Manager of Public Affairs

Job Title: Manager of Public Affairs
Reports To: Director of Strategic Partnerships
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Washington, D.C. Area (Hybrid)
Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Benefits: AIER offers a competitive benefits package including employer-sponsored health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan participation, and a flexible hybrid work schedule.

Summary

The American Institute for Economic Research educates people on the value of personal freedom, free enterprise, property rights, limited government, and sound money.

This position manages AIER's engagement with federal and state policymakers, as well as journalists. The Manager of Public Affairs educates legislators and their staff through briefings, meetings, and policy events, ensuring AIER's research reaches decision-makers in a clear and responsible manner. All work is nonpartisan and educational, consistent with AIER's 501(c)(3) status.

This role involves strategic, targeted engagement with federal and state policymakers, including scheduled briefings and meetings in Washington, D.C. and select state capitals. Engagement typically occurs several days per month rather than requiring daily presence on Capitol Hill. The balance of time is dedicated to planning, coordination, research dissemination, and relationship development in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute AIER’s nonpartisan educational public affairs strategy at the federal and state levels, emphasizing policy briefings, research dissemination, and relationship development
• Plan and manage educational legislative briefings featuring AIER scholars
• Schedule and staff meetings with policymakers and legislative staff
• Compile and disseminate relevant AIER research for legislative briefings and meetings
• Monitor legislative developments to identify appropriate educational engagement opportunities
• Support scholar participation in hearings, briefings, and policy forums when consistent with AIER’s mission
• Oversee planning and execution of major policy conferences and educational seminars
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and connect them with relevant AIER research and scholars
• Ensure all engagement remains educational and consistent with AIER’s 501(c)(3) status

Qualifications

• Alignment with AIER's mission and principles
• Demonstrated understanding of public policy issues from a classical liberal perspective, including principles of limited government, free enterprise, property rights, and the rule of law.
• 3-5 years in public affairs, government relations, legislative staff work, or policy roles
• Working knowledge of congressional and state legislative processes
• Strong organizational and relationship-management skills
• High degree of professionalism, judgment, and organizational ability

Travel and Schedule

Regular domestic travel required, primarily around the Washington, D.C. area and select state capitals. Schedule includes daytime meetings and occasional evening events.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to lift and transport program materials (up to 20 pounds) within the office environment as well as to event sites; remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time; frequently move around the office and between offices; constantly operate a computer and computer printer; frequently adjust focus for close vision work. The employee must be able to communicate both in writing and orally to various audiences, in person, by telephone and video.

The employee will work in a private, home, or shared office environment. Domestic travel will

be required. The employee must have a capacity to participate in setting up events and provide general support to other team members.