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Government Affairs & Access Manager
Position Description
The Government Affairs & Access Manager will strengthen relationships with Congress and other local, state, and federal government institutions to support the organization's theory of change and to ensure the progressive movement’s priorities are clearly understood and effectively advanced within the policymaking ecosystem. As a key collaborator and participant in the development and execution of organizational policy and programs, the Government Affairs and Access Manager will promote access, education, and strategic coordination, helping lawmakers, advocates, and movement partners understand what is happening in Congress, how key policy changes impact communities, and how to most effectively influence the public policymaking process in alignment with approved organizational priorities.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in the Congressional process and political strategy, a strong commitment to progressive policy priorities, and managerial competency. You understand that advancing people-first priorities requires not only good policy ideas but shared strategy, aligned actors, and timely information. You are comfortable operating across issue areas and programs and translating legislative and executive branch developments into actionable insights for a wide range of audiences. Using independent judgment, you can develop recommendations and manage their implementation from development through execution to meet emerging movement needs.
This management-level role works across We Build Progress (501(c)(3)) and Progressive Caucus Action Fund (501(c)(4)) programs, with responsibility for managing designated workstreams and projects, supervising staff, owning external relationships, and coordinating execution in support of strategy. The role maintains strong relationships on the Hill and serves as a key connector between internal teams, Congressional offices, state and local governments, and the broader progressive movement, ensuring that the organization’s work effectively informs, educates, and influences lawmakers and the broader policy ecosystem.
The Government Affairs & Access Manager exercises independent judgment in collaboration with senior leadership to determine and implement day-to-day and external engagement and outreach priorities and tactics. Responsibilities may include supervising, assigning, and responsibly directing the work of employees and other personnel in furtherance of program goals.
Primary Responsibilities
In close collaboration with senior leadership and program leads, the Government Affairs & Access Manager's areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following:
Government & Congressional Affairs
Build and maintain relationships with Congressional offices, committee staff, caucuses, and task forces to support understanding of and commitment to progressive priorities.
Lead and coordinate Hill meetings, including solo meetings and meetings alongside senior leadership.
Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact for Congressional staff seeking information, analysis, appropriate staff within the organization, or connection to movement expertise.
Strengthen relationships with state and local elected officials and agency staff, particularly where alignment with federal priorities can reinforce impact.
Engage with executive branch staff, as appropriate, in coordination with program teams.
Recommend adaptations to the organization’s engagement strategy across branches and levels of government to maximize impact in response to political conditions, windows of opportunity, or shifts in movement priorities.
Movement Education, Strategy, and Alignment
Educate movement partners, issue organizations, and advocates on Congressional process, political dynamics, and current legislative and governing activity.
Help ensure the progressive movement is informed, aligned, and positioned to engage effectively by sharing analysis, context, and strategic insights on policymaking.
Advise and support the development and implementation of government affairs and advocacy work for the organization's program teams, helping translate their priorities into effective tactics.
Support cross-organization government affairs coordination by convening partners, sharing timely information, and facilitating strategic alignment.
Develop new resources, tools, or briefings to address emerging needs based on identified organizational priorities.
Translate and summarize complex policy and political developments into clear, accessible guidance for non-Hill audiences.
Briefings, Convenings, & Events
Plan, organize, and execute Hill-facing briefings for members and staff.
Organize public briefings focused on Congressional process, legislative developments, and policy priorities.
Manage and support key organizational events, including town halls, summits, and convenings, by developing and executing agendas and staffing.
Oversee event logistics and budget for briefings, convenings, and events, including vendor, consultant, and partner selection, contract management, and cost tracking.
Coordinate meetings and roundtables between lawmakers, staff, and movement stakeholders to support education, relationship-building, and strategic alignment.
Serve as a representative of the organization in meetings, briefings, and convenings, independently or alongside senior leadership, including frequent in-person engagement.
Analysis and Strategic Response
Monitor and provide substantive and strategic analysis of Congressional activity (including committee, hearing, and floor action), legislation and legislative developments, executive branch actions, regulatory developments, policy proposals, and implementation across an evolving portfolio of priority issue areas relevant to organizational priorities.
Analyze the political landscape surrounding priority issues, including stakeholder positioning, timing, process, and decision-maker considerations, to inform engagement pathways and advocacy tactics.
Brief internal teams and leadership on legislative and political developments and their relevance to ongoing work.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization's strategic response to legislative, regulatory, and/or political developments, including ensuring that internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders receive accurate, appropriately tailored resources to inform effective engagement.
