Manager of Government Affairs

Full-time, Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Why FAS?

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join? Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• 5+ years total relevant experience directly related to policy engagement, including 1–3 years in Hill, Executive Branch, or government-affairs roles.
• Exposure across science & technology policy domains.
• Proven ability to execute a strategy and work within a portfolio (annual/quarterly OKRs, roadmaps) and deliver results with minimal oversight.
• Policy entrepreneurship: turning ideas into action via legislative/executive pathways (e.g., bill/report language, executive actions, pilots).
• Exceptional stakeholder management and coalition building across congressional offices, agencies, philanthropy, and civil society.
• Advanced communication skills: concise briefs/memos, talking points, and compelling data-informed narratives tailored to decision-makers.
• Strong analytical rigor and judgment for intelligence gathering.
• Program management: coordinating cross-functional teams; managing vendors/contractors as needed.
• High bar for nonpartisan professionalism and evidence of working effectively across parties and viewpoints.
• Process and compliance discipline (lobbying/ethics rules) and consistent use of CRM to track outreach, pipelines, and outcomes.
• Excellent organization and prioritization, able to manage multiple time-sensitive efforts in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfort operating across multiple S&T domains (e.g., emerging tech, clean energy, government capacity) and pivoting as priorities evolve.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) seeks a strategic and collaborative Manager of Government Affairs to advance our mission at the intersection of science, policy, and governance. In this pivotal role, you will help shape and execute FAS's engagement strategy across both the executive and legislative branches, driving meaningful policy impact on critical issues ranging from emerging technology and climate solutions to government capacity and scientific funding.

As Manager of Government Affairs, you will serve as a key connector, building coalitions, cultivating relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and translating complex policy ideas into actionable advocacy strategies. You'll work alongside subject matter experts, communications professionals, and strategists to mobilize support for evidence-based policies while developing internal capacity through training and mentorship. This position offers the opportunity to flex both political acumen and policy entrepreneurship skills, finding creative pathways to move sound ideas from concept to implementation.

The ideal candidate is an adept relationship-builder who can navigate diverse political landscapes, adapt communication approaches to varied audiences, and create systems that enable effective, ethical engagement with government. If you're passionate about leveraging science and policy to address society's most pressing challenges and thrive in collaborative, mission-driven environments, this role offers meaningful impact at a critical moment for science policy.

The Manager of Government Affairs executes on these responsibilities by:

• Building credibility and trust with team members and external stakeholders across the executive and legislative branches of government
• Mobilizing allies and building coalitions to support policy agendas
• Gathering intelligence to discern the signal from the noise and and refine existing advocacy and lobbying strategies based on learnings
• Adapting communication styles and methods (e.g., data, storytelling) to meet the audience’s needs to advance progress around policy goals
• Mastering key aspects of the policy entrepreneurship toolkit, including finding creative pathways to shepherd sound policy ideas to implementation via Congressional or Executive Branch action
• Stewarding clear, transparent, and accessible systems and processes for staff involved in government affairs to follow related to engaging with relevant stakeholders
• Breaking down silos and building connectivity across teams to work together around a common goal
• Training and coaching staff towards becoming more skilled policy entrepreneurs and political operators with Congressional and Executive Branch action in mind
• Maintaining a strong network across the executive and legislative branches of government to cultivate meaningful partnerships for policy solutions

Work Environment

This position will be a hybrid role. Meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote depending on the needs of the organization.

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.

Salary Range

$70,000-$85,000

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.