Government Relations Associate

Government Relations Associate
This position is based in Austin, TX and is a direct hire position. Travel to Dallas and Houston is required as requested or as client needs dictate. Additional travel may be required based on legislative, business, and client needs.
The position will operate on a hybrid schedule based on travel, legislative activity, and business needs.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Seeking a Government Relations Associate to support the day-to-day lobbying and client service work of our government relations practice. Working directly with the Managing Director of Government Affairs, you will be a hands-on partner in every part of our advocacy work, including tracking legislation, monitoring relevant news and political developments, preparing materials, attending hearings, meeting with legislative offices, and keeping clients informed.
This position requires an experienced, proactive professional who is comfortable working independently and anticipating the needs of the Managing Director and clients. The successful candidate will be polished, professional, well-spoken, and confident communicating with legislators, legislative staff, agency officials, clients, and other stakeholders.
You will also work closely with colleagues supporting their client government relations needs and helping ensure a seamless experience across the firm.

Government Relations Associate Role:
Lobbying Support and Advocacy
* Assist the Managing Director in executing legislative and regulatory strategies on behalf of clients
* Meet with legislators, legislative staff, agency officials, and stakeholders to advance client priorities, both alongside the Managing Director and independently as appropriate
* Build and maintain working relationships with legislative offices, committee staff, and agency personnel
* Help draft testimony, bill language, amendments, and position statements
* Represent the Managing Director and government affairs team professionally in meetings and discussions when appropriate
* Ensure all lobbying activity complies with Texas Ethics Commission rules and other applicable laws
Client Service
* Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for clients, coordinating communication between clients and the GRPR team
* Prepare and deliver regular updates on legislative developments, advocacy efforts, and potential impacts on client interests
* Draft client-specific materials such as policy briefs, talking points, one-pagers, and legislative action summaries
* Coordinate client meetings, briefings, Capitol visits, and events
* Proactively identify follow-up items and anticipate client and leadership needs
Research and Analysis
* Research legislative issues, policies, regulatory matters, political developments, and trends affecting clients
* Monitor relevant news and developments that may impact clients or legislative priorities
* Prepare reports, position papers, and presentations for client and legislative meetings
* Support research for prospective client pitches and proposals as requested
Legislative Monitoring
* Track bills, amendments, and rule changes relevant to client interests
* Monitor legislative calendars, committee schedules, interim hearings, agency meetings, and relevant news developments
* Attend hearings and meetings and provide timely summaries to the team and clients
* Identify legislative or political developments requiring immediate attention or follow-up
* Maintain accurate records of lobbying activity, including contact lists, meeting notes, and follow-up items
Firm Collaboration
* Support Gray Reed and Gray Reed Advisory colleagues on client matters with government relations components
* Assist the Managing Director with business development efforts
Government Relations Associate Background Profile:
* Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public relations, communications, or a related field

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS (must-have)

• Approximately 5 years of experience in a legislative, political, advocacy, government relations, lobbying, or public affairs environment (this is calibrated closer to the ~5-year level vs. truly junior).
• Strong working understanding of the Texas legislative process and the political judgment needed to work effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of the Texas legislative process, including bill filing, committee procedures, hearings, legislative calendars, and interim activity.
• Experience tracking legislation and monitoring political, legislative, regulatory, and relevant news developments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate, client-ready materials on tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple clients, issues, and priorities at once, particularly during session.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and anticipate needs rather than wait for direction.
• Confident and appropriately assertive communication style with the ability to provide opinions, recommendations, and pushback when necessary.
• Ability to work as part of a small, collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required.
• Ability to register as a lobbyist with the Texas Ethics Commission and comply with all applicable reporting requirements.
• Discretion in handling confidential client and political information.

PREFERRED (strongly preferred)

• Direct experience working in or with the Texas Legislature (e.g., legislative staff, committee staff, agency professionals, lobby teams, government affairs professionals, or similar).
• Experience within both the public and private sectors.

BENEFITS
* Profit Sharing 401(k)
* Paid parking or mass transit subsidy
* Paid time off: 3 weeks of vacation time per year, increasing with tenure, and 10 holidays
* Paid parental leave
* Healthcare and wellness plans
* HSA with Employer Contributions
* Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid Short-term and long-term disability
* Paid Identity Protection Service
* Employee Assistance Program
* Concierge Health Advocate Service