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Government Relations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director Government Relations

Lebanon, NH · On-site

$122K - $196K/yr

Overview Responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive government relations strategy ... Professional/Management * Pay Range: $122,595.20/Yr. - $196,144.00/Yr. (Based on 40 hours per week ...

The Director of State Government Relations (California) leads Easterseals Southern California ... This role manages all California legislative engagement, appropriations and funding requests ...

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Government Relations Manager information

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$51.5K

$106.5K

$169.5K

How much do government relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations manager in the United States is $106,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Government Relations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Government Relations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs? The most popular types of Government Relations jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Government Relations Manager jobs? The top employers for Government Relations Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Government Relations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Relations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Relations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 56% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,522 per year, or $51.2 per hour.
Government Relations Representative, Exp

Government Relations Representative, Exp

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$132K - $226K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition ID # 172491 

Job Category: Government and Regulatory Relations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Customer & Corporate Affairs

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Washington

Department Overview

PG&E maintains a federal affairs office in our nation's capital, where the federal affairs team is tasked with addressing national legislative and regulatory policy that can have a significant impact on the company - and the 16 million Californians to whom we provide a variety of energy services.

The federal affairs team works to ensure PG&E's business operations, customer affordability and infrastructure resiliency are advanced in a way that protects our environment, continues to address climate change concerns, and meets California's GHG goals. At the same time, we are mindful of customer affordability and developing a skilled workforce that benefits and contributes to the communities we serve. The federal affairs team also engages with national industry associations and trade organizations so that those organizations are aware and understand the needs of the company and the State of California at the national level.

Position Summary

The Federal Affairs Government Relations Representative reports to the Director and is responsible for advocating PG&E's position on energy and general business issues before Congress and the Administration. The Federal Affairs Government Relations Representative will assist in the coordination of internal legislative bill analysis and development of policy positions on those measures and keep the Director and Company management informed about actions being considered by Congress and Federal Agencies on policy and political issues. In coordination with other functional area personnel, the Federal Affairs Government Relations Representative will act to further PG&E's image as a leader in the utility business with a focus on customer satisfaction.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE NEEDS TO LIVE IN THE DC AREA. This position is hybrid with a substantial amount of time spent working in the PG&E DC office.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, and internal equity.

A reasonable salary range is:

Minimum: $132,000

Maximum: $226,000

Job Responsibilities

Assist on federal policy issues as assigned to help facilitate the development of the company's policy positions and identify 

opportunities to advance those positions legislatively and/or through the regulatory process.

Develop and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including elected and appointed officials, Capitol Hill staff, the Administration, relevant business, and non-profit leaders to advance public policy priorities.

Act as a subject matter expert (SME) regarding PG&E's federal government relations programs and initiatives.

Develop and manage relationships with internal partners and functional areas to provide support for public policy priority development.

Participate in trade associations and coalitions to help advance company policy priorities.

Help evaluate and implement new affiliations with governmental, political, and community officials and organizations.

Serve as liaison with congressional caucuses and external organizations.

Review and implement recommendations regarding PG&E's federal government relations partnerships, programs, and services.

Provide recommendations regarding federal government relations issues that may affect PG&E's performance, profitability, viability, and sustainability.

Draft relevant federal affairs communications including issue briefs and newsletters for stakeholders.

Provide support for federal affairs emergency response activities.

Serve as Corporate Affairs issue lead.

Qualifications

Minimum:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Six (6) years of experience working for an elected official, public or non-profit agency, as a political consultant, or other relevant experience

Desired:

Master's degree desired

Bachelor's (BA/BS) degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, International Relations, or related field desired

Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

Eight (8) years of experience desired working for an elected official, public or non-profit agency or as a political consultant

Seven (7) years of government advocacy experience desired for highly regulated industries such as utility, health care, banking, or political campaign experience.

Prior utility industry experience