Associate, Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

Application Deadline is Friday, March 20. 

We are seeking a candidate who is available to start in Washington, DC at the end of April or early May 2026. 

ORGANIZATION 

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to connect the government with those it serves by protecting it from harm and reimagining the way it works on behalf of the public.  

Building on our over 20 years of experience, we:

• Prepare civil servants to navigate an increasingly complex federal environment
• Educate and engage the public about the value of government and how eroding its capacity hurts communities nationwide 
• Collaborate with a range of stakeholders to devise and advance bold reforms that seek to make our federal institutions more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people
• Equip and advise government leaders at the federal, state and local levels to develop critical skills for effective public service.

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values: 

• Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government 
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect 
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results 
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible 

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process. 

POSITION OVERVIEW    

The Partnership is seeking a Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Associate to help support and execute the Partnership’s policy and advocacy agenda, conduct policy analysis and research, produce policy products, coordinate events, and engage stakeholders in the Partnership’s work. This important role will support the Policy team’s work to respond to real-time policy developments that affect public servants and government operations as well as its work to craft policy proposals and advocacy strategies to enact larger-scale federal government reforms. 

The Associate will assist the team by drafting talking points, researching policy issues, developing research-based policy products, and supporting meetings with Executive Branch and Congressional offices and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public policy, research and project coordination, the ability to balance multiple competing responsibilities, and excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Previous experience working in policy-relevant roles (e.g. working for a public institution, conducting policy research and advocacy, etc.) is a plus.   

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES     

• Assist on key policy issue areas (e.g. federal hiring, leadership, management, budget, procedures) under the direction of policy leads, including tasks such as policy research, attending stakeholder meetings, drafting notes and written products (e.g. blogs, reports, policy recommendations, etc.).  
• Assist with scheduling speakers, managing event logistics for policy workshop convenings, and provide virtual and/or on-site support during meetings and sessions. 
• Explore new approaches to federal government reform through research and, under the supervision of policy leads, assist with crafting policy proposals and advocacy strategies that lead to successful implementation of novel policy ideas.
• Track, watch and/or attend Congressional hearings and other policy-relevant events, provide notes and analysis for the team. 
• Track policies, bills, regulations, news and other items of interest to the Partnership’s policy and advocacy agenda.  
• Coordinate among dispersed internal stakeholders and manage projects with contributors from across the organization.

KEY COMPETENCIES   

• Strong relationship building and management skills with external and internal stakeholders.
• Policy research and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex findings for policy audiences.
• Project management skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. 
• Communication skills, both written and oral.
• Collaborative team-player able to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to organize multiple and varied assignments.
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to provide logical next steps toward action items. 
• Flexibility bolstered by a can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven track record collaborating on projects in a team environment. 
• Demonstrated excitement for asking questions, exploring new solutions to longstanding policy problems.
• Commitment to continuous learning. 
• A commitment to public service and an interest in the mission of the Partnership.  

REQUIRED/PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE   

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent professional work or military experience.  
• One to two years of experience, which may include internships.
• Interest and/or experience working on policy research and analysis, project management, and event planning. 
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite of software, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE   

This position reports to a manager or senior manager on the Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement team. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities for staff but may supervise interns.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in-office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.    

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values.   

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time exempt position with regular work hours Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Occasional evening or weekend activities may be required. Please note the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules.  

TRAVEL

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Some out of the area and/or overnight travel may be required as well.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $52,500 - $54,500. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility.  

EEO STATEMENT

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.