Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research

Federal Government Relations Manager

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Experience in government relations or related policy role
  • Strong understanding of the federal legislative process
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills
  • Proven ability to build professional relationships
  • Analytical skills for monitoring policy developments
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness to register as a federal lobbyist

Responsibilities

  • Build relationships with Congressional staff to aid lobbying efforts
  • Identify and cultivate champions for policy initiatives
  • Draft materials for authorizing and appropriations strategies
  • Monitor federal legislation and provide analysis
  • Prepare materials for meetings with policymakers
  • Execute federal engagement strategies aligned with the Foundation's priorities
  • Coordinate meetings and logistics for congressional interactions

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical insurance with 90% premium coverage
  • Competitive dental and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with 6% employer contribution
  • Flexible spending accounts available
  • Employer paid life and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off including 18 vacation days and summer hours
  • Hybrid and remote work options available
Full Job Description
Job Title: Federal Government Relations Manager

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Federal Government Relations Manager position. Reporting to the Director of Federal Government Relations, this role supports the development and execution of the Foundation's federal policy and government relations strategy, with increasing responsibility in direct lobbying support, stakeholder engagement, and policy operations. This position works closely with internal teams, external partners, and federal stakeholders to advance legislative and regulatory priorities, with a particular focus on champion development in Congress, support for authorizing and appropriations efforts, and coordination of federal engagement aligned to the Foundation' priorities.

This role is expected to be based in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, with the ability to travel to the Foundation's New York office on an as-needed basis

Key Responsibilities:
Legislative Affairs & Lobbying Support
  • Build and maintain relationships with Congressional staff and relevant committee offices, supporting senior staff in direct lobbying efforts
  • Identify and cultivate Congressional champions for priority policy and funding initiatives
  • Support authorizing and appropriations strategies, including drafting materials (briefing memos, testimony, letters, report language, and one-pagers)
  • Monitor federal legislation and committee activity; maintain policy trackers and provide analysis and recommendations
  • Prepare background materials and participate in meetings with Congressional offices and federal agencies


Federal Engagement Coordination
  • Support the execution of the federal government relations team's engagement strategy with Congress and federal agencies, aligned to the Foundation's policy and funding priorities
  • Coordinate scheduling and logistics for meetings between the federal government relations team and Congressional offices, committee staff, and administration officials
  • Prepare briefing materials, meeting objectives, and background documents to support effective policymaker engagement
  • Track outreach, meetings, and follow-up actions to ensure continuity in relationship management and advancement of policy goals
  • Assist in aligning internal stakeholders and external partners with priority Hill engagement opportunities
  • Support planning and coordination of key policy moments (e.g., appropriations deadlines, bill introductions, hearings) to maximize the Foundation's visibility and impact


Coalition & External Engagement
  • Support management of relationships with coalitions, partner organizations, and allied stakeholders
  • Represent the Foundation in coalition meetings and working groups, as assigned
  • Leverage coalition participation to advance policy and appropriations goals


Policy Operations & Team Support
  • Help manage internal systems including bill trackers, engagement trackers, and policy calendars
  • Provide logistical and administrative support for policy initiatives, meetings, and events
  • Contribute to cross-team coordination and project management for federal priorities
  • Support external consultants and partner deliverables, as needed
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, organization, and team efficiency


Qualifications and Skills:
  • Knowledge in government relations, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, or related policy role
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative process, including appropriations and authorizing pathways
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
  • Analytical skills to monitor policy developments and contribute to recommendations
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to register as a federal lobbyist (or willingness to do so)
  • This position is expected to be based in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, with the ability to travel to the Foundation's New York office on an as-needed basis


Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
  • Competitive dental and vision plans
  • 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employer paid life and disability insurance
  • 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
  • Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position's needs will be contacted.

About Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. The foundation was founded in 2000 by actor Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991. The foundation funds research into the causes and potential cures for Parkinson's disease, as well as programs to improve the lives of those living with the disease. The foundation has funded over $1 billion in research since its inception.
Learn more about Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research
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