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Government Relations Manager

AT Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Government Relations Manager

Chevy Chase, MD

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists - even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

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Summary:

The Government Relations Manager at HHMI will establish HHMI's government relations function. They will serve as the Institute's primary liaison for monitoring and analyzing federal government policies, executive orders, and legislative actions with the potential to impact HHMI's mission. To help the organization navigate regulatory changes and safeguard its long-term objectives, the Manager will provide critical analysis and context on key policy issues to senior leadership. The Manager will also develop and help execute an internal engagement strategy on significant government developments relevant to HHMI priorities and initiatives.

This position will report to HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD, three days a week in person and work two days remotely.

What we provide:

  • A role that is uniquely positioned to have an impact across the scientific landscape and organization because of its ability to provide outstanding solutions and support within the federal government space.
  • An opportunity to evolve and grow in this new role.
  • An organization that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment where colleagues help each other.
  • A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement annually and a significant professional development budget.

What you'll do:

Government Relations:

  • Monitor and analyze federal policies-including executive orders, regulations, other agency actions, and legislation-to assess their impact on the organization.
  • Provide strategic advice on navigating political and regulatory environments, particularly in light of new or evolving policies.
  • Draft policy briefs, reports, and position statements to inform internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Develop and maintain relationships as necessary with policymakers, government officials, and advocacy groups to effectively represent the organization's interests.

Internal Collaboration and Guidance:

  • Work closely with leadership, program teams, and legal counsel to provide timely updates and actionable insights on potential or enacted policy changes.
  • Conduct workshops, briefings, and training sessions to educate staff on relevant government policies and external outreach best practices.
  • Partner with others at HHMI to drive cross-functional initiatives to adapt organizational strategies to comply with new laws or regulations.

Advocacy and Thought Leadership:

  • Represent the organization at conferences, forums, and meetings to advocate for key issues and share insights on the intersection of government policy and nonprofit operations.
  • Identify and cultivate opportunities for partnerships with other organizations to amplify the organization's influence and reach.

What you bring:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Five to seven years of experience in government, political strategy, or a related field.
  • Direct experience working within government is strongly preferred.
  • Deep understanding of government processes, policymaking, and media dynamics.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues to diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience working independently to build new processes and functions within established institutional environments.
  • Strong relationship-building abilities with stakeholders across sectors.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Mission-driven, with a passion for advancing nonprofit goals.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented.
  • Proactive and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

Application Instructions:

During the application process, please submit a cover letter stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission. Please also include a portfolio of your work.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-EG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$97,829.60 (minimum) - $122,287.00 (midpoint) - $158,973.10 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Annual

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Client-provided location(s): Chevy Chase, MD, USA
Job ID: HHMI-R-3673
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
  • Parental Benefits

    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Happy Hours
    • Snacks
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Vacation
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • 401(K)
  • Professional Development

    • Learning and Development Stipend
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program

Company Videos

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