Managing Director, Government Relations

This role is remote (within Washington DC). We prioritize hiring in the Washington metropolitan area.

About the Roosevelt Institute

The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. We are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor into the 21st century.

Roosevelt takes on today’s greatest challenges by developing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas and moving those ideas into action. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to transforming corporations, restructuring markets, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future.

Our Culture

At Roosevelt, we recognize that the culture of the workplace and opportunities for career growth and development are important to all. We believe that diversity of background and experience among our people make our work to rewrite the rules of our social and economic realities stronger. Roosevelt is an equal opportunity employer. As affirmed in its policies and practices, the organization considers all job applications for all classifications without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or other legally protected status. We strongly encourage people with diverse work and life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, and diverse cultures to apply.

Roosevelt’s External Engagement Work

Over the past decade, the Roosevelt Institute and Roosevelt Forward have played a unique and catalytic role in laying the groundwork for recent historic policy successes. Our work has led not just to policy wins, but also to an increasingly powerful new way of thinking about the economy (new paradigms) and to a talent pipeline for hundreds of economic policy positions ready to enact these ideas (new people). The backbone of our work is a Rooseveltian political philosophy focused on the importance of a creative, pro-public, responsive, and equitable government—one that plays a direct and active role in managing our nation’s economic affairs.

At this critical time in our nation’s history and the development of the new economics, Roosevelt must continue to move our ideas—and people—into action.

What You’ll Do

The Roosevelt Institute is seeking an entrepreneurial, engaging, strategic advocate for the position of Managing Director, Government Relations. In partnership with think tank leadership, the Managing Director will be responsible for working with the think tank’s fellows and staff on the parts of their work that engage with federal policymakers in support of our vision for a more equitable economy with healthier, better-structured markets and a better balance of power between workers and private firms. The Managing Director will be responsible for translating Roosevelt Institute papers and reports into compelling and timely advocacy materials, building relationships with coalition partners and policymakers to advance our agenda, and developing strategies for ongoing engagement with policymakers. As the team grows, the Managing Director will report to the Chief Executive Officer and be a thought partner to program leads and senior communications staff in strengthening the political world’s day-to-day understanding of the Roosevelt Institute’s most politically salient policy ideas.

The successful candidate will have substantial knowledge of the federal legislative process; substantial knowledge of the executive policy apparatus within the executive branch of the federal government; excellent written and verbal communication skills; a willingness to learn; and a strong knowledge of the economic, political, and public policy issues of our time.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Identify and drive opportunities to translate and amplify specific areas of Roosevelt Institute policy research with policymakers and allies—this means being good at both strategy development and tactical execution
• Establish and build Roosevelt relationships with policymakers and allied organizations
• Working with think tank staff and fellows, lead the management and writing of timely and compelling Roosevelt Institute advocacy materials, including issue briefs and talking points, based on our more specialized research work, as needed
• Staff principals, including the CEO and other think tank subject-matter experts, for policymaker meetings
• Represent the Roosevelt Institute at key meetings
• Conduct targeted, relevant policy research as necessary
• Over time, manage a small team
• Oversee Roosevelt’s appointments work (also known as our “personnel is policy” work), managing our appointments manager and providing strategic guidance and government relations support for the program

What You’ll Have

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred
• Minimum of eight years progressively responsible experience in government or advocacy, preferably in economics or political economy
• Understanding of federal policymaking processes
• Persuasive commitment to the Rooseveltian worldview and an understanding of what it means to do paradigm-shifting policy work
• Top-notch written and verbal communications skills; a proven track record of writing clear, structured, and persuasive communications (e.g., reports, factsheets, talking points, policy memos, and briefs) with excellent attention to detail
• Managerial experience is strongly preferred.

Please note: Interested candidates must submit both a cover letter + resume for consideration.

The ability to work independently and, at the same time, be a strong team player, is critical to the success of this position. The successful candidate will be flexible, entrepreneurial, creative, and self-directed.

Not sure if you meet all the qualifications? Please apply!

We know talent comes in many forms. Our only requirement is that you’re passionate about advancing democracy—to create meaningful change. Join our team and help envision a new equitable future for all.
This is a location-specific position that requires day-to-day work in Washington, DC.

Salary range $146,000–160,000.