Manager, Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

Timeline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis

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 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

As a member of the Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement team, the Manager supports and executes the Partnership’s policy and advocacy agenda, produces policy research products, coordinates events, and engages stakeholders in the organization’s work.

The Manager will analyze and respond to real-time policy developments that affect public servants and government operations, while also contributing to the development of bold, forward-looking reform proposals aimed at making the federal government more effective, accountable and responsive. This role requires someone with a knack for federal procedural and regulatory processes, a working knowledge of oversight and feedback loop systems within and between branches of government, and an eagerness to engage with policymakers, advocates and subject matter experts to develop actionable policy solutions and build momentum for bold reforms. 

The Manager analyzes and responds to fast-moving policy developments (including contributing to public-facing explainers and providing technical assistance to policymakers), develops policy and advocacy proposals and strategies, manages stakeholder relationships, supports projects and initiatives, delivers events and convenings and works across the team and organization to achieve team and organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in public policy, research and project management and possesses excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills plus the ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage key policy issue areas and portfolios under the direction of policy leads – to include topics such as federal government procedural and regulatory processes as well as oversight, accountability, personnel and effectiveness issues more generally.
• Track policies, bills, regulations, news and other items of interest to the Partnership’s policy and advocacy agenda and support timely policy analysis efforts.  
• Explore new approaches to federal government reform through research and craft policy proposals and advocacy strategies that lead to successful implementation of novel policy ideas.
• Plan and manage policy events and convenings, both in-person and virtual, for key stakeholders to inform, pressure test and build momentum for reform proposals.
• Create and write policy communications products – including blogs, issue briefs, explainers, reports and talking points.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders to gather input on and socialize policy priorities.
• Manage junior staff and work collaboratively with staff at all levels across the organization.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong policy research and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex findings for policy audiences. 
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to work under pressure and manage various priorities and deadlines. 
• Demonstrate developed written, oral and presentation skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize complex information.   
• Strong relationship building and management skills with external and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail, quality and value.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. 
• Adept at working efficiently in a fast-paced and high-energy environment.
• 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.  
• Willingness and ability to work effectively as part of a team across the larger enterprise, documenting and sharing information and insights, collaborating to problem-solve and implement solutions and advancing work to support the Partnership’s strategic priorities for public engagement. 
• Commitment to continuous learning.
• Demonstrated excitement for asking questions, exploring new solutions to longstanding policy problems that take into account the current landscape but push beyond status quo thinking.
• A commitment to public service and an interest in the mission of the Partnership.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five years of total full-timework experience working in policy-relevant roles and institutions (government institutions, think tanks, campaigns and advocacy organizations, etc.).
• Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, political science, communications or a related field, or equivalent professional work or military experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting policy research and producing written products such as briefs, issue analyses, explainers, blogs, or memos.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE  

This position will report to a senior manager or director on the Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Team.

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 occasionally be required.  

SALARY  

The starting salary range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000. 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.