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Relations Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fanniemae

Media Relations Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy, overseeing media engagement, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives on communications strategies and messaging.

Fannie Mae

Media Relations Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy, overseeing media engagement, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives on communications strategies and messaging.

Socket.dev

Government Relations Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

As a mission-driven organization, we have an exciting opportunity for a Government Relations Director to represent community-owned electric utilities in some of the largest cities to some of the ...

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Relations Director information

What does a relations director do?

A Relations Director is responsible for managing and enhancing an organization's relationships with key stakeholders, such as clients, partners, the public, or the media. Their duties often include developing communication strategies, overseeing public relations campaigns, and addressing stakeholder concerns. They work to maintain a positive image of the organization and ensure effective communication channels are in place. Depending on the organization, a Relations Director may focus on public relations, investor relations, or community relations.

How does a relations director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Relations Director often works cross-functionally, regularly partnering with departments such as marketing, communications, human resources, and executive leadership. Their role involves aligning messaging, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring that public relations strategies support broader organizational objectives. Effective collaboration is key, as the Relations Director may lead interdepartmental meetings, coordinate crisis communications, and provide guidance on stakeholder engagement. This cross-departmental teamwork helps maintain a unified organizational voice and fosters a cohesive approach to building and maintaining relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relations director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relations Director, you need a solid background in public relations, communications, or business, often supported by a relevant degree and extensive experience in stakeholder management. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and data analytics platforms is typically expected. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead teams are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies enable a Relations Director to build strong partnerships, manage an organization’s reputation, and effectively align communication strategies with business objectives.

What is the difference between Relations Director vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectRelations DirectorPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; often requires 7+ years experienceBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; typically 3-5 years experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in corporate or organizational settings, overseeing teams and long-term relationsMedia-focused, managing press releases, media outreach, and public image campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, nonprofits, and government agenciesCommon in companies, PR agencies, and media organizations

The Relations Director and Public Relations Manager roles both focus on managing external communications, but the Relations Director typically handles broader strategic relationships and internal stakeholder management, while the Public Relations Manager concentrates on media relations and public image campaigns. The Relations Director usually has more experience and a higher level of responsibility, overseeing teams and long-term strategies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Relations jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Relations jobs in Washington are:

Relations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relations Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Government Relations Director

GT Independence

Washington, DC • Remote

$160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

GT Independence rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 242 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.

What GT Independence employees say

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