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Director Government Relations Jobs in Reston, VA

URAC

Manager, State Relations

Washington, DC · On-site

This position will manage and assist with directing the execution of URAC's state government relations program. Working with URAC subject matter experts, state officials, government leaders, and ...

Peraton

SVP, Government Relations

Reston, VA · On-site

$229K - $366K/yr

Government relations strategy is tightly integrated with Peraton's corporate strategy, growth agenda, and technology positioning. Qualifications Experience * 25 or more years of progressive ...

Cape

Head of Government Relations

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Opportunity Cape is seeking a dedicated Head of Government Relations to map and engage federal stakeholders and to forecast policy-based risks and opportunities. While Cape's federal business ...

Peraton

SVP, Government Relations

Reston, VA · On-site

Government relations strategy is tightly integrated with Peraton's corporate strategy, growth agenda, and technology positioning. Qualifications Experience * 25 or more years of progressive ...

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All JobsGovernment Relations JobsDirector Government Relations JobsDirector Government Relations Jobs in Reston, VA

Director Government Relations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$59.3K

$118.1K

$163.3K

How much do director government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director government relations in Reston, VA is $118,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,400.00 and $139,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of government relations do?

A Director of Government Relations is responsible for managing an organization’s interactions with government agencies, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. They develop and implement strategies to influence public policy in favor of their organization, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and advocate for the organization's interests. This role often involves building relationships with government officials, tracking relevant legislation, and communicating the organization's position on key issues. Directors of Government Relations also coordinate lobbying efforts and ensure compliance with government regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of government relations?

To thrive as a Director of Government Relations, you need expertise in public policy, legislative processes, and strategic communications, usually supported by a relevant degree and significant experience in advocacy or government affairs. Familiarity with government databases, legislative tracking systems, and stakeholder management tools is typically required. Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and persuasive communication skills help someone excel in this role. These abilities are critical for effectively influencing policy, representing organizational interests, and building strong networks with key policymakers.

How does a director of government relations typically collaborate with internal departments to align legislative strategies with organizational goals?

A Director of Government Relations works closely with various internal departments such as legal, communications, public affairs, and executive leadership to ensure that legislative strategies support the organization's objectives. This collaboration often involves regular interdepartmental meetings to discuss policy priorities, updates on legislative developments, and alignment of messaging. The director may also coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts and advise teams on regulatory compliance. Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork are critical to developing unified positions and responding proactively to policy changes.

What is the difference between Director Government Relations vs Government Affairs Manager?

AspectDirector Government RelationsGovernment Affairs Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees or certifications in public policy or lawBachelor's degree; relevant experience in government or policy
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level stakeholder engagement, policy advocacyPolicy analysis, lobbying, relationship management
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, associations, government agenciesCorporations, nonprofits, industry groups
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level government relations roles, strategic advocacyPolicy-focused roles, lobbying, stakeholder engagement

The main difference is that the Director Government Relations typically oversees strategic government engagement and policy advocacy at a senior level, while the Government Affairs Manager focuses more on policy analysis, lobbying, and relationship management. Both roles require similar credentials and are used in similar industries, but the director position involves higher-level strategic responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Director Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Director Government Relations jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Director Government Relations job openings:

Director Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Government Relations job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,107 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

State Government Relations Director

FMI- The Food Industry Association

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

FMI – The Food Industry Association: We’re Hiring a State Government Relations Director

Are you a government affairs professional who can break down complex policies and confidently present them to executives, committees, and industry leaders? Do you enjoy building coalitions, leading working groups, and bringing people together around shared priorities? Then this might be the role for you. Keep reading!


Quick Snapshot: In this role, you’ll provide expertise on state legislation, laws, and regulatory actions that impact our members, and deliver presentations to key FMI committees and meetings. You will also engage with state and local industry partners and represent FMI and its members to external stakeholders.


What you’ll do in This Role:

  • Provide research, analysis, and strategic guidance to FMI members, state associations, and staff on priority state government affairs issues.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on pending and enacted state legislation and regulatory activity, as directed by the Vice President of Government Relations, utilizing FMI’s legislative tracking system to assess member impact and compliance requirements.
  • Manage state relationships to benefit FMI’s strategic initiatives, programs, and policies.
  • Identify, report, and collaborate on emerging state public policy initiatives and share findings with the FMI team and committees.
  • Create and run FMI member state legislative working groups and coalitions on key issues as the need arises.
  • Research and prepare information on priority state issues, including developing and drafting policy papers, background documents, and other deliverables.
  • Collaborate with the FMI State Affairs team to build State Retreat and State Regional Legislative Planning agendas and obtain speakers for these meetings.
  • Create and write articles for FMI Government Affairs or other issue-specific newsletters.
  • Assist in the recruitment of new members.


The Background and Skills That You’ll Need to be Successful:

  • A college degree and a minimum of seven to ten years of professional work experience in government or government affairs.
  • Knowledge of and/or experience working in the food industry, working with state legislatures and regulatory authorities and agencies.
  • Excellent written communication skills, including editing and proofreading.
  • Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to create presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, and experience giving presentations to a variety of audiences.
  • Must be self-directed with excellent time and project management skills and an ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks with strict attention to detail and with minimal supervision.


Why FMI? We are the champions for the food industry and the issues that make a difference to our members in the food industry. Our work touches the lives of over 120 million households in the U.S. and representing a $1 trillion industry with over 6 million employees. By joining our team, you will become part of a diverse, engaging, and supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of the food retail industry.


Our Benefits: We offer a generous benefits package that includes health benefits, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, paid leave benefits, a summer hours program allowing you to work only four hours on Fridays during the summer, plenty of additional remote work opportunities including two weeks at the end of August, the week of Thanksgiving and two weeks at the end of December, volunteer opportunities (if you want to give back to your community), the chance to join our employee wellness group and much more!


This position requires you to work in our Arlington, Virginia office for a minimum of two full days per week. You’ll also receive a parking space in our building or be reimbursed for up to $175 per month for commuting expenses via Metro bus or train, MARC train, etc.


*The annual salary range listed reflects the minimum and maximum annual compensation for this position and has been established in good faith and in accordance with Virginia and federal law. Individual salary offers within this range will be based on the candidate's relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, and other job-related factors.


Apply Now: If you're ready to drive meaningful change on state legislative and regulatory issues that shape the food industry, apply now.


Learn more about FMI by visiting our website at www.fmi.org


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FMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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