How to Become a Manager of Government Affairs

A government affairs manager spends a lot of time talking to legislative staff.

The manager of government affairs serves as a liaison between his organization and local, regional or national governments. He must understand policy, regulations and ideally will have access to legislators and staff, via networks and personal connections. He also advises management on impacts of potential legislation and drafts position statements and white papers on areas of policy.

Instructions

1. Obtain the appropriate degree. Managers in government affairs typically have one of three kinds of post-graduate degrees -- a master in business management, a master in public affairs or a law degree. Some universities, such as Harvard, Columbia and Georgetown, have strong programs in all three areas, though they aren’t cheap.

2. Move to Washington, D.C. Although government affairs positions are available throughout the country, the nation’s capitol is where you’ll find the most opportunities, particularly to rise to manager level and have a significant impact. With many opportunities to interact with members of Congress and other movers and shakers, this is a good place for a career in government affairs.

3. Work on a legislative staff. One of the best jumping-off points for a job in government relations is to actually work on the staff of a member of the legislature, as this gives you invaluable insight and connections to the law-making process. Access is the most important part of the government affairs position, and working in a legislature gives you that in spades.

4. Sharpen your writing skills. The manager of government affairs will do a great deal of writing, both internally to senior staff and as part of his public relations role. He will also send communications to elected officials and their staff, who have reams and reams of paper to read every day. The person in this position must be able to write clearly and concisely, boiling down very complex legal information into just a page or two of text.

5. Take a job doing the grunt work. As with many managerial positions, you have to work at the lower end and prove your worth before being promoted. You should be willing, depending on your level of experience, to take a lower position doing general public relations work, writing press releases and going to public briefings concerning your industry.

References

• Maryland Government Relations Association; Job Description; Director of Government Affairs
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Public Relations Specialists
• “U.S. News and World Report”: Schools of Public Affairs