Policy Jobs in District of Columbia
Policy jobs in District of Columbia are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in federal government agencies, think tanks, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and international institutions that make the district one of the world's densest policy markets. Hiring runs from entry-level policy analyst roles to senior director and principal positions, with the heaviest demand in Washington, DC itself, where employers like the Brookings Institution, the Urban Institute, and the Center for American Progress maintain lasting footprints. Health policy, economic policy, and foreign affairs are the most consistently in-demand specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Vice President of Policy and Advocacy is responsible for providing strategic leadership in advancing the organization’s legislative, regulatory and policy objectives. The Vice President of GR will lead the Policy and Advocacy department and manage advocacy strategies to align with NIHB’s mission. This position will collaborate with internal teams, government agencies, Tribal leaders, and other external stakeholders to shape policy decisions that impact Tribal health and related public policy matters. This position will also provide high-level advice and support to executive leadership and the board, ensuring the alignment of advocacy efforts with the organization’s goals and values. This is a full-time position and based in Washington, DC.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Department Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and support the Directors and staff in the Policy and Advocacy department.
- Oversee the development and implementation of team structure, team goals and performance metrics.
- Work with the Development Department to cultivate support for our policy and advocacy work.
- Colead collaboration among NIHB’s departments in Public Health, Development, Operations, and Communications, with Policy and Advocacy.
- Develop and manage budgets for the department and policy projects.
- Manage all department grants and cooperative agreements.
- Develop meaningful policyfocused relationships with Area Indian Health Boards and external Tribal/nonTribal partners.
Strategic Advocacy and Policy Development:
- Design and implement organization’s government relations strategies to influence public policy and regulatory outcomes in alignment with organization’s goals and objectives and promotes Tribal health priorities.
- Collaborate with member organizations and key stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify and prioritize key legislative and administrative policy issues impacting Tribal health and formulate strategies to address them.
- Lead the preparation and dissemination of reports, testimonies, public comments, and other materials addressing the NIHB’s priority policy issues
- Oversee all Government Relations Technical Assistance, Capacity Building, and Outreach and Education initiatives.
- Lead the development of NIHB’s legislative and policy agenda, policy positions, advocacy materials, and strategic communications to support the organization’s objectives.
Legislative and Regulatory Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Congress, Administration officials, Indian Health Service leadership, and regulatory agencies and represent the organization’s interests on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch.
- Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments, providing timely updates and recommendations to the Executive Team and Board of Directors.
- Represent the organization in meetings, hearings, and other forums related to policy and regulatory matters.
Coalition Building:
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and coalitions with member organizations, Tribes, and other advocacy groups to advance shared policy goals.
- Coordinate joint advocacy efforts and leverage collective resources to enhance the organization’s impact.
- Serve on public and private external bodies such as coalitions, boards, and steering committees.
Strategic Communication:
- Work with the Communications Department to develop and execute communication strategies to convey the organization’s policy positions and advocacy efforts to Tribes, members, media, and the public.
- Direct the development of briefing materials, testimony, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
Monotoring and Reporting:
- Track and report on the progress of legislative and regulatory initiatives, assessing their impact on Indian health.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors on advocacy activities and outcomes.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Law, or a related field; Master’s or advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Minimum of 810 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative advocacy, with a strong track record of success in a nonprofit environment.
- At least five years of leadership and management experience with direct responsibility for organizational government relations operations and crossdepartmental collaboration
- Demonstrated experience in federal, state, or Tribal government relations.
- Strong understanding of policy processes, particularly as it relates to Indian Country.
- Indepth knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process with experience engaging with federal agencies (e.g., IHS, HHS, CMS, HRSA), Tribal leaders, and Congressional staff on matters impacting Tribal communities.
- Proven track record in developing and executing organizational strategies that advance missiondriven goals, particularly within the Tribal health, public policy, or nonprofit sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to translate highlevel vision into actionable, measurable plans that drive impact and align with the organization’s priorities and values.
- Experience managing complex, crossfunctional initiatives that support longterm sustainability, advocacy, and service delivery.
- Ability to work in a fastpaced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
The National Indian Health Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
About National Indian Health Board
The National Indian Health Board serves as the unified voice of 574+ Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, championing the cause of health equity. Before colonization, our people were among the healthiest on Earth, sustained by our traditional foods, clean water, and natural medicines. Today, NIHB is dedicated to helping Tribes reclaim that legacy of health and well-being. At the heart of our work is the belief that our traditions, languages, and practices are not merely remnants of the past, but the foundation of our health and resilience. By embedding cultural integrity into every aspect of our advocacy, we empower our communities to heal, grow, and thrive.POSITION SUMMARY:
The Vice President of Policy and Advocacy is responsible for providing strategic leadership in advancing the organization’s legislative, regulatory and policy objectives. The Vice President of GR will lead the Policy and Advocacy department and manage advocacy strategies to align with NIHB’s mission. This position will collaborate with internal teams, government agencies, Tribal leaders, and other external stakeholders to shape policy decisions that impact Tribal health and related public policy matters. This position will also provide high-level advice and support to executive leadership and the board, ensuring the alignment of advocacy efforts with the organization’s goals and values. This is a full-time position and based in Washington, DC.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Department Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and support the Directors and staff in the Policy and Advocacy department.
- Oversee the development and implementation of team structure, team goals and performance metrics.
- Work with the Development Department to cultivate support for our policy and advocacy work.
- Colead collaboration among NIHB’s departments in Public Health, Development, Operations, and Communications, with Policy and Advocacy.
