Policy Manager Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Policy and Government Relations
WE ARE The Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation's preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women's full participation in the workforce and society.
IWPR's mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women's economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of women and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women.
Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality
At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff. JOB
DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
IWPR's Policy Department strives to build and strengthen the organization's credibility and authority with policymakers and policy advocates with resources to inform, shape, and drive evidence-informed policies that will build the long-term economic security and well-being of women and their families. The Senior Manager, will hold primary day-to-day responsibility for the development and implementation of IWPR's federal policy advocacy strategy, including issue and legislative campaigns, policymaker engagement, and lobbying activities, and advise on State Policy Action Lab (State PAL) policy matters.
The Senior Manager will manage the translation of IWPR's research and initiatives into timely materials for policymakers and other external advocacy audiences; identify and promote policy solutions (legislative, oversight, and executive) that will advance IWPR's policy goals; and support the development of and contribute to systems for analyzing and tracking relevant policy progress and impact. They will also contribute thought leadership and subject matter expertise to policy analysis, policy development, and research publications, communications/media, and other products and events as appropriate. The Senior Manager will contribute to and grow IWPR's leadership and engagement in national coalitions and other partner spaces and continue to build relationships with external stakeholders. This position reports to the Vice President, Policy and Strategic Initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
In collaboration with and under strategic oversight from the VP of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, and in line with IWPR's strategic objectives and priorities, the Senior Manager will be responsible for the following.
Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations Collaborative Leadership

• Develop and execute policy advocacy strategies, campaigns, and activities to advance IWPRs federal policy goals, including congressional and administrative engagement and relationship building, direct lobbying, and related tracking and registration as necessary/required;
• Identify policy solutions derived from IWPR's research agenda to advance gender and racial equity, and lead the drafting of, or contributing related federal policy resources to inform legislative text and technical assistance, regulatory comments, and sign-on letters;
• Manage and conduct the translation of IWPR research into usable, external policy advocacy materials for federal and state policymakers, coalition partners, and the public (memos, briefs, fact sheets, etc.);
• Contribute strategic guidance and consultation to the State PAL team on the development of state policy resources and partner engagement;
• Analyze the implications of relevant legislation, regulations, executive actions, and external research for IWPR colleagues and external stakeholders as appropriate, and make policy recommendations to advance gender and racial equity;
• Generate opportunities to author and/or contribute to policy and advocacy publications related to federal and state level priorities; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Project Management

• Contribute leadership, active engagement, and proactive outreach to build and strengthen relationships with policy staff at allied organizations and within relevant coalition spaces including potential support of IWPR's co-leadership of the Maternal Health Congressional Strategy Table;
• Represent the organization at policy tables, coalition activities, advocacy events, Congressional events, media/press interviews, and other speaking engagements as strategically appropriate;
• Collaborate with the Research Team to ensure alignment between the research agenda and the policy advocacy strategy and coordination across external publications and impact goals; and
• Collaborate with the Communications Team on the development of policy and advocacy messaging, storytelling, dissemination strategies, and generation of newsletter, social media, and multi-media and web content that engages and mobilizes target audiences.

Fundraising and Resource Management

• Work in partnership with the Advancement Team, the Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, and other members of the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to help manage, nurture, and expand existing funding relationships and cultivate new sources; and
• Produce and contribute to funder proposals, grant reports, and help manage project budgets as necessary.

Supervision: This is not a supervisory role.
Minimum Requirements

• At least 9 years of experience in policy and legislative analysis, advocacy, or government relations related activities;
• A minimum of two years of legislative experience working for a Member of Congress;
• A Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree (e.g., Master's, JD) in a directly related field may count as two years toward related experience;
• Applied expertise in federal policy related to one or more of IWPR's research areas: Equitable Work and Wages; Reproductive Justice and Health Equity; Education and Career Advancement; and Caregiving and Families, with prior experience and/or functional knowledge in two or more preferred;
• Experience developing, shaping, and/or leading issue-area advocacy campaigns involving policy and legislative analyses, and/or engaging in direct lobbying or other government relations activities;
• Exceptional coalition leadership or active engagement skills, and a demonstrated ability to build and support trustworthy relationships with diverse partners to advance and implement evidence-informed policy solutions;
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work well under time pressure, managing multiple concurrent deadlines, and competing priorities;
• Excellent writing skills, including experience producing timely, concise, clear, and persuasive materials for different audiences to support high-impact advocacy and policy change;
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and public speaking skills, including experience developing and providing presentations for a broad range of audiences, and proficiency or willingness to engage with media;
• Finely tuned strategic judgment, proactive problem-solving skills, and willingness to work collaboratively in authentic partnership to drive impact-oriented efforts;
• Prior relationships with national/federal or state policy groups, policymakers, staff, and/or other economic justice or reproductive justice champions and leaders preferred; and
• Demonstrated passion for IWPR's mission; understanding of systemic and structural racism, economic justice, and reproductive justice; and commitment to advancing policies that promote gender equity.

SALARY
This is a hybrid, full-time exempt position based in Washington, DC. The salary for the Senior Manager, Policy and Government Relations role is $113,886-$135,432 and will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.
To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures, please click HERE. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY Please submit a resume, writing sample, and thoughtful, relevant cover letter by June 29, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the high volume of applications IWPR receives, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding application status. All candidates must apply through the official application process.
Covid-19 Vaccination Policy
IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, all IWPR employees, interns, and fellows are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, please request a medical exemption form from Human Resources by email at [email protected].
Statement On Accessibility and Accommodations
IWPR is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected] with "Accommodation Request" in the subject line. IWPR will ensure that all requests are handled promptly and confidentially in accordance with applicable laws.