Political Debate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Working Location: Washington DC
Roosevelt's Work
The Roosevelt Institute takes on today's greatest public policy challenges by advancing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government-and have successfully engaged with policymakers and the media to inform and shape public debate. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to restructuring markets, transforming corporations, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future. The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum that, together, are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt into the 21st century.
What You'll Do
The Managing Director of Government Relations will lead Roosevelt Institute's engagement withfederal policymakers - with a primary focus on Congress - and a select set of state and localleaders. This role is responsible for developing and executing a forward-looking government relationsstrategy that ensures Roosevelt's ideas meaningfully shape legislative debates, policymaker thinking,and long-term economic governance.Working closely with senior leadership and policy directors, the Managing Director will translateRoosevelt's research, programs, and long-term strategy into proactive congressional engagement.The Managing Director will position Roosevelt not only as an influential voice in shaping governingagendas, but also as a trusted, go-to think tank - relied upon by Members of Congress andcommittees for smart, creative, and rigorous policy expertise.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and execute a comprehensive federal government relations strategy, with a primary focus on Congress and select state/local engagement aligned with Roosevelt's strategic priorities
• Identify priority committees, Members, caucuses, and key legislative moments where Roosevelt can shape debate and outcomes
• Design innovative approaches to congressional engagement - expanding alliances, cultivating emerging leaders, and building new pathways to socialize ideas and foster dialogue
• Establish clear goals and metrics for policy influence, relationship-building, and institutional positioning
Policymaker Engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and select state and local elected officials
• Position Roosevelt as a trusted policy resource - proactively offering background briefings, policy ideas, hearing support, and one-on-one engagement with Members
• Ensure Roosevelt experts are visible, accessible, and relied upon in legislative conversations, hearings, and policy development
• Translate Roosevelt research into clear, actionable policy guidance tailored to diverse congressional audiences
• Staff organizational principals and senior fellows for high-impact policymaker engagements
Political & External Interface
• Interface appropriately with federal political stakeholders, including political committees and allied political infrastructure, within applicable compliance boundaries
• Monitor political dynamics that affect policy windows and advise leadership on strategic engagement opportunities
• Identify and cultivate relationships with rising political leaders and influential policy leaders
Internal Coordination & Campaign Alignment
• Coordinate closely with policy teams to align government engagement with Roosevelt's research agenda and campaign priorities
• Partner with Communications, Partnerships, and Roosevelt Forward (c4) leadership to ensure aligned strategy within appropriate compliance guidelines
• Support fellows and policy directors in developing engagement strategies that increase the uptake and visibility of their work
• Keep leadership apprised of congressional developments and recommend strategicinterventions
Operations & Team Management
• Oversee CRM systems and institutional tracking of government relationships
• Manage and mentor a small government relations team
• Ensure compliance with all applicable c3/c4 advocacy and lobbying requirements
What You'll Have
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred
• 10+ years of experience working with Congress, in legislative leadership roles, or in high-level policy advocacy
• Deep understanding of federal legislative processes and congressional operations
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy ideas into actionable legislative strategy
• A track record of innovative policymaker engagement and coalition-building
• Strong political judgment and comfort operating in high-stakes, complex environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing memos and executive-level materials
• Experience managing staff and cross-functional initiatives
• Commitment to Roosevelt's values and goals of building a more just, inclusive, and equitableeconomy
Additional Details
The salary for this position is $161,999 - $175,000 plus benefits. This is a hybrid role based inWashington, DC.
The application deadline is Friday May 15, 2026.
The Roosevelt Institute provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Please reach out to jobs@rooseveltinstitute.org if you have any questions.
To learn more about the Roosevelt Institute, please visit https://rooseveltinstitute.org.
Roosevelt Institute is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status