Job Description
Government Affairs Associate
Brooks Bawden Moore, LLC
Washington, DC
Brooks Bawden Moore (BBM) is seeking a Government Affairs Associate who wants to help strengthen public safety through thoughtful policy and effective government relations. Our clients include organizations representing people who investigate crimes, respond to emergencies, develop and share criminal intelligence, support rehabilitation and reentry, and protect all communities, as well as companies, training organizations, and research institutions that develop tools to support their work.
You will work directly with firm partners and public safety leaders, contribute to substantive policy projects on issues that are in the headlines, and see how your research, writing, and follow-through help turn priorities into action. We are looking for someone who is service-oriented, anticipatory, dependable, curious, and eager to build a career in policy and government affairs.
About the Firm
BBM is a Washington, DC government affairs and strategic advisory firm focused on public safety. We represent leading public safety practitioner associations, nonprofit organizations, and companies, helping clients navigate federal policy, advance their priorities, and strengthen relationships with policymakers. Our work is grounded in deep subject matter expertise, bipartisan relationships, and the trust we earn through sound judgment, hard work, discretion, and results.
About the Position
The Government Affairs Associate will work closely with and report to the Partner & Head of Policy, supporting legislative analysis, client engagement, and policy communications. As part of a small team, you will have direct access to experienced practitioners, receive feedback on your work, and take ownership of projects from preparation through follow-up. This role offers exposure to Congress, federal agencies, and the law enforcement community, and the ability to develop the judgment and skills needed to assume greater responsibility over time.
Responsibilities
Research and Analyze Policy Developments
• Monitor congressional hearings, floor activity, committee markups, amendments, appropriations, and new bill introductions affecting the firm’s clients
• Track federal agency regulations and actions, grant opportunities, and relevant news affecting the firm’s clients
• Assess developments for client relevance and prepare concise updates identifying potential implications, deadlines, and recommended follow-up; promptly flag time-sensitive matters
• Maintain legislative tracking tools and calendars, and brief the team on upcoming actions and priorities
• Prepare a weekly summary of significant policy, funding, and news developments and relevant client activities and successes
Prepare Clients and Support Policy Engagement
• Research policy issues, congressional and administration offices, and meeting participants to support client engagement
• Prepare read-ahead memos, talking points, and briefing materials in advance of meetings, allowing time for partner review
• Participate in relevant client meetings, prepare concise notes, document commitments and next steps, and coordinate follow-through
• Collaborate with the Operations Lead to maintain the policy team’s client action tracker, documenting priorities, commitments, and deadlines
• Proactively follow up on outstanding items and flag issues requiring partner attention
• Track the team’s engagement with congressional and administration offices on behalf of clients
Write and Produce Policy Communications
• Draft and edit client alerts, blog posts, position papers, talking points, and PowerPoint presentations under partner direction
• Manage production of the BBM Weekly Update newsletter, including drafting and compiling content, coordinating review, and distributing the final newsletter
• Coordinate sign-on letters and other correspondence, including managing revisions, collecting approvals and signatures from various groups, tracking deadlines, and coordinating delivery
• Maintain and regularly update congressional and other stakeholder distribution lists
Support Events and Special Projects
• Work with the Operations Lead to support planning, logistics, and on-site execution of firm and client events, with assignments coordinated through the Head of Policy
• Contribute to research and other special projects assigned by firm partners
Position Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• At least two years of relevant experience in a congressional office, federal agency, association, government affairs firm, or related setting.
• Working knowledge of the federal legislative process; familiarity with appropriations, federal agencies, and grant programs is a plus.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills, including the ability to translate complex developments into clear, concise summaries and briefing materials.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet competing deadlines.
• Initiative and reliable follow-through, including the ability to independently manage recurring responsibilities and recognize when guidance or urgent attention is needed.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information and interacting with clients, policymakers, and colleagues across the political spectrum.
• A collaborative approach, openness to feedback and learning, and commitment to responsive client service.
• Demonstrated interest in public safety policy; relevant subject-matter experience is welcome but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning legislative tracking, news monitoring, and client management tools.
Compensation and Benefits
Annual base salary: $65K–85K, depending on experience and qualifications, plus eligibility for a discretionary bonus.
Our benefits support employees’ health, financial security, and time away from work, including:
• Health insurance: Generous employer-funded reimbursement for eligible individual health insurance premiums through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
• Retirement contributions: Employer-funded contributions to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) retirement plan
• Transit benefits: Support for commuting expenses
• Paid time off: Paid vacation and personal time
• Paid sick and family leave: Paid leave for eligible health and caregiving needs, including parental leave
Work Arrangements
This is an office-first role based in the heart of Washington, DC one block from Metro Center. We value working together in person for coordination, learning, and client service, with flexibility for occasional telework when responsibilities and schedules permit. Some events and congressional activities require occasional early morning and evening work.
How to Apply
Please send a résumé, a brief cover letter describing your interest in the position, and a writing sample of 1-3 pages to gbastian@bbm-dc.com with the subject line “Government Affairs Associate — [Your Name].”
BBM is committed to equal employment opportunity, and we consider all qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.