External Relations Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Federal Government Relations Manager 

Position Summary: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Federal Government Relations Manager position.  Reporting to the Director of Federal Government Relations, this role supports the development and execution of the Foundation's federal policy and government relations strategy, with increasing responsibility in direct lobbying support, stakeholder engagement, and policy operations. This position works closely with internal teams, external partners, and federal stakeholders to advance legislative and regulatory priorities, with a particular focus on champion development in Congress, support for authorizing and appropriations efforts, and coordination of federal engagement aligned to the Foundation' priorities. 

This role is expected to be based in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, with the ability to travel to the Foundation's New York office on an as-needed basis 

 
Key Responsibilities:  
Legislative Affairs & Lobbying Support 

• Build and maintain relationships with Congressional staff and relevant committee offices, supporting senior staff in direct lobbying efforts 

• Identify and cultivate Congressional champions for priority policy and funding initiatives 

• Support authorizing and appropriations strategies, including drafting materials (briefing memos, testimony, letters, report language, and one-pagers) 

• Monitor federal legislation and committee activity; maintain policy trackers and provide analysis and recommendations 

• Prepare background materials and participate in meetings with Congressional offices and federal agencies 

 
Federal Engagement Coordination 

• Support the execution of the federal government relations team's engagement strategy with Congress and federal agencies, aligned to the Foundation's policy and funding priorities 

• Coordinate scheduling and logistics for meetings between the federal government relations team and Congressional offices, committee staff, and administration officials 

• Prepare briefing materials, meeting objectives, and background documents to support effective policymaker engagement 

• Track outreach, meetings, and follow-up actions to ensure continuity in relationship management and advancement of policy goals 

• Assist in aligning internal stakeholders and external partners with priority Hill engagement opportunities 

• Support planning and coordination of key policy moments (e.g., appropriations deadlines, bill introductions, hearings) to maximize the Foundation's visibility and impact 

Coalition & External Engagement 

• Support management of relationships with coalitions, partner organizations, and allied stakeholders 

• Represent the Foundation in coalition meetings and working groups, as assigned 

• Leverage coalition participation to advance policy and appropriations goals 

Policy Operations & Team Support 

• Help manage internal systems including bill trackers, engagement trackers, and policy calendars 

• Provide logistical and administrative support for policy initiatives, meetings, and events 

• Contribute to cross-team coordination and project management for federal priorities 

• Support external consultants and partner deliverables, as needed 

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, organization, and team efficiency 

Qualifications and Skills:  

• Knowledge in government relations, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, or related policy role 

• Demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative process, including appropriations and authorizing pathways 

• Strong organizational and project management skills 

• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships 

• Analytical skills to monitor policy developments and contribute to recommendations 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to register as a federal lobbyist (or willingness to do so) 

• This position is expected to be based in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, with the ability to travel to the Foundation's New York office on an as-needed basis 

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000.  In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums) 

• Competitive dental and vision plans 

• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution 

• Flexible spending accounts 

• Employer paid life and disability insurance  

• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4 

• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.   

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.   

How to Apply:  
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position's needs will be contacted. 

About Us: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson's disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus-thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, the Foundation has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide. 

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information. 

 
 Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.