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Government Relations Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Mesa Associates Inc.

Civil Engineer I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

GIG General / Generation Industrial & Government This position is not eligible for recruiting or ... Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be ...

Mesa Accosiates

Civil Engineer I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

GIG General / Generation Industrial & Government This position is not eligible for recruiting or ... Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be ...

GEODIS

Senior Director, Human Resources

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Drive a high-performance culture through strategic employee relations, proactive employment law ... associate experience. * Serve as the primary liaison with external employment counsel, manage ...

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Government Relations Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$42.7K

$60.8K

How much do government relations associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations associate in Tennessee is $42,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $45,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a government relations associate when balancing organizational goals with regulatory requirements?

Government Relations Associates often navigate the complex intersection of organizational priorities and evolving government regulations. One common challenge is ensuring that advocacy efforts align with both the company's objectives and compliance requirements, which can change rapidly. Additionally, they must build and maintain relationships with policymakers while accurately representing their organization's interests, even when policy outcomes are uncertain. Strong communication and adaptability are essential to address these challenges and consistently advance organizational goals within the regulatory landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government relations associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Relations Associate, you need strong research, analytical, and communication skills, often supported by a degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, CRM systems, and knowledge of regulatory processes is typically required. Relationship-building, persuasive writing, and adaptability are essential soft skills for effective advocacy and stakeholder engagement. These skills ensure successful navigation of legislative environments, effective advocacy, and the building of productive relationships with policymakers.

What is the difference between Government Relations Associate vs Lobbyist?

AspectGovernment Relations AssociateLobbyist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in political science, public relations, or related fieldOften similar; bachelor's degree required, advanced degrees or certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentCorporate, nonprofit, or government organizations; supporting government relations effortsPrivate firms, advocacy groups, or consulting agencies; directly engaging with policymakers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various sectors to manage relationships with government entitiesPrimarily in lobbying firms, advocacy groups, and corporations seeking legislative influence

While both roles involve engaging with government officials, a Government Relations Associate typically supports broader organizational strategies and maintains ongoing relationships, whereas a Lobbyist actively advocates for specific legislative outcomes. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environment, but their focus and scope differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Government Relations jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Government Relations Associate jobs in Tennessee?

For Government Relations Associate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Government Relations Associate jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Relations Associate jobs in Tennessee are:

Government Relations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Relations Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,739 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

In-N-Out Burgers

Franklin, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

In-N-Out Burger rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 107 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Description & Requirements
Come join our family at In-N-Out Burgers!
We are seeking a Director of Government & Legislative Affairs based in our Franklin, Tennessee office*. The Director of Government & Legislative Affairs serves as the company's senior advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters impacting the business. Reporting directly to the EVP, Chief Legal & Business Officer, this high-level leader will develop and execute the In-N-Out's enterprise-wide government affairs strategy, establish and maintain key relationships with government officials and industry organizations, oversee external lobbying partners, and provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on legislative and regulatory matters.
This role will lead the company's day-to-day government affairs function and is responsible for building and evolving an enterprise Government Affairs program that supports the In-N-Out Burger's long-term strategic objectives while protecting and advancing its business interests.
The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative executive with exceptional judgment, political acumen, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex public policy issues while representing In-N-Out's values and culture.
*This position is 100% in office and is currently based in Irvine, CA, and will relocate to Franklin, Tennessee, as part of In-N-Out's planned headquarters transition
General Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the company's enterprise-wide government and legislative affairs strategy.
  • Serve as the In-N-Out's primary advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters affecting business operations.
  • Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory activity impacting the company.
  • Provide executive leadership with strategic recommendations regarding legislative developments, regulatory changes, and emerging public policy issues.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, regulatory bodies, trade associations, and key external stakeholders.
  • Represent In-N-Out before legislative committees, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, and government entities, as appropriate.
  • Lead and oversee the company's day-to-day Government Affairs function.
  • Manage the company's external lobbying firms, legislative consultants, and public policy advisors to ensure alignment with business priorities.
  • Partner closely with Legal, Operations, Human Resources, Communications, and Executive Leadership on legislative and regulatory initiatives.
  • Prepare executive briefings, legislative analyses, position papers, and strategic recommendations.
  • Develop proactive legislative strategies that advance and protect the In-N-Out's long-term interests.
  • Support executive leadership during issues involving government relations, regulatory matters, and public policy.
  • Build and mature the company's Government Affairs function, processes, and external engagement strategy as the organization continues to grow.

Work Schedule + Benefits:
  • Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
  • Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
  • Excellent Benefits, to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA's, 401(k)/Profit Sharing Plan, Adoption Assistance, Education Reimbursement, Supplemental Health Plans and Pet Insurance

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Juris Doctor (JD), Master's in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, or external affairs.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing government affairs strategies within a complex organization.
  • Experience managing external lobbying firms, legislative consultants, and government affairs partners.
  • Strong understanding of state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
  • Proven ability to advise executive leadership on sensitive public policy matters.
  • Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
  • Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment while managing highly confidential information.

ABOUT In-N-Out Burgers
In-N-Out Burgers was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, and remains privately owned and operated. Under the direction of the Snyder family, the company has opened restaurants throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, and Tennessee. In-N-Out's menu has remained the same since 1948, and we have maintained a simple philosophy - serve only the highest quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well trained Associates. In-N-Out offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer by choice. Should there be a need, In-N-Out will provide a reasonable accommodation to complete the interview process upon request.

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