Senior Vice President, Federal Government Relations

Description & Requirements

The Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations will serve as a key strategic advisor and operational leader, responsible for sharing intel, insights and coordinating influence campaigns in shaping and executing the company's federal engagement strategy. This role will lead efforts influencing key stakeholders and decision makers addressing federal legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments impacting the company's business, with a particular focus on public assistance programs, federal contracting, and performance-based policy implementation.

Civil and defense related Federal and state government awareness required.

This position requires a seasoned government relations executive with deep knowledge of federal appropriations, agency operations, and political dynamics that drive funding, policy, and accountability across projects.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive federal government relations strategy aligned with corporate priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with key federal stakeholders, including congressional members and staff, agency officials, and policy influencers / stakeholders.
• Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory developments, including appropriations, rescissions, and continuing resolutions.

• Lead internal coordination on federal rule changes
• Provide strategic guidance on performance-based contracting and flexibility-to-contract models.
• Represent Maximus in federal forums and coalitions, ensuring a consistent and compliant voice.
• Ensure compliance with all federal lobbying disclosure and compliance requirements, including timely reporting, documentation, and adherence to ethical standards as mandated by law and company policy.

• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Operations, Business Development and other Maximus shared services to assess and mitigate federal policy risks.
• Support state-level engagement strategies in coordination with federal priorities.
• Help lead internal "message factory" efforts to generate actionable ideas of influence for government clients, leaders and stakeholders.
• Political Action Committee (PAC) Management & Operations
• Actively involved in overseeing the management and operations of the company's Political Action Committee (PAC), closing working to ensure compliance with all federal regulations and reporting requirements.
• Help develop and implement strategies in growing PAC participation, engaging eligible employees, and aligning PAC activities with the company's government relations objectives.
• Crisis & Change Management
• Advise leadership on political risks such as but not limited to shutdown scenarios, funding disruptions, and other policy decisions impacting business, including attacks from third-party organizations and competitors.
• Ensure the company remains politically aware but non-partisan, maintaining neutrality while influencing policy through operational excellence.

• 15+ years of experience in federal government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs.
• Proven track record of navigating complex federal and political environments, including appropriations, OMB processes, and agency rule making.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience working with or within federal agencies, Congress, or large government contractors.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at the executive level.

• Prior experience in performance-based contracting or public assistance program implementation.
• Familiarity with federal procurement frameworks and compliance standards.
• TS / SCI clearance or eligibility preferred.

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience,…