Description Here's a summary of responsibilities: The Director, Government Affairs plays a leading role in representing the USOPC's interests in the political and policy arenas across the United States. This role leads the organization's domestic government relations efforts, driving strategy and engagement with federal, state, and local government stakeholders to advance the Olympic and Paralympic movements. The Director serves as a key advisor to internal leaders on political strategy, ensures alignment with major event objectives (including LA28 and SLC 2034), and leads critical initiatives related to public policy, athlete advocacy, and regulatory matters.
This position requires deep knowledge of U.S. political processes and exceptional leadership in cultivating relationships with staff, lawmakers, agencies, and advocacy groups.
Here's how you'll have an impact: Government & Political Affairs Leadership
- Develop and execute the USOPC's domestic political engagement strategy, with a focus on building bipartisan support for the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
- Serve as the USOPC's primary liaison to Congress, the White House, and federal agencies.
- Lead responses to legislative and regulatory proposals; draft policy recommendations and talking points for external and internal use.
Advocacy & External Representation
- Represent the USOPC in meetings with elected officials, coalitions, and public forums to promote Olympic and Paralympic values and priorities.
- Lead efforts to educate policymakers on issues impacting Team USA, including funding, safe sport, collegiate pipeline, anti-doping, and sport access.
- Support strategic partnerships with external advocacy organizations, think tanks, embassies, and other stakeholders aligned with USOPC interests.
- Collaborate with LA28, SLC 2034, and NGB partners to align advocacy messaging and amplify shared priorities.
Operational & Strategic Alignment
- Partner with Communications, Legal, and Athlete Services teams to ensure alignment on external messaging and issue advocacy.
- Prepare briefing materials, memos, and testimony for CEO, Board members, and other USOPC leadership.
- Monitor political and regulatory risks and recommend mitigation strategies as needed.
- Support the VP in developing strategic frameworks, scorecards, and success metrics to measure the impact of advocacy efforts.
Leadership & Team Management
- Help manage a portfolio of external consultants, lobbyists, or legal counsel as appropriate.
- Lead and mentor junior staff or fellows assigned to government affairs initiatives.
- Promote a collaborative, nonpartisan culture and model USOPC values in all external engagements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Here are the skills and experience you'll need to be effective: - Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Law, or related field or equivalent work experience
- Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP, MPA) preferred
- 10+ years' experience in U.S. government relations, public policy, or political affairs, including direct legislative or agency experience. Congressional experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with nonprofit or sports organization encouraged
- Demonstrated success influencing public policy and building coalitions
- Deep understanding of U.S. legislative and regulatory processes
- Strong communicator with excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Politically savvy with a bipartisan, relationship-first mindset
- Able to manage multiple priorities and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments
- High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive political matters
Here are the tools, equipment, & conditions: - Standard office equipment
- Significant travel required, especially to Washington, DC, and Olympic and Paralympic host cities
- Non-traditional work hours as needed, including evenings and/or weekends based on key events or Congressional schedules
- Regular attendance at work is an essential job function
Here's where you'll work: This position is located in Washington, DC.
Here's some more information you need to know: - Hiring pay range $150,000 - $162,000 per year.
- This Full-Time, Exempt position is intended to work 40 hours per week.
- Bonus: This position will be eligible for the Annual Incentive Award Program, which has a 20% target. The USOPC may change or eliminate this program at any time at its sole discretion.
- Benefits: This position will be eligible for USOPC benefits. You can view a summary here .
This job posting will close 12:00pm MT on 11/24/2026
