Director/Vice President of Policy, Federal (Congress)

Director/Vice President of Policy, Federal (Congress)

About Americans for the Common Good

Americans for the Common Good (ACG) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that advocates for federal policies that protect animals. We work at the intersection of animal protection and good government: reducing government waste, increasing fair competition, and fostering innovation as the path to better treatment of animals. 

At only a year old, ACG is punching above its weight. Our motto: Don’t sell out! Don’t bail out! Don’t fall behind! frames our approach to the stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That approach lets us build bipartisan coalitions and move legislation that conventional animal welfare framing cannot. One example is the EGG SAVE Act, which would end the culling of male chicks by advancing in-ovo sexing technology.  

We are not starting from scratch. ACG works closely with its sister organization, Food Solutions Action (FSA), a 501(c)(4) with an affiliated PAC. The two organizations share staff, infrastructure, and a team of registered lobbyists with a track record of enacting federal legislation. ACG has already moved one policy priority across the finish line, and we have a reasonable chance of passing a second in the lame-duck session. 

ACG is growing and is seeking additional in-house lobbyists with House or Senate experience from either party. The ideal candidate has strong drive, the ability to execute independently, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a personal commitment to protecting animals.

Job Overview

The individual in this role will advance ACG's federal policy agenda in Congress as part of a team working across parties and chambers. This includes developing legislative concepts and strategies to enact ACG priorities into law, lobbying in support of ACG's existing legislative agenda, and coordinating coalition efforts with partner organizations. The primary role is at ACG; because ACG and FSA share staff, the role may also include some work on FSA's agenda. Responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain relationships with House or Senate offices through systematic outreach, regular briefings, and meetings
• Policy Development & Advocacy: Collaborate with internal teams, coalition partners, and agricultural stakeholders to develop policy frameworks and legislative recommendations that advance animal protection by cutting waste, expanding competition, and rewarding innovation
• Legislative Intelligence & Opportunity Assessment: Monitor, analyze, and prioritize federal legislation, appropriations, Farm Bill activity, and agency rulemaking to identify strategic advocacy opportunities and emerging threats
• Stakeholder Coordination & Coalition Building: Lead collaboration across animal protection organizations, farmer and rancher groups, and companies ready to adopt higher standards, aligning on priorities, coordinating sign-on letters and statements, and driving unified advocacy
• Political Engagement: Work closely with our sister organization, Food Solutions Action, and its affiliated PAC; this may include representing FSA PAC at political fundraising events, contributing to PAC strategy for the House or Senate, and helping organize PAC-sponsored events and check drops
• Performance Tracking & Strategic Communications: Maintain comprehensive records of advocacy activities, relationship-building efforts, and policy outcomes to demonstrate impact and inform strategy
• External Partnership Management: Coordinate with contracted lobbying firms to ensure integrated, effective government relations efforts that make the most of ACG's influence and resources

Qualifications

• At least 3 years working as a full-time legislative employee in the U.S. House or Senate (5+ years preferred)
• Deep understanding of House or Senate floor procedure and committee processes
• Strong self-direction and self-motivation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including persuasive and analytical writing, and public speaking
• Ability to document and track advocacy metrics
• Experience researching and drafting legislation and pursuing amendment opportunities
• The ability to own projects, drive progress, act independently, and iterate as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships in the House or Senate on either side of the aisle. We are hiring from both Republican and Democratic backgrounds and need both
• Relationships with Agriculture and Appropriations committee staff in either chamber
• Experience with the appropriations process, the Farm Bill, or agricultural policy more broadly

What Success Looks Like

• Advancing 2-3 key animal protection priorities through the House or Senate within the first 18 months
• Securing commitment from 15 bipartisan offices to take 2-3 concrete supportive actions for animal protection within the first year
• Establishing productive working relationships with 15-20 key offices (and more for work in the House) across Agriculture, Appropriations, and other relevant committees, with regular access to senior staff and members

Mission-Driven

Values alignment around animal protection matters to us as much as Hill experience. The ideal candidate will be personally committed to protecting animals and to ACG's approach: pragmatic federal policies that reduce government waste, expand fair competition, and foster innovation in service of better treatment of animals.

Salary and Location

This is a full-time position accompanied by a competitive salary and benefits package including healthcare reimbursement, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, generous paid time off and sick leave, and wellness support. The expected compensation range is $110,000 - $175,000; the exact amount will be determined by experience and other relevant factors. Candidates must be located near or willing to relocate to the greater Washington, D.C. area to regularly attend meetings on Capitol Hill.

ACG is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications and business needs; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.

To apply, please complete the application form: https://forms.gle/61NjxJ9QS2v73HYa8

Having trouble with the form? Email your resume (and cover letter, optional) to jobs@foodsolutionsaction.org.