- Develop and manage budgets for the department and policy projects.
- Manage all department grants and cooperative agreements.
- Develop meaningful policyfocused relationships with Area Indian Health Boards and external Tribal/nonTribal partners.
Strategic Advocacy and Policy Development:
- Design and implement organization’s government relations strategies to influence public policy and regulatory outcomes in alignment with organization’s goals and objectives and promotes Tribal health priorities.
- Collaborate with member organizations and key stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify and prioritize key legislative and administrative policy issues impacting Tribal health and formulate strategies to address them.
- Lead the preparation and dissemination of reports, testimonies, public comments, and other materials addressing the NIHB’s priority policy issues
- Oversee all Government Relations Technical Assistance, Capacity Building, and Outreach and Education initiatives.
- Lead the development of NIHB’s legislative and policy agenda, policy positions, advocacy materials, and strategic communications to support the organization’s objectives.
Legislative and Regulatory Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Congress, Administration officials, Indian Health Service leadership, and regulatory agencies and represent the organization’s interests on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch.
- Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments, providing timely updates and recommendations to the Executive Team and Board of Directors.
- Represent the organization in meetings, hearings, and other forums related to policy and regulatory matters.
Coalition Building:
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and coalitions with member organizations, Tribes, and other advocacy groups to advance shared policy goals.
- Coordinate joint advocacy efforts and leverage collective resources to enhance the organization’s impact.
- Serve on public and private external bodies such as coalitions, boards, and steering committees.
Strategic Communication:
- Work with the Communications Department to develop and execute communication strategies to convey the organization’s policy positions and advocacy efforts to Tribes, members, media, and the public.
- Direct the development of briefing materials, testimony, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
Monotoring and Reporting:
- Track and report on the progress of legislative and regulatory initiatives, assessing their impact on Indian health.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors on advocacy activities and outcomes.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Law, or a related field; Master’s or advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Minimum of 810 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative advocacy, with a strong track record of success in a nonprofit environment.
- At least five years of leadership and management experience with direct responsibility for organizational government relations operations and crossdepartmental collaboration
- Demonstrated experience in federal, state, or Tribal government relations.
- Strong understanding of policy processes, particularly as it relates to Indian Country.
- Indepth knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process with experience engaging with federal agencies (e.g., IHS, HHS, CMS, HRSA), Tribal leaders, and Congressional staff on matters impacting Tribal communities.
- Proven track record in developing and executing organizational strategies that advance missiondriven goals, particularly within the Tribal health, public policy, or nonprofit sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to translate highlevel vision into actionable, measurable plans that drive impact and align with the organization’s priorities and values.
- Experience managing complex, crossfunctional initiatives that support longterm sustainability, advocacy, and service delivery.
- Ability to work in a fastpaced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
The National Indian Health Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
About National Indian Health Board
The National Indian Health Board serves as the unified voice of 574+ Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, championing the cause of health equity. Before colonization, our people were among the healthiest on Earth, sustained by our traditional foods, clean water, and natural medicines. Today, NIHB is dedicated to helping Tribes reclaim that legacy of health and well-being. At the heart of our work is the belief that our traditions, languages, and practices are not merely remnants of the past, but the foundation of our health and resilience. By embedding cultural integrity into every aspect of our advocacy, we empower our communities to heal, grow, and thrive.See All 162+ Policy Jobs in District of Columbia
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Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Policy Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Education
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Investment & Asset Management
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in policy jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in public policy, political science, or a related field
- Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, or federal agency rulemaking processes
- Strong written communication skills for memos, briefs, and congressional testimony support
- Familiarity with DC's federal agency landscape and the legislative process on Capitol Hill
- Ability to manage stakeholder relationships across government, nonprofit, and private sectors
- Proficiency in quantitative or qualitative research methods for policy evaluation and reporting
Policy Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a policy professional in District of Columbia?
Most policy roles in DC require at least a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, economics, or law, and many positions at think tanks, federal agencies, and advocacy organizations prefer or require a master's degree or JD. There is no single DC-specific license for policy work, but the district's hiring path is highly network-driven. Internships with federal agencies, congressional offices, or established DC institutions like the Congressional Budget Office or executive branch departments are the most direct routes in.
Which companies hire policy professionals in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring policys in District of Columbia include Cato Institute, Georgetown University, and FAS, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The district's unique concentration of federal agencies, multilateral organizations, and long-standing advocacy groups means hiring is spread across a wider range of institution types than most markets.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most policy jobs?
Washington, Washington, and Washington Navy Yard are the cities with the most policy openings in District of Columbia. Washington, DC dominates by a wide margin because it is home to the federal government, hundreds of trade associations, major think tanks, and international institutions, while nearby areas in Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland draw overflow hiring from contractors and organizations that cluster near federal headquarters.
Are there remote policy jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 73% of policy openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting how much policy research, writing, and analysis can be done off-site. Research and writing-heavy roles at think tanks and advocacy organizations tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions requiring regular Hill access or in-person agency coordination are typically hybrid or fully on-site.
How can I get hired as a policy professional in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a paid internship or fellowship with a federal agency, congressional office, or a DC institution like the Government Accountability Office or a major trade association. Programs such as the Presidential Management Fellows program and agency-specific student volunteer or recent graduate hiring authorities are built for candidates without full professional experience. A master's in public policy from a DC-area university also signals seriousness to local employers and often comes with built-in placement networks.
Where can I find and apply to policy jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to policy jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the district's federal agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and interest, and apply directly.
See All 162+ Policy Jobs in District of Columbia
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