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Government Relations Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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Government Relations Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$52K

$107.5K

$171.1K

How much do government relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations manager in Wisconsin is $107,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $136,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Government Relations Manager do?

A Government Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships between an organization and government officials, agencies, and legislators. Their main goal is to advocate for the organization's interests by monitoring legislation, analyzing policy changes, and communicating with key stakeholders. They also develop strategies to influence public policy, ensure compliance with regulations, and represent the organization at government meetings and hearings. This role often involves a mix of research, communication, and strategic planning.

What does a Government Relations Manager do?

Government relations managers promote legislative efforts that are beneficial to their organization and collaborate with public relations officers on campaigns to earn the backing of government officials and the public. As a government relations manager, your job duties include staying current on existing and proposed legislation, meeting with local, state, and federal government officials and lobbyists, and updating management on relevant laws and regulations. The qualifications for a career as a government affairs manager include a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or political science, experience in government affairs jobs, and excellent interpersonal skills.

What are some common challenges Government Relations Managers face when navigating legislative and regulatory processes?

Government Relations Managers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing legislative landscapes, managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, and staying informed about complex policy developments. Balancing the interests of their organization with shifting government priorities requires adaptability and strong communication skills. Additionally, they must be able to quickly analyze and respond to new regulations or proposed laws, which often involves coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely and effective advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Government Relations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Relations Manager, you need expertise in policy analysis, legislative processes, and stakeholder engagement, usually supported by a degree in political science, law, or public administration. Familiarity with government affairs software, legislative tracking systems, and often certifications in public affairs or lobbying are typical requirements. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for influencing policy, building strong relationships, and advancing organizational interests effectively with government entities.

What is the difference between Government Relations Manager vs Public Affairs Specialist?

AspectGovernment Relations ManagerPublic Affairs Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in political science, public relations, or related field; often requires experience in government or lobbyingBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field; may require experience in media or community outreach
Work EnvironmentCorporate or nonprofit settings, engaging with government agencies and policymakersMedia outlets, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations focusing on public communication
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by corporations, associations, and nonprofits to influence policyUsed by government agencies, PR firms, and advocacy groups to manage public perception

The main difference is that a Government Relations Manager primarily focuses on building relationships with government officials and influencing policy, while a Public Affairs Specialist handles communication strategies to shape public opinion and manage media relations. Both roles require strong communication skills and understanding of government processes, but their core functions and target audiences differ.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Government Relations Manager jobs in Wisconsin?

For Government Relations Manager jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Government Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Government Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Relations Manager job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,518 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

$77K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Summary of Responsibilities:

At ATC, our work goes beyond building and maintaining the electric transmission grid-we connect communities to reliable energy that powers homes, businesses, and economic growth. As a Local Relations Representative, you'll serve as the trusted face of ATC, helping communities understand critical infrastructure projects while building the relationships that make those projects successful.
This is a unique opportunity for a relationship-focused professional who thrives at the intersection of community engagement, stakeholder relations, public affairs, and infrastructure development.

Essential Responsibilities:

At ATC, you'll play a visible and meaningful role in supporting projects that strengthen the electric grid and help power the future of our region. You'll collaborate with talented professionals across engineering, environmental, communications, project management, and regulatory functions while building trusted partnerships with stakeholders throughout our service territory.

You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Serve as ATC's primary community and stakeholder liaison for major transmission projects.
  • Influence project success through proactive engagement and relationship building.
  • Work directly with local governments, elected officials, landowners, customers, and community leaders.
  • Lead meaningful conversations that help shape communities' understanding of critical infrastructure investments.
  • Join a mission-driven organization committed to safely delivering reliable energy for generations to come.
What You'll Do

As a Local Relations Representative, you'll develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies that foster trust, transparency, and collaboration throughout the lifecycle of transmission projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with community leaders, elected officials, municipalities, landowners, customers, and other stakeholders.
  • Lead public outreach initiatives and engagement activities for transmission infrastructure projects.
  • Represent ATC at public meetings, open houses, community forums, and stakeholder discussions.
  • Anticipate community concerns and proactively develop strategies to address issues before they become project barriers.
  • Facilitate productive dialogue among stakeholders with varying perspectives and interests.
  • Partner closely with engineering, environmental, regulatory, communications, customer relations, and project management teams.
  • Communicate complex technical information in a clear, understandable, and relatable manner.
  • Support project teams by providing insights into community priorities, stakeholder concerns, and local dynamics.
  • Help foster informed participation in project planning and decision-making processes.
What You'll BringRequired Qualifications
  • Significant experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, public relations, community relations, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated success building relationships with municipalities, community leaders, landowners, customers, elected officials, or other key stakeholders.
  • Experience leading public outreach, community engagement, or stakeholder involvement initiatives.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Experience facilitating discussions among groups with differing viewpoints or interests.
  • Exceptional presentation, written communication, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience within the electric utility, energy, renewable energy, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, or regulatory sectors.
  • Knowledge of ATC's service territory and stakeholder landscape.
  • Experience supporting infrastructure siting, permitting, construction, environmental review, or public involvement efforts.
  • Experience working directly with local government officials and regulatory agencies.
  • Advanced degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Business, Public Administration, Government Relations, Political Science, or a related discipline.
  • Experience mentoring, coaching, or developing others.

ATC embraces flexibility in our work and our workplace. We trust our employees to get work done where and when it makes sense, depending on the schedule for the day and the needs of the business. If you are looking for position that strengthens our communities while helping to shape the future of energy, we want you to join our Great Place to Work!

The targeted base pay for this position is $77,400 to $90,200 annually.* Base pay is one component of our comprehensive total rewards package which includes an annual incentive bonus, employer-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) match, HSA contribution, life & disability insurance, health care benefits, generous time off plans, flexible work arrangements, and much more.

*The pay range is a general guideline. Employment offers are evaluated individually and consider qualifications, experience, academic achievements, internal equity, and business needs. Pay exceeding the posted range is considered for uniquely qualified candidates. Interested internal candidates, with questions, please consult your Human Resources Business Partner.

Number of Openings Available:

1

Posting Date:

2026-07-22

Time Type:

Full time

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Applicants have rights under employment laws.

ATC is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to foster diverse teams of talented people working safely together. We respect and embrace diversity of all aspects and hire, train and promote employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage women, minorities, veterans and individuals with a disability to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to anycharacteristic protected by law.

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