Federal Coordinator / Government Liaison Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As our Federal Coordinator, you will be the central point of contact for all federal-level interactions, policy monitoring, and grant management. You will be responsible for navigating the complex landscape of federal agencies, regulations, and funding opportunities to support and advance the organization's mission. This position involves a blend of strategic relationship-building, meticulous administrative management, and in-depth policy analysis. You will work cross-functionally with our legal, finance, and program teams to ensure a unified and compliant approach to all federally related activities, making you an indispensable asset to our strategic operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Program Assistant or Associate
Compliance Analyst
Junior Policy Analyst or Legislative Aide
Grants Administrator

Advancement To:

Senior Federal Coordinator or Director of Government Affairs
Grants Manager / Director of Sponsored Programs
Senior Policy Advisor
Chief of Staff

Lateral Moves:

Contracts Manager or Specialist
Policy Advisor
Senior Compliance Officer
Public Relations Manager (Government Focus)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Serve as the primary liaison and relationship manager between the organization and various federal agencies, congressional offices, and executive branch officials.
Proactively monitor, track, and analyze federal legislation, appropriations, and regulatory developments that may impact the organization's interests and operations.
Manage the complete federal grant lifecycle, from identifying strategic funding opportunities and leading proposal development to managing post-award reporting and grant closeout procedures.
Ensure organization-wide adherence to all applicable federal regulations, laws, and grant provisions, including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
Develop and maintain a robust network of contacts within federal agencies, on Capitol Hill, and among partner organizations to support advocacy and information gathering.
Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and compelling programmatic and financial reports required by federal funding agencies.
Translate complex federal policies and compliance requirements into clear, actionable guidance and standard operating procedures for internal teams.
Author high-quality briefing materials, policy summaries, formal comments on proposed rules, and talking points for senior leadership ahead of federal meetings.
Coordinate and facilitate all logistical aspects of meetings, briefings, and site visits for federal officials and agency representatives.
Represent the organization professionally at government meetings, congressional hearings, industry conferences, and coalition working groups.
Advise executive leadership on potential risks, strategic opportunities, and emerging trends related to the federal policy and funding landscape.
Coordinate internal cross-functional teams (including Finance, Legal, and Program departments) to ensure a cohesive strategy for federal projects and grant execution.
Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date internal database or CRM system for tracking federal contacts, legislative activities, and grant submissions.
Lead the development of sub-award agreements and oversee the compliance and performance of sub-recipients on federally funded projects.
Support the preparation for and coordination of federal audits, desk reviews, and site visits, ensuring all necessary documentation is organized and available.
Draft and disseminate regular, concise updates on federal activities, policy changes, and funding news to key internal stakeholders.
Collaborate with the legal department to review and negotiate the terms and conditions of federal contracts, cooperative agreements, and other funding instruments.
Develop and deliver internal training sessions and technical assistance to staff on federal grant writing, management, and compliance best practices.
Conduct thorough research to identify new avenues for federal support and partnerships that align with the organization's strategic plan.
Manage responses to federal Requests for Information (RFIs), data calls, and other inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
Assist in the strategic planning process by providing insights on the federal landscape to inform long-term organizational goals.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to federal funding trends and program outcomes.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap, particularly concerning compliance and reporting metrics.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs related to federal programs into engineering and reporting requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and technology teams when developing reporting tools.
Assist communications teams in drafting press releases or public statements related to federal awards or policy positions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Federal Grant Management: Deep knowledge of the entire grant lifecycle and requirements, especially 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).
Policy Analysis: Ability to read, interpret, and summarize complex federal legislation, statutes, and regulations.
Regulatory Research: Proficiency in using federal databases and resources like Congress.gov, Federal Register, and Grants.gov.
Budgeting & Financial Reporting: Experience developing and managing grant budgets and preparing federal financial reports (FFRs).
Technical & Grant Writing: Proven ability to write clear, persuasive, and compliant grant proposals and reports.
Project Management: Expertise in using project management software (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, Trello) to track deadlines and deliverables.
Compliance Auditing: Familiarity with audit processes and preparing documentation for federal review.
Advanced Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas), PowerPoint (presentations), and Word (document formatting).
Stakeholder Database Management: Experience using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, EveryAction) to manage government contacts and track interactions.
Federal Legislative Process Knowledge: Strong understanding of the U.S. legislative and appropriations processes.
Contract Review: Ability to review and understand the terms and conditions of federal contracts and cooperative agreements.

Soft Skills

Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional ability to build and maintain professional relationships with diverse groups, including government officials.
Communication (Written & Verbal): Superior ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences.
Negotiation & Influence: Skill in advocating for the organization's position and finding common ground with federal partners.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for accuracy in reporting, compliance documentation, and proposal submissions.
Strategic & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze situations, anticipate future trends, and connect daily tasks to long-term goals.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying potential issues and developing creative, compliant solutions.
Political Acumen: A non-partisan understanding of political dynamics and the ability to navigate them effectively and ethically.
Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and firm deadlines.
Discretion & Professionalism: Handles sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and integrity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: A team player who can work effectively with colleagues across different departments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree (MPA, MPP, MBA) or Juris Doctor (JD)

Relevant Fields of Study:

Public Administration or Public Policy
Political Science
Business Administration
Law or Pre-Law
Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience in government relations, grants management, policy analysis, or a directly related field.

Preferred:

Direct experience working for or interacting extensively with a U.S. federal agency, a congressional office, or in a government affairs role for a non-profit or private entity.