Government Affairs & Access Manager

The Government Affairs & Access Manager will strengthen relationships with Congress and other local, state, and federal government institutions to support the organization's theory of change and to ensure the progressive movement's priorities are clearly understood and effectively advanced within the policy making ecosystem. As a key collaborator and participant in the development and execution of organizational policy and programs, the Government Affairs and Access Manager will promote access, education, and strategic coordination, helping lawmakers, advocates, and movement partners understand what is happening in Congress, how key policy changes impact communities, and how to most effectively influence the public policy making process in alignment with approved organizational priorities.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in the Congressional process and political strategy, a strong commitment to progressive policy priorities, and managerial competency. You understand that advancing people-first priorities requires not only good policy ideas but shared strategy, aligned actors, and timely information. You are comfortable operating across issue areas and programs and translating legislative and executive branch developments into actionable insights for a wide range of audiences.

Using independent judgment, you can develop recommendations and manage their implementation from development through execution to meet emerging movement needs.

This management-level role works across We Build Progress (501(c)(3)) and Progressive Caucus Action Fund (501(c)(4)) programs, with responsibility for managing designated work streams and projects, supervising staff, owning external relationships, and coordinating execution in support of strategy. The role maintains strong relationships on the Hill and serves as a key connector between internal teams, Congressional offices, state and local governments, and the broader progressive movement, ensuring that the organization's work effectively informs, educates, and influences lawmakers and the broader policy ecosystem.

The Government Affairs & Access Manager exercises independent judgment in collaboration with senior leadership to determine and implement day-to-day and external engagement and outreach priorities and tactics. Responsibilities may include supervising, assigning, and responsibly directing the work of employees and other personnel in furtherance of program goals.

In close collaboration with senior leadership and program leads, the Government Affairs & Access Manager's areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Build and maintain relationships with Congressional offices, committee staff, caucuses, and task forces to support understanding of and commitment to progressive priorities.
• Lead and coordinate Hill meetings, including solo meetings and meetings alongside senior leadership.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact for Congressional staff seeking information, analysis, appropriate staff within the organization, or connection to movement expertise.
• Strengthen relationships with state and local elected officials and agency staff, particularly where alignment with federal priorities can reinforce impact.
• Engage with executive branch staff, as appropriate, in coordination with program teams.
• Recommend adaptations to the organization's engagement strategy across branches and levels of government to maximize impact in response to political conditions, windows of opportunity, or shifts in movement priorities.

• Educate movement partners, issue organizations, and advocates on Congressional process, political dynamics, and current legislative and governing activity.
• Help ensure the progressive movement is informed, aligned, and positioned to engage effectively by sharing analysis, context, and strategic insights on policy making.
• Advise and support the development and implementation of government affairs and advocacy work for the organization's program teams, helping translate their priorities into effective tactics.
• Support cross-organization government affairs coordination by convening partners, sharing timely information, and facilitating strategic alignment.
• Develop new resources, tools, or briefings to address emerging needs based on identified organizational priorities.
• Translate and summarize complex policy and political developments into clear, accessible guidance for non-Hill audiences.

• Plan, organize, and execute Hill-facing briefings for members and staff.
• Organize public briefings focused on Congressional process, legislative developments, and policy priorities.
• Manage and support key organizational events, including town halls, summits, and convenings, by developing and executing agendas and staffing.
• Oversee event logistics and budget for briefings, convenings, and events, including vendor,…