Government Relations Associate

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS), a leading bipartisan lobbying firm, is seeking candidates for a Government Relations Associate position with its growing Illinois team. This position will be responsible for working alongside the firm’s partners, principals, and analysts to support the firm’s clients. This position can be based in Springfield or Chicago. If based in Chicago, there will be significant travel to Springfield involved.

Responsibilities 

• Assist in the creation and implementation of legislative, regulatory, and executive advocacy strategies for clients to help advance business objectives, build their brand, and enhance industry positioning in Illinois;
• Support senior lobbyists with outreach efforts and communication of client priorities and policy positions to elected officials, legislative staff, and executive branch officials and staff;
• Actively monitor, investigate, research, and analyze policy developments, regulatory actions, and political dynamics to provide advice and counsel regarding potential impacts as they relate to client businesses and markets;
• Develop, foster, and maintain impactful relationships with legislative and executive branch staff, and members of other key private sector organizations;
• Work with other members of the Illinois team to help manage client meetings, events, visits;
• Research and draft memos to prepare client leadership for meetings with governmental staff, and other relevant officials;
• Contribute to and participate in business development efforts.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, at a minimum, from an accredited four-year college or university;
• 2-4 of years of government-related experience, gained as an executive or legislative branch staffer, in the private sector via a government relations firm, trade association, in-house government relations office, or other similar relevant government experience;
• Understanding of the role, responsibilities, and function of Illinois government, the executive branch, the legislative process, and government oversight;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to manage both up-and-down;
• Proven ability to work independently;
• Desire and ability to be an integral part of a collaborative and action-oriented team.

Salary is commensurate with experience level.