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Government Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director of State Government Relations (California) leads Easterseals Southern California's state advocacy and government relations strategy. This role oversees legislative engagement, funding ...

The VP, Government Relations is a key member of Solidigm's executive leadership team, responsible for building and managing the company's relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies ...

The VP, Government Relations is a key member of Solidigm's executive leadership team, responsible for building and managing the company's relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies ...

NC · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

The Government Relations Specialist serves a critical role in building and maintaining intergovernmental partnerships at all levels, coordinating advocacy efforts, and engaging stakeholders in the ...

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Government Relations information

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$51.5K

$106.5K

$169.5K

How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations 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 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.
What cities are hiring for Government Relations jobs? Cities with the most Government Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs? The most popular types of Government Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Government Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Relations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Relations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,522 per year, or $51.2 per hour.
Government Relations Director

Government Relations Director

GT Independence

Washington, DC • Remote

$160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


GT Independence rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 235 rated social care providers


Job description

Location: Remote (with travel as needed). Our Head Quarters is in Sturgis, MI.
Department: Government Affairs / Public Policy
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer

About GT Independence:


GT Independence is a national, family founded Financial Management Services (FMS) organization supporting over 55,000+ people across 17–18 states and D.C. in self directing their long term services and supports. GT helps people with disabilities and long term care needs hire caregivers they choose while managing payroll, taxes, billing, and administrative support so individuals can live independently in their own homes and communities.
Built by a family, for families, GT Independence’s mission is to help people live a life of their choosing—regardless of age or ability—guided by core values such as self determination, integrity, professionalism, community, and respect.
As GT expands and strengthens its national presence, the Government Relations Director will play a central role in shaping state and federal policy environments that advance self determination and protect the future of self directed care programs nationwide.

Position Summary:


The Government Relations Director is responsible for developing and leading GT Independence’s government affairs strategy across the United States. This role strengthens relationships with policymakers, state agencies, Medicaid leaders, legislative staff, and advocacy coalitions to support the growth and sustainability of self directed long term care programs.
This is a highly strategic role requiring deep knowledge of public policy, Medicaid HCBS programs, long term services and supports (LTSS), government contracting, and regulatory environments affecting self direction and financial management services (FMS). The Director will proactively shape policies, monitor emerging legislation, influence regulatory outcomes, and ensure GT’s mission and business model are well understood by government partners.

Key Responsibilities:


Policy Strategy & Legislative Affairs

Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with GT Independence’s mission and national growth plans.
• Monitor, track, and analyze legislation and regulatory activity related to Medicaid, HCBS, LTSS, workforce issues, and self-direction programs.
• Draft policy briefs, position papers, testimony, comment letters, and advocacy materials.
• Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with federal and state legislators, Medicaid officials, and regulatory leaders.
Government Partnership & Advocacy
• Represent GT Independence in legislative hearings, agency meetings, stakeholder workgroups, and policy roundtables.
• Advocate for policies that support self-direction, consumer choice, caregiver flexibility, and sustainable FMS operations.
• Collaborate with national associations, advocacy groups, and coalitions that influence LTSS, disability rights, and Medicaid policy.


State Agency & Program Engagement:


• Strengthen relationships with state program administrators, managed care organizations, and partners involved in self directed care.
• Support state RFP responses, program transitions, pilot initiatives, and expansions.
• Provide strategic guidance to internal teams during new state implementations to ensure regulatory alignment.
(GT has a track record of state program transitions and pilots.) [cga.ct.gov]
Internal Leadership & Cross Functional Partnership
• Advise GT’s executive leadership on government related risks, opportunities, and emerging policy trends.
• Partner with operations, compliance, legal, communications, and product teams to prepare for policy changes that impact services, technology, workforce management, and customer support.
• Support thought leadership, public speaking, and mission driven storytelling about the value of self direction.
Regulatory & Compliance Alignment
• Stay ahead of Medicaid, labor, tax, and FMS regulatory developments.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure GT’s policies and practices align with evolving rules.
• Translate regulatory changes into actionable guidance for internal departments.

Qualifications:


Required:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in government affairs, Medicaid policy, public health, HCBS, or disability services.
• Proven experience working with state and/or federal government officials, legislators, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong understanding of Medicaid HCBS waivers, LTSS programs, and disability services.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence and advocate with diverse policy stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to state capitals, conferences, and government meetings as needed.
Preferred:
• Experience within self-direction/self-determination, financial management services (FMS), or home and community based services.
• Experience with government contracting, RFP engagement, and public procurement processes.
• Existing relationships with Medicaid agencies, disability rights organizations, or LTSS policymakers.
• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field.

Core Competencies:


• Political & Regulatory Acumen: Ability to navigate complex policy landscapes.
• Strategic Influence: Skilled at persuading diverse stakeholders and communicating mission driven narratives.
• Partnership Focus: Aligns government priorities with GT’s commitment to independence, dignity, and community.
• Mission Driven Leadership: Embodies GT values such as self determination, respect, and community.
• Operational Awareness: Understands how policy impacts service delivery, compliance, and customer experience.


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