Senior Government Relations Associate

Description

Merchant McIntyre & Associates is a midsize federal grants and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., that helps nonprofit clients from the higher education, healthcare, and local government sectors reach their federal funding and legislative advocacy goals. MM seeks a Senior Government Relations Associate (SGRA) who will deliver exceptional service and execute appropriations and grant strategies that support clients' goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Client and Internal Communications

• Under the guidance of MM leadership, develop and present comprehensive federal grant strategies to clients, serving as a project manager;
• Quickly and efficiently summarize relevant information prior to/following client calls and deliver briefings to MM leadership;
• Lead client communications and project deliverables, as needed.
  
  

Research and Proposal Management

• Conduct substantive research related to federal policy trends and priorities in key client sectors;
• Identify competitive federal grant opportunities aligned with client needs;
• Track federal agency budget proposals and federal legislation (including appropriations) and providing timely summaries and updates to the client services team;
• Analyze federal grant solicitations to determine alignment with client funding priorities;
• Execute deliverables including the drafting and submitting of grant and earmark proposals on behalf of clients.
  
  

Policy & Legislative Advocacy

• Manage clients’ Congressional meeting requests and logistics. This may include scheduling, organizing, and assisting with hosting clients when visiting Washington, D.C.;
• Independently lead Congressional engagements. This may include developing meeting content, creating leave-behind materials, and spearheading substantive follow-up communications.
  
  

Team Management

• Support MM leadership in managing Fellows and Associates, including reviewing deliverables, developing trainings, and general professional mentorship.
  
  

Requirements

Ideal candidate qualifications include:

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in a relevant field; master's degree, preferred
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills with preference for candidates with a minimum 3 years' experience in a client-facing role
• Familiarity with the federal budget and appropriations process, including experience with agency discretionary spending (federal grants)
• Competitive candidates may have prior experience working with federal discretionary grants (Federal Agency, Capitol Hill, nonprofit organization, and/or private sector);
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills;
• Ability to quickly synthesize and accurately summarize lengthy and complex materials, such as federal grant solicitations and federal legislation; and
• Self-motivated, task-oriented, and able to work independently and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Management experience is preferred but not required.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, salaried position based in Washington, D.C., with opportunity for travel.
• Hybrid schedule (M/F Remote, T-Th onsite)
• Employee compensation includes participation in a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), 401(k) program with employer match, monthly transportation benefits, professional development opportunities, and generous PTO (Paid Time Off) policy
• Salary commensurate with experience and education
• Target Compensation Range: $65,000-85,000