Managing Director of Federal Affairs & Government Relations, Research Universities Practice

Description

About McAllister & Quinn, LLC

McAllister & Quinn is a federal government relations and research development firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. We offer our 200+ clients a unique blend of comprehensive federal relations and federal funding services. Specifically, McAllister & Quinn equips clients with the knowledge, expertise, and strategies to advance their federal priorities across policy and funding opportunities. We support clients’ strategic positioning efforts, help craft competitive applications, develop and expand funding streams through the congressional appropriations process, and facilitate public-private and international partnerships that advance their missions.

We are committed to securing transformational funding for our clients and the communities and missions they serve. The impact of our work motivates us and is central to why we do what we do. We know that our success can lead to better outcomes, changed lives, and a more equitable society for generations to come.

Research University Practice

Our Research Universities Practice supports R1 and R2 universities to strategically advance their federal priorities, enhance their profile with federal stakeholders, track federal policy, identify opportunities for stakeholder engagement, and successfully navigate congressional appropriations requests.

As a Managing Director, you will lead client engagements and serve as a strategic advisor to university leadership, staff, faculty, and government relations teams. Working collaboratively, you will design and implement federal engagement strategies, positioning our clients to successfully engage federal stakeholders, advocate for key policies, and grow their research enterprise by securing funding.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The Managing Director leads government relations services and deliverables in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role requires clear communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving, enabling you to build strong client relationships and deliver consistent, high-quality results. Key responsibilities include:

• Work with research universities to strategically plan and execute government relations strategies.
• Proactively monitor, track, and evaluate congressional and administration policy, legislation, and appropriations actions to drive and enhance clients’ government relations strategies and plans.
• Analyze legislation and policy issues to develop a sufficient level of knowledge to serve as a subject matter expert to advise clients.
• Prepare clients for and lead client meetings on Capitol Hill and with stakeholders across the federal government including executive branch and federal research agency leaders.
• Organize and manage large-scale client fly-ins (Washington, D.C.) and campus visits (clients) for productive and efficient engagement of federal stakeholders.
• Lead development of policy reports, news briefings, and analysis of priority issues for research university clients.
• Lead development of client testimonies and presentations.
• Design and manage successful execution of clients’ appropriations requests strategy.
• Work closely with Vice Presidents to support strategic business development efforts, including representing the firm at national conferences and events.
• Occasional travel to clients outside of Washington, D.C. area (less than 20%).

Requirements

Minimum Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree with a preference for policy-oriented field.
• 6-10+ years of federal legislative experience, and direct appropriations experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Congress, federal appropriations, and the legislative process is required.
• Strong working knowledge of higher education and research policy and legislative issues is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with different personality types and organizational levels.
• Self-starter who can organize their time to add value to the team with light supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and clearly summarize complex materials.
• Strategic, creative, service-oriented professional who can adapt to changing needs, troubleshoot challenges, and work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and Adobe, with focus on Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.

Compensation & Benefits

• Normal work hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Monday through Friday EST (for local staff)
• Location: In-office (Washington, D.C.).
• Hybrid work schedule – Minimum of 3 days in the office as determined by supervisor and/or practice
• Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, dependent care FSA, HSA/FSA, and transit benefits.
• Salary consideration will be commensurate with experience. Staff are eligible for bonus after the first year.
• Flexible vacation and leave policy

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 & engagement that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose for everyone in our team.