Director, Government Relations

About McAllister & Quinn

McAllister & Quinn is a federal and foundation grants consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. We offer our 200+ clients a unique blend of comprehensive grant consulting, strategic advising, and government relations services. Specifically, McAllister & Quinn provides our clients with the knowledge and skills to seek federal and private foundation grant opportunities that strategically fit their organization’s priorities. We support our clients’ efforts in crafting competitive applications; developing or increasing funding streams through the congressional appropriations process; and facilitating public-private and international partnerships that further their mission.

We are committed to securing funds for our clients that are transformational for the organizations who are awarded them, the people who work at these organizations every day, and the communities that surround them. The social impact of our work drives us daily to succeed in securing funding for our industry clients and is a major component of why we do what we do. We know that our success leads to better outcomes, changed lives, and a more equitable society for generations to come.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Director will report to the Senior Managing Director, Government Relations, and collaborate with an experienced team that directly supports one of the Managing Partners’ personal client portfolios. This role combines client service, congressional engagement, appropriations strategy, and policy research.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist the Managing Directors and Senior Managing Director with client and project management
• Support the Research Analyst in maintaining organized, accurate records using internal filing systems and data management tools
• Participate in and help facilitate client meetings and calls
• Schedule and participate in legislative meetings and liaise with congressional staff on behalf of clients
• Help prepare detailed itineraries and memos for client visits to Capitol Hill, including relevant information about elected officials, staff members, and districts or states; ensure all materials are printed and organized before each visit
• Conduct substantive research on issue and topic areas related to specific clients’ interests, priorities, and relevant trends, as well as federal budgets and appropriations
• Produce and deliver high-quality, detailed, and accurate work products—such as analyses of clients’ federal funding strategies and appropriations opportunities—in a fast-paced environment with fixed deadlines
• Collaborate with the team on client appropriations requests—including Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project Funding, programmatic requests, and bill or report language—by developing projects, drafting and editing written materials, submitting requests to congressional offices, and monitoring their status throughout the appropriations process
• Prepare meeting agendas and concise briefing materials for recurring client calls
• Track legislation and client issue areas to evaluate relevant congressional and administration policies
• Support business development efforts by drafting and refining client-facing pitch materials and presentations

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree
• Four to five years of professional experience in government relations, including a strong working knowledge of Congress and the legislative process
• Highly qualified candidates will have experience working on Capitol Hill and with federal appropriations
• Exceptional written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
• A client-service mindset and superior attention to detail
• Ability to synthesize and accurately summarize lengthy, often complex materials
• Strong communication skills when speaking by phone and in person with clients and colleagues
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems proactively, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint

Compensation and Benefits

• Normal work hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Monday through Friday; three or more days a week in the Washington, DC office 
• Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, life insurance, long-term disability and employee-directed vision, dependent care FSA, Healthcare HSA/FSA, and transit benefits
• The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Bonus eligible after one year of continuous service.
• Flexible vacation and leave policies.

At McAllister & Quinn, we’re challenging the status quo. When we connect different perspectives, we open ourselves to new possibilities, inspire innovation, and allow us to achieve the full potential of our people. We’re building an employee experience and engagement that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose for everyone in our team.