)(3) organization that partners with the Progressive Caucus Action Fund to advance progressive policy through government affairs and advocacy. What makes them unique is their dual-structure approach—working through both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities—to strategically influence policy while building movement power. Someone might want to work here to be at the intersection of progressive politics, legislative strategy, and movement-building in a remote-first environment.

About This Role

This Government Affairs & Access Manager role involves building relationships with Congressional offices and progressive stakeholders while analyzing legislative and regulatory developments. The position is impactful because you'll be translating complex governing dynamics into actionable strategies that advance progressive priorities through direct engagement with decision-makers. You'll oversee multi-stakeholder projects that bridge movement partners with legislative processes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning briefings on overnight Congressional developments, followed by calls with Progressive Caucus staff to discuss legislative strategy. The afternoon could include preparing analysis of regulatory actions for movement partners and coordinating with issue organizations on multi-stakeholder advocacy projects—all while managing remote collaboration across time zones.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who We Build Progress Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of progressively responsible experience including direct Congressional or Executive Branch work (ideally with Progressive Caucus connections)
  • Demonstrates exceptional political judgment with proven ability to analyze congressional dynamics and translate them for diverse audiences
  • Possesses strong relationship management skills with established networks in progressive Congressional offices, committees, or caucuses
  • Shows proficiency in congressional procedure and experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder advocacy projects from planning through execution

📝 Tips for Applying to We Build Progress

1

Highlight specific Congressional offices, committees, or progressive caucuses where you have existing relationships or experience

2

Quantify your experience with progressive policy priorities—mention specific legislation or regulatory actions you've worked on

3

Demonstrate your understanding of the 501(c)(3)/501(c)(4) structure by explaining how you've navigated advocacy restrictions in previous roles

4

Include examples of translating complex legislative processes for movement partners or issue organizations

5

Show remote work competency by highlighting experience managing government affairs work without physical proximity to DC

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with Congressional procedure and specific progressive policy priorities', 'Examples of building relationships with Congressional offices that led to tangible policy outcomes', "How you've educated movement partners on legislative processes and political dynamics", 'Your approach to managing multi-stakeholder projects in a progressive advocacy context']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The Progressive Caucus Action Fund's current policy priorities and recent legislative engagements
  • → We Build Progress's recent advocacy campaigns and their 501(c)(3) versus 501(c)(4) activity distinctions
  • → Key progressive legislation currently moving through Congress that aligns with the organization's mission
  • → The organization's theory of change and how it's implemented through their dual-structure model
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience working with Progressive Caucus members or staff and how you've advanced their priorities
2 Walk through how you would analyze and communicate the political dynamics around a specific progressive bill currently in Congress
3 How have you managed competing priorities between different progressive stakeholders in previous roles?
4 What's your approach to educating issue organizations with varying levels of legislative expertise?
5 How do you stay current on regulatory developments and executive actions relevant to progressive priorities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic government affairs experience without specific progressive policy or Congressional focus
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the unique 501(c)(3) advocacy restrictions versus 501(c)(4) political work
  • Overemphasizing Republican or moderate Democratic relationships without showing deep progressive network connections

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to We Build Progress!

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