Organizational Leadership & Management
Oversee relevant government affairs-related projects, workstreams, or budget areas.
In collaboration with senior leadership, independently execute complex, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through execution, maintaining timelines, mitigating risk, and ensuring high-quality implementation.
Help establish and maintain systems for tracking engagement with Congress and other government institutions.
Staff the Executive Director at Hill meetings and public events.
Ensure coordination and compliance across C3 and C4 programs.
Oversee program vendors and contractors as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned; the omission of specific duties does not preclude the assignment of responsibilities logically related to this position.
While this role maintains a consistent focus on Congress, it also requires strategic flexibility to pivot engagement toward the executive branch or state and local government when governing moments, momentum, or movement priorities call for it.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will have at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience, ideally including experience working in Congress or the Executive Branch, though comparable experience in campaigns, federal advocacy, or policy organizations will be considered.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong political judgment, executive and relationship management skills, and the ability to translate complex governing dynamics into effective approaches and implementation plans aligned with organizational priorities. They demonstrate proficiency in congressional procedure and can skillfully analyze congressional dynamics for diverse audiences. Existing relationships with progressive elected leaders and movement stakeholders are a strong plus.
Core competencies include:
Strategist’s Mind: You quickly grasp the nuances of complex political and policy landscapes, synthesize information, and identify and recommend actionable pathways forward.
Ownership & Resilience: You plan ahead, adapt to changing priorities, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain high standards even under pressure.
Attention to Detail: You produce clear, error-free work products, manage complex information with precision, and turn mistakes into learning opportunities.
Emotional Intelligence & Feedback Responsiveness: You reflect on your own impact, welcome feedback, demonstrate self-awareness and adaptability, and provide clear, constructive feedback to strengthen collaboration and program performance.
Resourcefulness: You creatively solve problems, identify opportunities in constrained or shifting contexts, and pivot as needed to achieve objectives.
Exceptional written communication skills: You write thoughtfully and professionally — and speedily if necessary — without sacrificing accuracy.
Exceptional verbal communication skills: You adapt your communication to different audiences and are comfortable presenting to stakeholders, ranging from Members of Congress to colleagues and grassroots leaders.
Commitment to Racial Equity & Social Justice: You bring an equity lens to strategy, relationships, and decision-making.
Proactive Learning: You seek to develop new skills, stay ahead of evolving tools and technologies, and adapt quickly to new platforms or processes.
Key Relationships
This position will report to the Director of Government Affairs & Access. It will work across both We Build Progress (501(c)(3)) and the Progressive Caucus Action Fund (501(c)(4)).
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000. Salary is based on experience and is consistent with the organization’s compensation framework.
We offer excellent benefits, including 20 annual paid vacation days, 10 sick days, one (1) personal day per month, and additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; a 5% 401(k) match, 100% employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, generous paid parental leave, and other benefits consistent with the Employee Handbook.
Term and Classification
This position is currently structured as a two-year term, aligned with anticipated governing and advocacy needs during this period, with the possibility of extension subject to organizational priorities and funding. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Location
This position is remote and based in Washington, DC. Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. While regular in-office attendance is not expected, this role requires in-person meetings in the DC area and occasional travel.
Commitment to Diversity
We Build Progress is an equal opportunity, fair chance employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.
Operations & Compliance Associate
Position Description
The Operations & Compliance Associate (or Senior Associate, depending on experience) plays a central role in strengthening the systems, processes, and infrastructure that allow We Build Progress (501(c)(3)) and Progressive Caucus Action Fund (501(c)(4)) to operate effectively and responsibly.
Reporting to the Chief Operating and Governance Officer, this role supports the organization’s financial management, human resources, operational systems, governance practices, and compliance obligations across both entities. The position ensures strong day-to-day operations, sound financial administration, and consistent adherence to nonprofit compliance and governance standards.
This role may be filled at the Associate or Senior Associate level based on the selected candidate’s experience, scope of responsibilities, and organizational needs. The ideal candidate brings strong finance and HR/payroll experience, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to strengthen systems in a growing, fast-paced environment. Candidates hired at the Senior Associate level will bring deeper experience and may take on greater ownership of systems, processes, and cross-organizational projects.
This role is highly collaborative and works across teams to ensure staff, leadership, and partners are supported by reliable, transparent, and well-managed operational systems. The Operations & Compliance Associate demonstrates strong judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement to help the organization sustainably scale its impact.
