Government Affairs Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Senior Public Affairs Advisor to join a leading Am Law 100 law firm's Federal Government Affairs Practice in Washington, D.C. This position offers a unique opportunity to advise innovative companies operating at the forefront of emerging technology, including the semiconductor and microelectronics, artificial intelligence, internet infrastructure, data center, and critical minerals industries.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of federal policymaking, legislative strategy, and government relations, along with established relationships across Congress, federal agencies, and key policy stakeholders.

The Senior Public Affairs Advisor will support clients on a broad range of legislative, regulatory, policy, and advocacy matters impacting emerging technology industries. Working closely with attorneys, policy professionals, and clients, this individual will help develop and execute sophisticated federal government affairs strategies designed to advance client objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting day-to-day client engagement and relationship management.

• Assisting in the development and execution of legislative, regulatory, and political advocacy strategies.

• Researching, drafting, and editing policy materials, including issue briefs, one-pagers, hearing memoranda, talking points, testimony, legislative tracking reports, and appropriations requests.

• Monitoring federal legislative and regulatory developments and providing strategic analysis to clients.

• Coordinating and conducting meetings with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, Executive Branch officials, and other policymakers.

• Building and maintaining relationships with key government stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Assisting clients with Congressional hearings, agency rulemakings, and other federal proceedings.

• Organizing advocacy events, fly-ins, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

• Tracking outreach efforts and preparing agendas and briefing materials for client meetings and strategy discussions.

• Supporting additional client projects and policy initiatives as needed.

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 4–6 years of public policy, government affairs, legislative, regulatory, or related federal government experience.

• Experience working with Congress, the Executive Branch, a trade association, consulting firm, public affairs firm, or private-sector government relations team.

• Strong understanding of the Congressional legislative process and federal regulatory process.

• Demonstrated experience developing and executing policy and advocacy strategies.

• Exceptional research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and presentation development.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience or relationships within one or more of the following sectors:

• Semiconductors and microelectronics

• Artificial intelligence and advanced computing

• Data centers and internet infrastructure

• Critical minerals, chemicals, and advanced materials

• Cybersecurity policy

• Privacy and data governance

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Existing relationships with Congressional offices and committee staff involved in technology, commerce, appropriations, energy, or national security matters.

• Familiarity with the federal appropriations process.

• Established relationships within relevant Executive Branch agencies and policymaking communities.

• Experience supporting technology-sector advocacy efforts.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the nation's premier government affairs practices and work directly with industry-leading clients shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Professionals in this group benefit from:

• Direct exposure to high-profile federal policy matters.

• Significant client interaction and strategic advisory responsibilities.

• Opportunities to engage with senior policymakers and industry leaders.

• A collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

• Access to sophisticated clients operating at the forefront of emerging technology.

• Meaningful opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Expected annual base salary ranges from $120,000 – $180,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and market factors.

This opportunity is intended for government affairs and public policy professionals. Candidates holding a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree will not be considered for this position.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a government affairs professional seeking to play a meaningful role in shaping federal policy for some of the most innovative and strategically important industries in the global economy.