Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs
R Street Institute
Washington, D.C.
The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices across the country—seeks a collaborative Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs to lead the organization’s federal affairs team and efforts. Reporting to the Vice President responsible for federal affairs, this role is ideal for someone interested in pragmatic policy solutions and working within a mission-driven organization.
Your typical day may include meetings with congressional staff, representing R Street in external groups, guiding the federal affairs team, and sharing insights with colleagues about upcoming publications. The role supports scholars and policy teams by monitoring Capitol Hill and administration dynamics, advising on best practices, marketing policy work, seeking new audiences, organizing coalition activities, developing engagement strategies, and maintaining an active presence at key events.
Other Aspects of Your Role
Managing the federal affairs team and collaborating with the state affairs team to promote the organization’s brand among policymakers and policy constituencies. Responsibilities include:
- Designing strategies to promote R Street’s expertise among policymakers, including maintaining relationships
- Identifying engagement opportunities across issue areas
- Tracking impact metrics and narratives for external storytelling
- Building collaborations with allied groups
- Managing The Intersection, R Street's weekly federal policy newsletter
Skills and Qualifications
Support for R Street’s passion for free markets and limited government. Requirements include:
- 10+ years of experience on Capitol Hill, in the administration, in state government, think tanks, or similar roles
- A service-oriented mindset
- Professionalism and organizational norms adherence
- Strong research and writing skills
- Ability to develop relationships with subject matter experts
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across functions
- Attention to detail and prioritization skills
- No specific educational background required; results matter more
- A sense of humor and a desire to grow within a multifaceted organization
The organization values pragmatic, market-oriented research and analysis, aiming to publish timely and relevant policy insights under the motto: “Free Markets. Real Solutions.”
Workplace
Flexible arrangements are offered; candidates should be near the D.C. metro area or able to engage in person frequently. The position is full-time, with options for mostly in-office or fully remote work. Occasional travel may be required.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
Salary range: $110K-$130K, commensurate with experience. Benefits include:
- Unlimited paid time off and federal holidays
- Alternating Fridays off
- Employer-paid health insurance (including for families)
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with up to 4% match
- HSA employer contribution
- Quarterly wellness reimbursement
- Mobile device and internet subsidies
- Professional development reimbursement
- Options for child care, pet care, or student loan assistance
Our culture emphasizes action, creativity, courage, quality, credibility, and impact. We value diversity and non-traditional approaches, grounded in integrity and collaboration.
We do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, creed, and other protected categories.
Applications are accepted until filled. Qualified candidates will be contacted for screenings and interviews via Zoom. To apply, paste your cover letter and upload your resume in Word or PDF. Disclose if AI tools are used in your application.
Our mission envisions a society with free public policy, inclusivity, accountability, and respect for rights, guided by core values of excellence, diversity, seriousness, and teamwork.
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