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Government Lobbyist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Manager, Government Affairs

Washington, DC

Vast is looking for a Manager, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company's engagement ... Register or maintain registration as a lobbyist, as required. * Program and Partnership Support

Vast

Manager, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

Register or maintain registration as a lobbyist, as required. * Program and Partnership Support ... Experience with government contracting or government procurement. * Relationships with relevant ...

Vast

Director, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required ... Experience with government contracting and government procurement * Experience with Congressional ...

Snowflake

Head of Global Government Affairs

Mclean, VA · On-site

$324K - $425K/yr

Direct the retained federal lobbying program: set the advocacy agenda, manage external lobbyist ... Represent Snowflake at major government and technology policy forums globally (e.g., AFCEA, DSEI ...

Jobtailor

Director, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Registered or able to be registered as a federal lobbyist * Ability and willingness to travel Core ... Government Affairs Experience * Advocacy Material Development * Congressional Appropriations ...

DLRdmv

Director, Government Affairs

About the role The Government Affairs & Legislative Lobbyist will lead our efforts to shape and influence state-level policy initiatives that impact our business. This role is responsible for ...

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How much do government lobbyist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for government lobbyist in the United States is $90,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government lobbyist?

Government lobbyists are professionals who advocate for specific legislation, policies, or regulations on behalf of organizations, companies, or interest groups. They work to influence lawmakers and public officials by providing information, research, and recommendations about issues that affect their clients. Lobbyists often build relationships with policymakers, attend legislative sessions, and organize campaigns to support their causes. Their goal is to ensure that their clients’ interests are considered in the decision-making process. While the role is sometimes controversial, lobbyists play an important part in representing diverse viewpoints in government.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government lobbyist?

To thrive as a Government Lobbyist, you need a strong understanding of public policy, legislative processes, and excellent research and communication skills, often backed by a degree in political science, law, or a related field. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, policy analysis software, and sometimes registration with lobbying regulatory bodies is typically required. Persuasion, relationship-building, and strategic thinking are crucial soft skills for effectively influencing decision-makers and building coalitions. These competencies are essential for successfully advocating for clients’ interests and navigating complex government environments.

What are some common challenges faced by government lobbyists when advocating for policy changes?

Government lobbyists often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory environments, building relationships with key policymakers, and staying informed on rapidly changing legislation. Additionally, balancing the interests of clients or organizations with public policy goals can require strong negotiation and communication skills. Effective lobbyists must also manage tight deadlines and coordinate efforts with both internal teams and external stakeholders to maximize their impact.

What is the difference between Government Lobbyist vs Policy Advocate?

AspectGovernment LobbyistPolicy Advocate
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in political science, law, or related fields; experience in government or lobbyingOften holds degrees in law, public policy, or related areas; may have legal or advocacy certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks for lobbying firms, corporations, or associations, engaging with government officialsWorks for nonprofits, advocacy groups, or think tanks, promoting policy changes
Employer & IndustryPrivate sector, government relations, political consultingNonprofits, advocacy organizations, public interest groups

While both roles focus on influencing public policy, a Government Lobbyist primarily works to sway government officials on behalf of clients or organizations, often within a lobbying firm or corporation. A Policy Advocate, on the other hand, promotes policy changes through public campaigns and grassroots efforts, typically within nonprofit or advocacy groups. Both roles require strong communication skills and knowledge of the political landscape, but their methods and employer types differ.

Are government lobbyist jobs hard to get?

Government lobbyist jobs can be competitive due to the specialized skills and experience required, such as knowledge of policy, government processes, and strong communication abilities. Candidates often need relevant education, networking, and experience in politics or advocacy to improve their chances of securing these roles.

How much do government lobbyists make?

Government lobbyists' salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and the organization they work for. Entry-level lobbyists typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, while experienced professionals can make over $150,000 or more, especially in large firms or high-profile roles. Many lobbyists also receive bonuses and benefits related to their influence and success in advocacy efforts.

Is lobbying a high paying job?

Government lobbyists can earn high salaries, especially those with extensive experience, strong networks, and specialized knowledge of policy areas. Compensation varies widely based on the level of government, organization type, and geographic location, with senior lobbyists often earning six-figure incomes. Successful lobbyists also often have backgrounds in law, politics, or public relations and may work long hours to influence legislation and policy decisions.
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Cities with the most Government Lobbyist job openings:

What states have the most Government Lobbyist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Lobbyist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Government Lobbyist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Lobbyist jobs are:

Government Lobbyist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Lobbyist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,984 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Manager, Government Affairs

Washington, DC

Vast
See more jobs at Vastexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Manager, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company's engagement across Congress, industry associations, and associated national security communities supporting Vast's business development efforts with the U.S. Department of Defense.  This role will drive policy, partnership, and congressional advocacy strategies to advance Vast's initiatives to launch and operate the world's leading commercial space stations in support of both civil and national security space objectives.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Support
    • Support the development and execution of Vast's government affairs strategy focused on national security space, including engagement with Congress and USG agencies.
    • Collaborate across Legal, Programs, Engineering, Business Development, and executive leadership to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities.
  • Congressional & USG Engagement
    • Build and maintain relationships with relevant Congressional offices, committees, and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, authorization, and appropriations matters.
    • Support Vast's Business Development engagement with USG agencies and the executive branch.
    • Coordinate briefing materials, meeting preparation, follow-ups, and stakeholder tracking for congressional and agency engagements.
  • Policy and Advocacy
    • Monitor, analyze, and summarize U.S. defense policy, legislation, appropriations, and NDAA developments impacting commercial space capabilities.
    • Prepare policy briefs, talking points, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for internal and external use.
    • Support written submissions for defense-related RFIs, trade reports, industry engagements, and legislative opportunities.
    • Register or maintain registration as a lobbyist, as required.
  • Program and Partnership Support
    • Partner with Business Development to support DoD-related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and strategic partnerships.
    • Identify national security needs where Vast's commercial capabilities can support resilience, mission assurance, space domain awareness, and broader defense space objectives.
    • Provide policy support for defense-related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 3-5+ years of professional experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, or national security space.
  • Experience engaging Congress on defense, national security, or space-related policy and funding priorities.
  • Experience working with or around the Pentagon, U.S. Space Force, or other national security stakeholders.
  • Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required.
  • Understanding of congressional processes, including authorization, appropriations, and the NDAA.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience working on DoD space programs and policies.
  • Experience with government contracting or government procurement.
  • Relationships with relevant armed services, defense appropriations, space, and national security offices or committees.
  • Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations.
  • Comfortable operating outside areas of expertise and in new territory.
  • Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with professionalism.
  • Self-starter with strong time-management and prioritization skills.
  • Experience in commercial space, aerospace, defense technology, or national security innovation.

Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
  • Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support national security space programs

Apply