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Government Relations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Government Relations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President, Government Relations, the Government Relations Manager will represent Peraton's legislative and policy interests on Capitol Hill with primary focus on committees with ...

Peraton

Government Relations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President, Government Relations, the Government Relations Manager will represent Peraton's legislative and policy interests on Capitol Hill with primary focus on committees with ...

TransUnion

Government Relations Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Government Relations. This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a ...

Amentum

Government Relations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

The Government Relations Manager supports the company's federal government affairs function by managing the company's Political Action Committee (PAC), overseeing department budgeting and compliance ...

Pae

Government Relations Manager

Washington, DC

The Government Relations Manager supports the company's federal government affairs function by managing the company's Political Action Committee (PAC), overseeing department budgeting and compliance ...

GE Aerospace

Director, Government Relations

Washington, DC · On-site

$186K - $250K/yr

Summary The Director, Government Relations position is focused on successful execution of GE Aerospace global policy and and government relations objectives. You will provide expert guidance and ...

Qcells

Head of Government Relations

Washington, DC

$299K - $315K/yr

The Head of Government Relations is a critical leadership role within the Qcells Corporate Affairs Office. This position serves as the primary external representative of Qcells and other Hanwha ...

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All JobsGovernment Relations JobsGovernment Relations Jobs in Reston, VA

Government Relations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$53.7K

$111K

$176.7K

How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations in Reston, VA is $111,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $140,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a career in government relations?

A career in government relations involves managing interactions between an organization and government agencies to influence policy, secure approvals, or advocate for specific interests. Professionals in this field often analyze legislation, build relationships with policymakers, and use communication skills to navigate regulatory environments. It typically requires knowledge of public policy, lobbying regulations, and strong negotiation abilities.

What are 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 kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

High-paying media jobs that can reach $150,000 annually include roles such as media executives, senior public relations managers, and broadcast directors. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often a background in communications or journalism, along with proficiency in industry-standard tools and strategic planning.

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.

Is government affairs high paying?

Government relations professionals often earn competitive salaries, especially with experience and in senior roles such as government affairs directors or lobbyists. Salaries can vary based on the organization, location, and level of responsibility, with some positions offering six-figure compensation. Strong communication skills and knowledge of policy are important for higher-paying roles.

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.

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.

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 is government relations?

Government relations is a job that involves managing interactions between an organization and government officials or agencies. Professionals in this field often work to influence policy, ensure compliance, and advocate for their organization's interests through communication, lobbying, and strategic planning.
More about Government Relations jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Government Relations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Government Relations jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Government Relations job openings:
Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Relations job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,025 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Government Relations Director

Government Relations Director

American Rivers

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Government Relations Director
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Director I
SALARY BAND: B
REPORTS TO: Leda Huta
LOCATION: HDQ
About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation's clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.
The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities - including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Government Relations leads American Rivers' government relations and advocacy work to advance durable, bipartisan solutions for Western water issues, particularly the protection of the nation's rivers and floodplain restoration. The Director develops and executes legislative, administrative, and political strategies focused on the Southwest, California, Central, and Northern Rockies.
Working at the intersection of policy, politics, and conservation, the Director builds relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, state and local elected officials, and external partners to advance American Rivers' priorities. The Director works closely with conservation, policy, movement-building, communications, and regional staff to translate American Rivers' programmatic expertise and on-the-ground work into effective government relations strategies and policy outcomes. Additionally, the position is responsible for strategic planning within Government Relations, including facilitating annual retreats. The position reports to the Vice President for Government Relations.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and lead American Rivers' government relations strategy on priorities related to floodplains, river protection, including Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the Colorado and Mississippi Rivers
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with congressional offices representing Western states, including Members and staff serving on key authorizing and appropriations committees to secure bipartisan congressional champions for river protection
  • Monitor and analyze federal and state policy developments affecting Western rivers and water management and translate those developments into strategic recommendations and advocacy opportunities
  • Lead administrative efforts including comment writing and building relationships with federal agency staff, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service
  • Lead coalition meetings and strategy both internally and with external partners,
  • Work across departments to translate conservation priorities and field expertise into government relations strategies
  • Help craft campaigns, connect state and regional policy opportunities to federal legislative strategies, develop coalitions and networks capable of building political support, and shape communications strategies for advocacy campaigns
  • Defend existing river protections from legislative or administrative threats
  • Build strategic relationships with conservation organizations, water interests, outdoor recreation groups, local elected officials, Tribes, and other constituencies
  • Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the Vice President of Government Relations and organizational leadership on Western water politics and river protection policy
  • Supervise volunteers and interns on short-term projects including research, GIS mapping, and communications material development,
  • Lead key congressional outreach including advocacy weeks, briefings, roundtables, site visits, legislative proposals, briefing materials, testimony, comment strategies, and other advocacy tools
  • Provide strategic planning and operational support for Government Relations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, political advocacy, or a related field
  • Familiarity with federal rulemaking procedures and requirements
  • Significant experience working with Congress, federal agencies, state government, or complex policy advocacy campaigns
  • Strong understanding of Western water policy and politics, including the political, economic, and institutional dynamics affecting water management in the Western United States

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with conservation, natural resources, public lands, water, or river policy strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and federal river protection policy preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute bipartisan legislative and government relations strategies
  • Established relationships with Western policymakers, congressional offices, federal agencies, or relevant stakeholder networks are highly desirable
  • Experience building coalitions and working with diverse stakeholders, including conservation organizations, local communities, Tribes, agricultural interests, water users, outdoor recreation interests, and elected officials
  • Excellent political judgment and demonstrated ability to navigate complex and politically sensitive policy issues
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling advocacy messages
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple policy campaigns and priorities in a fast-moving environment
  • Commitment to American Rivers' mission and to advancing healthy rivers, clean water, and resilient communities

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.
LOCATION
This is a hybrid position located in our Washington, D.C. office. The Director is required to be able to commute regularly (2 days/week) to Capitol Hill.
COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $86,800 - $106,000, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:
  • Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
  • Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
  • Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee's well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.
COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
  • At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do - we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

  • Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).

  • We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.

  • At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Apply