Manager or Senior Manager of Government Affairs

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies that will build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

CBPP is seeking a Manager or Senior Manager of Government Affairs to help advance our policy goals and communicate our research findings and policy recommendations to congressional policymakers and staff. Reporting to the Vice President for Government Affairs, the Manager or Senior Manager will help design and execute legislative work on a broad range of fiscal policies and low-income and/or economic assistance programs including but not limited to those related to housing, nutrition, and income support. The person in this role will also support the work of both the Vice President for Government Affairs and the Senior Advisor on budget-, tax-, and health-related issues. They will also work with stakeholders on and off the Hill, including coalitions, to help advance CBBP’s legislative priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Represent CBPP on the Hill in meetings, briefings, and events and work with policymakers to promote CBPP policies and legislative priorities. 
• Strengthen CBPP’s coalition efforts with national organizations and identify opportunities to work with other diverse groups and constituencies. Help represent CBPP with various national partners and coalitions to inform CBPP’s policy agenda, provide support for partners and stakeholders on shared priorities, and promote CBPP’s policy and legislative priorities.
• Draft legislative updates and other written materials, engage in public speaking, and provide strategic assistance and information to CBPP staff as well as national and state organizations engaged in the debate around federal budget priorities and low-income issues.
• Build and maintain close working relationships with CBPP policy experts and senior leaders to ensure effective communication and information sharing in a rapidly changing environment.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with key congressional offices and caucuses and other external stakeholders to promote CBPP’s policy and legislative priorities.
• A Senior Manager will be expected to perform the responsibilities above with more autonomy. While they will consult with colleagues and CBPP leaders, they will own developing and executing on strategies, work plans, and products with less guidance.

Qualifications:

• Manager: A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience with the legislative process and issue advocacy.
• Senior Manager: A bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of relevant experience with the legislative process and issue advocacy. Hill or Executive Branch experience preferred but not required.
• Understanding of and passion for CBPP’s policy areas, interest in low-income issues, and commitment to CBPP’s mission to advance economic and health security and promote racial equity.
• Familiarity with the federal budget process and/or federal low-income programs.
  • Senior Manager: Demonstrated expertise in the federal budget process and/or federal low-income programs, including navigating complex policies. Demonstrated ability to make sound strategic judgments and design/implement legislative strategies. Proven track record of executing successful legislative strategies.
• Excellent communication skills — both written and oral — with an outstanding ability to grasp new concepts quickly and explain technical policy issues in clear, concise terms.
  • Senior Manager: Demonstrated advanced writing skills and extensive experience communicating about policy issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.
  • Senior Manager: Demonstrated ability to effectively delegate tasks and manage complex projects.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a team and manage multiple competing priorities and projects, often on a time-sensitive basis.
  • Senior Manager: Track record of fostering collaboration within and across teams and prioritizing multiple projects on a time-sensitive basis.

CBPP currently operates on a hybrid work schedule of two in-office days (Tuesday and Wednesday) per week as well as the first Thursday of each month in our Washington, D.C. office.

This position reports to the Vice President for Government Affairs.

Terms of Employment: full-time, exempt.

Bargaining Unit Status: This is a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: Salary and title commensurate with experience, with the Manager salary beginning at $70,000 and the Senior Manager salary beginning at $83,740; excellent benefits, including three health insurance options, dental and vision care, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and generous vacation leave, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to CBPP’s mission and this role.

Please submit your application here.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.