ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Government Relations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

Legislative Liaison

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$99K - $142K/yr

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a full-time Legislative Liaison to join the External Relations - Government Relations team. Join a team that values collaboration ...

Home Builders Association of Iowa

Be Seen First

Executive Officer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

Strong knowledge of legislative affairs, government relations, advocacy, or public policy. * Outstanding communication, public speaking, and media relations skills. * Proven ability to build ...

Principal Financial Group

Product Manager 2

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$104K - $187K/yr

What You'll Do We're looking for a Product Manager 2 to join our Law, Compliance, Privacy, and Government Relations portfolio team. In this role, you'll partner across business, product, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment Relations JobsGovernment Relations Jobs in Iowa

Government Relations information

See Iowa salary details

$48.4K

$100.1K

$159.2K

How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations in Iowa is $100,052.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is government relations?

Government relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining relationships between an organization and government officials, agencies, or legislators. Professionals in this field advocate for their organization's interests by monitoring legislation, communicating policy positions, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. They often represent organizations during policy discussions and legislative processes, working to influence public policy decisions. Effective government relations can help organizations navigate regulatory environments and anticipate changes that may impact their operations.

What are government relations jobs?

Government relations jobs focus on interaction with the government on various levels, such as acquiring permits for a company, lobbying for legislation, or providing information to legislators on specific topics. Titles in this field include things like government relations director, government relations specialist, and similar terms. Government relations employees often provide advocacy on various topics, help direct company policy towards state and local governments, ensure lines of communication are available to the public, and address concerns from citizens. In this job, you may also work on a proposal for future interaction with each level of the government.

How does a government relations professional typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives?

Government Relations professionals regularly coordinate with internal departments like legal, compliance, public affairs, and executive leadership to ensure that the organization’s messaging and policy positions are consistent and strategic. Externally, they build and maintain relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry associations to advocate for the organization’s interests. This role often involves preparing briefings, organizing stakeholder meetings, and facilitating dialogue to anticipate policy changes and align company strategies with regulatory requirements. Effective collaboration is essential for staying informed and influencing public policy in ways that positively impact the organization.

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

To thrive in Government Relations, you need a solid understanding of public policy, regulatory frameworks, and strong written and verbal communication skills, often supported by a degree in political science, law, or public administration. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, stakeholder management tools, and sometimes certifications like a Registered Lobbyist status are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to build relationships make professionals stand out in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively advocating for organizational interests and shaping public policy outcomes.

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

AspectGovernment RelationsPublic Affairs Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in government or policyBachelor's degree, communication or public relations background
Work EnvironmentLobbying, government meetings, policy advocacyMedia relations, community outreach, communication campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesCorporations, PR firms, advocacy groups
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve communication and advocacy, Government Relations focuses on influencing policy and building relationships with government entities. Public Affairs Specialists handle media, public perception, and community engagement. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the public sector and corporate communication fields.

How to get a job in government relations?

To get a job in government relations, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or a related field, along with strong communication and networking skills. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions in government or advocacy organizations can also improve prospects. Familiarity with policy analysis, government processes, and relevant tools like lobbying software can be advantageous.
More about Government Relations jobs

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Government Relations jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Government Relations job openings:

Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Relations job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 80% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,052 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Public Policy Intern

GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP

Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Internship

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description


SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS: This position will report to the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy and be available for approximately 10-15 hours per week, while providing flexibility to accommodate class schedules. The position will provide support for the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy in the form of administrative tasks, project coordination, communication, and logistics. The individual will gain experience learning from a Government Relations professional and economic development organization while participating in a variety of projects, events, and initiatives.


SPECIFIC JOB RESPSONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists Director of Government Relations and Public Policy by:
  • Set-up and tear-down of virtual and in-person meetings 
  • Tracks progress on projects and tasks  
  • Bill research & tracking  
  • Research state and Federal public policy issues 
  • Ensures the organizing of extensive project information. 
  • Assists in printing of handouts, agendas, collateral or other materials 
  • Supports spreadsheet projects - outlining information, cleaning data, formatting, etc. 
  • Assists the Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies team as needed
  • Helps create project flow and timelines; outlines project details into Policy Planning Folders; ensures project goals, tasks, action items and deadlines are clearly communicated to all team members. 
  • Drafts, edits, and sends the weekly Government Policy Council (GPC) newsletter, staying-to-date on relevant current events and The Partnership's local, state, and federal advocacy and policy agenda updates. 
  • Aids in developing a variety of written documents, including, but not limited to blogs, invitations, agendas, letters of thanks, letters of support and policy brief backgrounds.  
  • Maintains contact information for elected officials in Iowa and The Partnership's Government Policy Council (GPC), as well as contact information for a variety of volunteer groups. Ensures contact information is available in Excel and is accurate, as well as easily digestible and understood. 
  • Assists the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy in gathering information and research needed to move projects forward.  
  • Conducts oneself in a professional manner consistent with The Partnership's mission, vision and values. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Can work independently and demonstrate initiative and experience in interacting with the business community. 
  • Has excellent oral and written communication skills.  
  • Is detail oriented and possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills.  
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, can express and present ideas, listen well, and work in a team environment. 
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
  • Has a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a keen eye for processes/efficiency. 

Education and Experience: 

  • Working toward a degree or recently completed a degree in public policy, public administration, international relations, or other related areas. 
  • Previous internship experience a plus. Basic to high level understanding of and interest in government relations and public policy projects desired but not required; ideal candidate will be ready to learn. 

Apply