Job Description
THE STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS $100,000. Founded in 1982, Shaw Bransford & Roth is a boutique litigation and government affairs law firm in Washington, D.C. We are a premier employment and federal practice group. Our attorneys represent individuals and federal agencies in a wide array of civil and administrative litigation on the full range of employment issues. Our Government & Public Affairs practice provides representational and communications services for corporate clients and federal employee professional associations.
Shaw Bransford & Roth is a non-partisan practice seeking an innovative and well-connected federal government relations professional familiar with the Federal government processes, structures, and functions who can manage the Government & Public Affairs practice. The ideal candidate is strategic in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, focusing on advancing organizations’ interests through advocacy, reputation management, and public policy influence. The candidate will be a self-starter with outstanding writing, interpersonal communication, and business acumen skills. A successful candidate will be able to independently manage competing projects and priorities for both the firm and its clients.
The position has direct engagement with clients’ organizational leadership to achieve client goals. The position tracks and reports on advocacy outcomes, translating policy developments into actionable updates and deliverables for clients. For federal employee professional associations, the position represents these clients on federal civil service policy issues, including OPM regulations, pay systems, performance management, and federal workforce reform; shapes advocacy strategies; supports membership-focused policy and public affairs goals; and in doing so, demonstrates a strong commitment to non-partisan, merit-based public service advocacy and protecting the integrity of the civil service
Located in downtown Washington, D.C., this is a full-time position with convenient access to the Farragut North Metro station (Red Line). This role operates as an individual contributor, accountable to the Managing Partner and the Director of Operations, without direct supervisory responsibilities.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as a key liaison between clients and Congressional staff, maintaining strong bipartisan relationships and representation across relevant committees and Member offices.
- Represent clients within the Executive Branch, federal agencies, and coalitions.
- Monitor, track, and analyze federal legislation, executive actions, and regulatory developments that may impact the federal workforce and civil service reform.
- Lead in the development and implementation of client policy and public affairs initiatives.
- Develop, research, write, and edit materials including correspondence, legislative summaries, advocacy materials, presentations, and congressional testimony related to clients’ advocacy agendas.
- Conduct analysis and research to understand the potential impact of legislative and policy developments on clients and develop policy positions and recommendations.
- Collaborate with client teams, coalitions, and partners to build alliances and mobilize support for advocacy initiatives. Engage with community groups, industry associations, and other stakeholders to align interests and amplify advocacy efforts.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and maintain a public affairs strategy for association clients to support government affairs initiatives.
- Provides media interviews on client-relevant topics and prepares client representatives to deliver effective messaging on association interests and priorities.
- Write and provide curated articles for client newsletters that address updates related to applicable federal government legislation, policies, programs, and initiatives.
- Prepare talking points, issue briefs, presentations, testimony, and op-eds on complex legal or enforcement issues under tight deadlines for external audiences.
- Prepares media statements and distributes to relevant external media sources.
- Support the law firm's external media engagement, as necessary.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES - Exceptional presentation and analytical skills, with the capability to write strategically and creatively under tight deadlines.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.
- Develop complex plans and programs to advance broader agendas.
- Experience in presenting and communicating with elected officials and their staff.
- Develop business solutions or other ways to better client outcomes.
- Interest in continuous learning in unfamiliar subject areas.
- Ability to synthesize complex legislation and translate it into concise, accessible communications for various audiences.
QUALIFICATIONS - 5 years of experience in government and/or public relations, including Capitol Hill or Executive Branch legislative staff, trade association, non-profit or lobbying, or public relations firm.
- Outstanding written/oral communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others.
- Strong judgment/decision-making skills and political acumen.
- Ability to exercise judgment and discretion with integrity, initiative, and limited supervision.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Track record of running successful government or public affairs campaigns.
- Experience producing client-ready written deliverables, such as policy papers, press materials, and advocacy communications.
- Experience working with or for professional membership associations, including Board of Directors, committees, and member engagement.
- Familiarity with advocacy for membership-based organizations, including grassroots mobilization.
- Knowledge of federal civil service laws and federal workforce policy, including experience or interest advocating on behalf of federal employees relating to employment rights and benefits, including compensation, retirement benefits, work-life balance, and employee privacy/security issues.
- Interest and/or experience working with or advocating on behalf of law enforcement professionals, including criminal justice and enforcement issues, federal criminal prosecutions, criminal law and policy development, and civil litigation on behalf of the federal government.
BENEFITS - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance is fully covered by SBR
- 401(k) plan with safe harbor contributions
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Brand-new office, where you can start your day with a workout and shower, park your bike securely, brainstorm on the rooftop, refuel in the rooftop lounge, and stay energized with cold brew and sparkling water always on tap.
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office,