Director of Government Affairs

Washington,D.C. | Hybrid (Minimum 2 days a week in office) | Minimum Salary: $150,000, Maximum Salary: $170,000 The Century Foundation (TCF), a progressive, independent think tank, seeks a Director of Government Affairs with deep experience working in Congress to craft and execute our congressional affairs and partnership engagement strategies, and leverage TCF’s research and thought leadership for policy impact. The Director of Government Affairs will serve as an advisor, strategist, and connector to TCF’s executive leadership and policy experts, ensuring that TCF’s research and analysis reaches policy makers, their staff, and opinion leaders positioned to drive change. They will develop TCF’s government affairs strategy and goals, and execute on all aspects of Hill and partnership engagement, from building relationships on Capitol Hill on behalf of team members, to briefing TCF experts on developments on the Hill, to generating original and action-oriented communications materials to support the organization’s mission to improve working families’ lives and build an economy that works for everyone. The Government Affairs Director will also work to strategically place TCF, the executive leadership, and all policy experts at the center of major policy conversations in and outside Washington, D.C. This is an ideal position for an individual with established relationships with members and staff on relevant committees, and key players at peer organizations, a keen sense for how issues are likely to land with policy makers, and the ability to work across teams to help distill complex policy research and ideas into relevant, bite-sized information packaged for policy makers and key influencers.  This position reports to the Chief of External Affairs and Special Initiatives, but will work across the policy and external affairs groups. This is a full-time position based in our Washington, D.C. office.  About TCF's Values One in three Americans are skipping meals and medication to save money. Half are draining their savings to cover everyday expenses. Meanwhile, the richest 1 percent now hold nearly as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent. Powerful corporations jack up prices with impunity while billionaires write the tax code to their own benefit. When families can’t afford the basics and believe government only works for the wealthy, democracy itself becomes fragile. History shows where this leads: strongman politics, widening inequality, and the erosion of basic rights and norms. TCF is addressing the crisis facing working families and our democracy by fighting for policies that restore power to workers, families, and consumers and tangibly improve Americans’ daily lives. We’re using every tool at our disposal—from research and data analysis to policy development, polling, and messaging research to strong partnerships with movement and advocacy groups—to reshape markets and build an economy that actually works for working people. Responsibilities - Update and execute on a comprehensive government affairs strategy to advance The Century Foundation's federal and state policy agenda across education, labor, health care, and the economy.  - Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key congressional and government contacts, including staff and members, to drive meaningful legislative action. - Brief the TCF team on Hill and administration news and developments, and advise in real time on effective congressional engagement strategies. - Generate high-impact written materials, including talking points, emails, and policy summaries, informed by The Century Foundation's research, to educate and equip policy makers and their staff. - Organize, lead, and participate in effective and timely briefings, meetings, and events on Capitol Hill to advance TCF’s legislative priorities. - Brief TCF experts on developments on the Hill, and in the administration relevant to our work and identify opportunities for impact. - Manage and mentor team members on a project basis to advance TCF’s government affairs goals.  - From time to time, support state or local level lobbying efforts on a case-by-case basis.  - Manage TCF’s tracking and compliance systems and maintain accurate and timely 501c3 lobbying reporting. - Map and maintain external organization relationships relevant to economic, labor, healthcare, and education policy, among other areas.   Qualifications - At least 10 years of experience working on or with Capitol Hill to effect public policy change, ideally with multiple years of experience working in a Hill office. - Deep understanding of congressional and administrative policymaking and procedures. - A robust network of contacts in congressional offices and on relevant committees including, but not limited to: Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP); House Education and the Workforce; Senate Finance; House Energy and Commerce; Senate Budget; and House/Senate Appropriations. - Experience leading government affairs at a 501c3 non-profit preferred, with knowledge of lobbying compliance. - Excellent communication skills, including experience producing policy briefings and fact sheets, as well as persuasive messaging tailored to specific target audiences. - Strong analytical and organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and willingness to learn new skills or techniques. - Dedication to building a stronger, more equitable, and more inclusive society. - A commitment to progressive values and interest in TCF’s research agenda. Compensation and Benefits TCF offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range determined by years of experience, skills, and abilities. Each candidate’s placement within the range will be based on these factors while ensuring alignment with our commitment to equitable internal pay practices. TCF is a unionized workplace and is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA1180). This position is not in the bargaining unit. This is a hybrid work position to be based in Washington, D.C. TCF’s benefits include health, dental. vision, and life insurance, and an employer-funded health reimbursement account (HRA). This benefit package is in addition to generous vacation, sick and personal days, an employer matching 403(b) plan, and up to fourteen weeks family medical leave. The salary range for this position is $150,000–170,000.  Apply Please apply with a resume, cover letter, and two writing examples (three to five pages maximum) via BambooHR. No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls, please. If you have any issues accessing the hiring portal, please reach out with questions to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline for submission of application materials is December 7, 2026. The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. About TCF  The Century Foundation is a progressive, independent think tank that conducts research, develops solutions, and drives policy change to make people’s lives better. We pursue economic, racial, gender, and disability equity in education, healthcare, and work, and promote U.S. foreign policy that fosters international cooperation, peace, and security. TCF has offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. You can learn more at tcf.org.