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Government Relations Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic

Ladysmith, WI · On-site

$24/hr

Government Relations: Will be minimally involved with government relations. Must apply understanding of rules, regulations, and guidelines in performance of job duties. Safety of Others: Responsible ...

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Government Relations information

See Wisconsin salary details

$52K

$107.5K

$171.1K

How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations 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 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.

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 jobs in Wisconsin?

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Government Relations jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Government Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Relations job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,518 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Director of Government Relations

Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative

Oregon, WI • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Our VisionA world where no resource is wasted.Our MissionTo ensure that no resource goes to waste by empowering people to redeem every container easily, efficiently, and effectively.Our ValuesWe are loyal, resilient, trustworthy, creative, competent, and engaged.SummaryThe Director of Government Relations advances the organization’s government affairs strategy and advocacy efforts with elected officials, public agencies, regulators, and policy stakeholders in close coordination with the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach. This role is responsible for advancing the organization’s policy priorities, strengthening OBRC’s reputation as a trusted partner and steward of Oregon’s Bottle Bill, and ensuring leadership is informed and prepared on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters that affect the organization and its mission.Primary Duties & ResponsibilitiesAdvance a proactive government relations strategy developed in collaboration with and guided by the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach, aligned with organizational priorities, strategic goals, and emerging public policy issues.Monitor, analyze, and summarize legislative, regulatory, administrative, and budget developments that may affect the organization.Represent the organization before state elected officials, state agencies, committees, coalitions, and other public policy forums in coordination with the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach.Build and maintain strong, bipartisan relationships with policymakers, agency staff, legislative staff, public officials, and external partners, with guidance and counsel from the Vice President of Strategy and OutreachPursue, cultivate, and strengthen local government relationships, including city, county, regional, and municipal partners, in close partnership with the Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement to advance shared priorities, coordinate local relationship-building, and identify opportunities for collaboration.Coordinate with the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach on policymaker outreach, including tag-teaming travel and in-person meetings to strengthen relationships, reinforce shared messages, and ensure appropriate executive presence.Draft and coordinate testimony, policy briefs, talking points, letters, budget requests, public comments, and other advocacy materials with counsel and guidance from the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach.Prepare executive leadership, board members, and subject matter experts for meetings, hearings, testimony, public appearances, and stakeholder engagements in coordination with the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach.Identify policy opportunities, legislative champions and coalition strategies that support the organization’s mission and long-term objectives.Collaborate with the contract lobbying team to execute the legislative strategy, coordinate advocacy activity, align messaging, and ensure timely follow-through on legislative priorities.Lead Bottle Bill coalition meetings in partnership with the contract lobbying team, ensuring coalition members are informed, aligned, and prepared to support the legislative strategy.Coordinate with internal teams to ensure government relations activities are accurate, consistent, legally compliant, and aligned with communications, operations, legal, and executive priorities.Manage relationships with consultants, lobbyists, coalitions, and advocacy partners as assigned.Track, document, and report government relations activity, relationship development, policy risks, and advocacy outcomes to leadership, including preparing board presentation materials for the Vice President of Strategy and Outreach to share.Education/ExperienceBachelor’s degree in public policy or a similar field of study.Minimum of 5 years of high-level leadership experience in public policy, lobbying, government relations, communications, public relations, or community relations.Knowledge of, and relationships with, the Oregon Legislature, local elected officials, lobbying and advocacy organizations and their representatives.Requirements – Skills, Job Knowledge & AbilitiesStrategic policy analysis and advocacy planning.Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.Collaborative strategy execution with executive counsel and guidance.Political acumen and sound judgment.Bottle Bill fluency and legislative relationship development.Clear, persuasive writing and public communication.Coalition development and partnership management.Executive preparation and briefing.Issue tracking, prioritization, and follow-through.Proficiency and professional knowledge of MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.A current driver's license and acceptable driving history is required.Supervisory ResponsibilityNoneTravelFrequent travel throughout Oregon is required, as well as other travel as needed.Working Conditions/Physical RequirementsPerform work in an indoor professional office environment.Use standard office equipment and supplies.Sit/stand for continuous periods of time at a desk and work on a computer, walk occasionally.Use arms, wrists, hands and fingers to reach, grasp objects, use tools, and for writing and keyboarding.Read, write, and speak to communicate effectively with others.Listen to interpret comments and instructions received.Visual abilities to be able to read printed documents and computer screens.Lift, carry and push/pull to move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.Sit in a vehicle for extended periods when traveling between job sites. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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