Manager, Government Affairs

The Manager of Government Affairs executes on these responsibilities by:

• Building credibility and trust with team members and external stakeholders across the executive and legislative branches of government
• Mobilizing allies and building coalitions to support policy agendas
• Gathering intelligence to discern the signal from the noise and refine existing advocacy and lobbying strategies based on learnings
• Adapting communication styles and methods to meet the audience's needs to advance progress around policy goals
• Mastering key aspects of the policy entrepreneurship toolkit, including finding creative pathways to shepherd sound policy ideas to implementation via Congressional or Executive Branch action
• Stewarding clear, transparent, and accessible systems and processes for staff involved in government affairs
• Breaking down silos and building connectivity across teams to work together around a common goal
• Training and coaching staff towards becoming more skilled policy entrepreneurs and political operators
• Maintaining a strong network across the executive and legislative branches of government to cultivate meaningful partnerships for policy solutions

This role advances FAS's mission at the intersection of science, policy, and governance, driving meaningful policy impact on critical issues ranging from emerging technology and climate solutions to government capacity and scientific funding.

• 5+ years total relevant experience directly related to policy engagement, including 1–3 years in Hill, Executive Branch, or government-affairs roles
• Exposure across science & technology policy domains
• Proven ability to execute a strategy and work within a portfolio and deliver results with minimal oversight
• Policy entrepreneurship: turning ideas into action via legislative/executive pathways
• Exceptional stakeholder management and coalition building across congressional offices, agencies, philanthropy, and civil society
• Advanced communication skills: concise briefs/memos, talking points, and compelling data-informed narratives tailored to decision-makers
• Strong analytical rigor and judgment for intelligence gathering
• Program management: coordinating cross-functional teams; managing vendors/contractors as needed
• High bar for nonpartisan professionalism and evidence of working effectively across parties and viewpoints
• Process and compliance discipline (lobbying/ethics rules) and consistent use of CRM to track outreach, pipelines, and outcomes
• Excellent organization and prioritization, able to manage multiple time-sensitive efforts in a fast-moving environment
• Comfort operating across multiple S&T domains and pivoting as priorities evolve

Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 USD. This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining. FAS values equity, inclusion, and transparency and is building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.