Description

Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Vice President, External Affairs

Introduction 

Protect a Free Press. Strengthen American Values Abroad. 

Every day, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalists bring independent, vital reporting to people who live under censorship. In many countries where we work, we are the only reliable source of local news. We believe that good information helps people make better decisions and leads to a more secure world for the American people.

The U.S. Congress makes that possible.

Opportunity 

We’re looking for a Government Affairs Director who can help strengthen and maintain that support. A trusted partner who can help people in the State Department and on Capitol Hill support democracy, free speech, and U.S. engagement in the world. If you understand Congress, know how Washington works, and believe fiercely in the power of uncensored journalism to build and protect free societies—this job is for you!

Your Impact 

Advocate for independent journalism. In countries like Iran, Russia and Afghanistan, millions of people rely on RFE/RL every day for trustworthy information. We need you to help US policymakers appreciate how Congressionally-funded independent reporting matters. You will create government-wide campaigns to help us free journalists from prison. And you will find new and creative ways to work with funding partners to ensure that US national security interests are advanced.

Deepen relationships on Capitol Hill. You will strengthen bipartisan ties with members of Congress and staff on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Foreign Relations/Foreign Affairs Committees and State Department. You’ll help them stay informed about RFE/RL’s work, our challenges, and our priorities.

Liaise with Congress and the State Department. You will serve as a reliable, responsive point of contact for congressional and USG inquiries, ensuring that policymakers get information they need quickly, clearly, and accurately on local news around the world. You’ll also support Congressional and staff delegations in their travel to bureaus.

Lead a strategic outreach effort. You will design RFE/RL’s government affairs strategy, anticipating issues and ensuring that RFE/RL, Capitol Hill, and State Department leaders are always well briefed. You’ll serve as the principal liaison with our oversight committees. You’ll craft compelling written materials, talking points, updates, and tailored briefings for high-level audiences.

Keep RFE/RL ahead of the curve. Finally, you will monitor legislation, hearings, policy developments, and US government priorities that could affect our ability to operate. You’ll translate fast-moving developments into actionable insights for senior leaders and the Board of Directors.

Your Top Responsibilities 

• Build and execute an outreach plan that strengthens RFE/RL’s relationships across Congress and the executive branch.
• Respond quickly and effectively to all congressional and USG queries keeping Congress and the USG well-informed of RFE/RL thinking and activities.
• Serve as principal liaison with RFE/RL’s oversight committees.
• Craft targeted communications, including letters, briefings, and updates, tailored to policymakers’ needs.
• Track legislative developments, hearings, and emerging issues; brief leadership and prepare them for engagements.
• Coordinate Hill visits, meetings, and RFE/RL participation in hearings, briefings, or roundtables.
• Support planning and logistics for CODEL/STAFFDEL visits to RFE/RL’s operations.
• Monitor U.S. media and policy trends affecting independent journalism and RFE/RL’s global work.
• Partner closely with senior executives and help guide organizational responses to USG developments.

Who You Are 

A strategic Washington foreign affairs and/or legislative professional. You have 10+ years of experience in Congress, the State Department, or senior government relations roles. You understand how bipartisan coalitions are built and maintained. You understand international relations, foreign affairs and the way that the USG funds these operations.

A clear, compelling communicator. You can brief a Senator in an elevator, draft a tight two-paragraph memo, and explain complex international issues without jargon.

A relationship-builder. You thrive in high-trust, high-stakes environments and enjoy engaging new contacts who care about foreign policy, national security, or global press freedom.

A steady hand in a shifting landscape. You’re organized, proactive, and calm under pressure. You can juggle multiple priorities and stay several steps ahead.

A believer in RFE/RL’s mission. You understand why this mission matters — and you want to help protect it.

A professional who works with discretion and integrity. You operate with excellent judgment, respect sensitive information, and represent the organization with credibility.

If you want to help ensure millions of people have access to fact-based journalism, and you know how to engage Washington’s decision-makers with clarity, credibility, and purpose, we’d love to talk. Write or call Laura Wigglesworth: wigglesworthlaura@gmail.com or 202.286.2179

Requirements

Top Qualifications 

• 10+ years in Congress, the State Department, or senior U.S. government relations roles.
• Experience navigating foreign affairs, national security, or appropriations issues.
• Demonstrated success designing and executing outreach strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a bipartisan, politically sensitive environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and follow-through skills.
• Knowledge of (or interest in) the countries where RFE/RL works.
• Additional language skills from RFE/RL broadcast regions are a plus.