Primary Responsibilities
In close collaboration with senior leadership and staff across the organization, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Finance and Operations (40%)
Support day-to-day financial administration, including accounts payable, vendor management, expense reimbursements, and weekly check runs (including retrieving physical checks from the office and making deposits at a nearby bank branch).
Maintain the finance and operations calendar (including payroll, reimbursements, filings, and audit deadlines) and ensure timely coordination with the COGO and external accountant.
Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, reconciliations, and audit preparation, maintaining organized records and coding accuracy.
Manage vendor relationships and ensure contracts, renewals, and payment documentation are complete and current.
Help uphold strong internal controls and contribute to process improvements that strengthen financial integrity.
Partner with the COGO to implement new operational tools and workflows that improve efficiency and data accuracy.
Support general office and administrative systems, including supplies, mail, and equipment, ensuring a functional and well-maintained work environment.
HR/Payroll (20%)
Manage onboarding and offboarding logistics for staff and contractors, ensuring consistent documentation and coordination with payroll/benefits vendors.
Administer recurring HR and payroll processes (timekeeping, benefits changes, payroll reporting), escalating exceptions or issues to the COGO.
Maintain employee records and assist in updating the employee handbook and operational policies.
Support recruitment processes, including posting roles, coordinating interviews, and preparing offer and onboarding packets.
Assist the COGO in annual HR cycle activities, including policy refreshes, salary benchmarking, and performance review coordination.
Compliance (20%)
Track and maintain internal compliance systems for C3/C4 separation, political/non-political timekeeping, cost allocation, and documentation.
Coordinate with the COGO, counsel, and Development team to ensure charitable registrations, filings, and certifications are accurate and timely.
Contribute to documenting and improving compliance procedures and learn to apply relevant standards over time.
Support staff education and reminders around compliance and reporting deadlines.
Assist in implementing and testing new compliance tools or procedures under the COGO’s direction.
Governance (10%)
Manage logistics for board and committee meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, sending meeting notices, and coordinating follow-up.
Prepare and format governance materials, such as meeting notices and standard resolutions. ○ Maintain governance records (board terms, rosters, bylaws, and minutes) in alignment with retention policies and digital security standards.
Support preparation of board packets and portal uploads, working closely with the COGO to ensure accuracy, timing, and version control.
Help coordinate cross-entity board processes during joint meetings and maintain consistency across both C3 and C4 entities.
Executive and Cross-Team Support (10%)
Provide administrative support to the COGO and the Executive Team, including scheduling, meeting preparation, light research, and correspondence.
Support organization-wide events and initiatives requiring operational coordination (e.g., all-staff meetings, major convenings).
Maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive HR, finance, and governance information.
Perform other duties as assigned; the omission of specific tasks does not preclude the COGO from assigning duties logically related to this position.
Qualifications
6–8 years in operations, finance, HR/payroll, compliance, or related administrative roles, preferably in nonprofit or mission-driven settings.
Working knowledge of GAAP and familiarity with nonprofit accounting, audit processes, and internal controls.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, with advanced skills in Excel or Google Sheets for financial analysis; comfort with HRIS, accounting, or project management platforms.
Strong understanding of financial principles, HR practices, and compliance frameworks that support organizational efficiency and integrity.
Excellent organizational and communication abilities, both written and verbal, with the capacity to interact effectively at all levels of the organization.
Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to solving problems independently and collaboratively.
Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and progressive policy goals; demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities.
Key Relationships
This position reports to the Chief Operating and Governance Officer and provides administrative support to the Executive Team.
Salary and Benefits
This position is part of the NPEU-represented bargaining unit. The salary range for this role is $77,514–$84,647, with final salary placement determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of relevant professional experience.
We are hiring for this role at either the Associate or Senior Associate level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience, scope of responsibility, and organizational needs.
We offer excellent benefits, including 20 annual paid vacation days, 10 sick days, one (1) personal day per month, and additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; a 5 percent 401(k) match; 100 percent employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee; generous paid parental leave; and other benefits consistent with the Employee Handbook and Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is within an NPEU-represented bargaining unit, where specific terms and conditions of employment are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt
Location
The position is located in Washington, DC. Only candidates who live in/around Washington, DC, or are willing to relocate there will be considered. The role requires brief weekly on-site tasks, such as retrieving mail and depositing checks at a nearby bank branch.
Commitment to Diversity
We Build Progress is committed to making diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice a daily practice in how we work and lead. Rooted in justice as action, we strive to build an equitable, transparent, and accountable organization where all staff have opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully. We are an equal opportunity, fair-chance employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.