Los Angeles, CA, Washington, DC or Virtual Office

Join Our Team

Reason advances a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. We use journalism and public policy research to influence the frameworks and actions of policymakers, journalists, and opinion leaders. 

Reason Foundation’s advocacy for better governance through competition goes back decades, advising policy leaders at all levels of government on effective approaches to public policies that make government smaller and more effective and rely more on personal responsibility, civil society, and private solutions to problems or approaches to services. Through research, consulting, and outreach, the team has demonstrated success affecting policy change.

About the Role

The government affairs team seeks an individual to grow its capabilities in policy change, particularly with developing, managing and tracking relationships with policy makers and engaging with the policy process, primarily at the state level around the nation. The role would involve interfacing between our policy experts and policy makers to help make policy change happen. That can be accomplished by helping with building and maintaining relationships with government officials and policy stakeholders, working with coalitions, developing model legislation, conducting workshops, forums and town hall meetings, communications, or any combination of those activities and skills. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the legislative process, a track record of effective relationship building, and exceptional communication skills. A general alignment with Reason’s mission and policy positions is imperative. This position will report to the Vice President of Government Reform and work closely with the Vice President of Policy. This is a full-time position with the option to be in-office in Los Angeles, CA or Washington, DC, or to work virtually anywhere in the US. 

Responsibilities

  • Tracking policy opportunities at all levels of government and helping identify opportunities to help make policy changes happen.
  • Engaging policy leaders, staff, and other stakeholders with information and expertise.
  • Building and forging relationships with policy leaders and coalitions that advance the team’s vision.
  • Working with policy experts to develop messages and messaging materials.
  • Attending and planning in-person and virtual conferences, and other policy-related events (Travel should be expected, and possibly frequent). 

Qualifications

  • Exceptional communication skills and an ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-experts.  
  • Working knowledge of federal and state legislative processes and practices, as well as local governance structures. 
  • Track record of effective relationship building. 
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn about the nuances of public policy. 
  • Experience in government affairs work and tangible policy wins.
  • Ability to work effectively with leaders and stakeholders of highly diverse opinions and political views.
  • Curiosity and self-motivation to learn new things and tackle difficult previously-unencountered problems. 
  • An entrepreneurial mindset willing to try and advance innovative approaches to advancing the team’s vision. 
  • General alignment with Reason Foundation’s mission to advance a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law.
  • Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials in one PDF document: 

  • A cover letter detailing your alignment with Reason’s mission, your interest in the position, and how your experience has prepared you for this role
  • Resume 
  • Writing sample (policy brief, white paper, etc.)

Applications should be submitted to https://reason.org/jobs-apply/. 

Any questions can be directed to Lydia Ocampo, Talent Coordinator, who is managing the search process: lydia.ocampo@reason.org. 

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.