Director of Government Affairs and Senior Strategist

Reports to: Chief of Policy and Advocacy

Status: Full-time; exempt

Location: Washington DC

Launched in 2018, Groundwork Collaborative is animated by the firm belief that We are the Economy. We know our economy will be stronger and more stable for all of us when all of us—especially Black, brown, disabled, immigrant, low-paid, women, and other historically marginalized people—are able to thrive. We believe truly progressive economic policy builds public power, breaks up concentrations of private power, and affirmatively centers people too long left out of prosperity, leading to better economic outcomes for everyone. 

We work with economic policy experts, progressive movement leaders, advocates, and other key stakeholders to advance this progressive economic worldview; collaborate and foster new ideas; and develop new, stronger avenues to work together for greater impact. We are committed to breaking down issue silos, supporting and amplifying our partners’ work, and showing up for and with a myriad of partners on critical economic issue campaigns.

We are seeking a Director of Government Affairs and Senior Strategist for Groundwork Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) organization, and Groundwork Action, a 501(c)(4). 

Position Summary

This position will lead in crafting the federal advocacy strategy for both organizations and serve as our chief liaison to Congress and the Administration. 

As Director of Government Affairs and Senior Strategist, you will…

• Build and drive an agenda for Groundwork Collaborative and Groundwork Action on all direct federal advocacy work on ongoing and long-term economic policy priorities.
• Leverage relationships with policymakers to amplify Groundwork’s core messages and drive earned media.
• Serve as liaison between policymakers and Groundwork to identify and execute opportunities for strategic engagement.
• Develop written deliverables, including talking points, one-pagers, letters, testimony, and other materials for policymakers and staff.
• Lead and support lobbying visits, briefings, hearings, and other engagement with policymakers and staff.
• Provide regular legislative updates summarizing legislative and executive branch activity.
• Develop deep dives on Congressional committees relevant to key issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

• Committed to creating a just, inclusive, and robust economy that delivers opportunity and dignity to all.
• Relevant experience in government relations, including doing policy work on the Hill, in the executive branch, or at other like-minded non-profits.
• Deep knowledge of federal economic policymaking institutions (including Congress, executive branch agencies, and the White House).
• Proven strategic skills and experience setting organizational agendas. 
• Existing Congressional and Administration relationships and policy coalition networks.
• Creative and entrepreneurial attitude. 
• Strong written/verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to drive work under tight deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to develop and drive work with minimal supervision.
• Excitement about thinking creatively and developing new strategies in order to secure advocacy wins.
• Experience interfacing directly and managing relationships with Executive Directors, senior staffers, and various principals in and out of government. 

The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $179,000 with flexibility to offer a higher salary for highly-qualified candidates. We offer a generous benefits package, including three weeks of vacation, two weeks of personal leave, two week-long office closures, and additional time off for floating and federal holidays, zero-premium health insurance, a generous HRA, a retirement match of up to 6%, a minimum of 12 weeks paid parental leave, health club and cell-phone reimbursements, among other benefits.

We are a hybrid workplace, with two days a week in the office near Dupont Circle, and three days remote, as well as the occasional need to work in person for events and special projects. This role likely requires in-person meetings with external partners on days on which the rest of the office is remote.

How to apply

To begin the application process, please submit an application on our career page, including your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in this role. 

This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled.

New Venture Fund Careers

Groundwork Collaborative is a project of the New Venture Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. The New Venture Fund is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. The New Venture Fund’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

E-Verify

NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.