Government Relations Associate

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies is seeking a full-time Government Relations Associate to support our growing Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic public affairs practice. The ideal candidate is highly organized, intellectually curious, politically savvy, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. The position will support a diverse portfolio of corporate, nonprofit, institutional, and civic clients across government relations, strategic communications, political engagement, business development, and stakeholder engagement. The Associate will work closely with senior lobbyists in the practice to help manage client priorities, execute projects, coordinate relationships and convenings, and ensure that commitments and opportunities are consistently moved forward.This is a high-trust, hands-on role for an exceptional executor. The successful candidate should absorb context quickly, communicate clearly, exercise good judgment and discretion, anticipate what needs to happen next, and be comfortable taking an assignment from a conversation, email, or text message through completion. The position is based in Philadelphia and will primarily support the Philadelphia practice and its clients, with opportunities to support engagements throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the day-to-day management and execution of client engagements across government relations, strategic communications, political engagement, and public affairs.Develop a strong understanding of assigned clients, including their objectives, stakeholders, political environment, and outstanding priorities, and help ensure that client commitments and deliverables are completed.Prepare client updates, briefing materials, talking points, meeting notes, research, stakeholder analyses, presentations, and other client-facing materials.Track client priorities, meetings, deadlines, commitments, and follow-up and proactively move outstanding matters toward completion.Draft and manage correspondence, including emails, introductions, invitations, outreach, and follow-up with clients, elected officials, business and civic leaders, and other stakeholders.Maintain a working understanding of key relationships and ongoing conversations so that routine matters can be advanced quickly and with limited direction.Support government relations and stakeholder engagement in Philadelphia and, as client needs require, throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.Monitor relevant legislative, political, regulatory, business, and civic developments and identify issues or opportunities relevant to clients and the practice.Support political fundraising and engagement activities, including outreach, invitations, guest lists, RSVP and contribution tracking, event preparation, and follow-up.Assist in planning and executing client events, political fundraisers, stakeholder meetings, roundtables, dinners, receptions, and other convenings.Support business development efforts, including prospect research, meeting preparation, outreach, proposal development, and follow-up.Serve as a trusted point of contact for stakeholders and help facilitate introductions, coordinate outreach, and move relationships and conversations forward.Support special projects involving multiple clients, stakeholders, offices, or jurisdictions.Coordinate with Public Strategies professionals in Harrisburg, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., New York, and other markets as client needs require.Work closely with the Government Relations Coordinator on scheduling, travel, expenses, meeting and event logistics, contact management, and other administrative needs, while helping provide the context, prioritization, communications, and follow-through necessary to advance client and practice priorities.Anticipate needs, identify outstanding items, and take ownership of getting projects and commitments across the finish line. QualificationsApproximately 3–5 years of experience in politics, government, campaigns, political fundraising, public affairs, communications, government relations, business operations, executive support, or another fast-paced professional environment.Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple clients, projects, relationships, and deadlines simultaneously.Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the ability to professionally interact with clients, elected officials, senior executives, attorneys, lobbyists, civic leaders, and staff.Strong writing skills and the ability to draft concise, polished correspondence and adapt to the voice and communication style of senior professionals.Demonstrated ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, solve problems independently, and consistently follow through on commitments.Strong interpersonal judgment and an understanding of discretion, relationships, personalities, and professional context.Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive information with discretion.High degree of responsiveness and comfort communicating through email, phone, text, and other platforms as appropriate.Strong attention to detail and an instinct for ensuring names, dates, invitations, follow-up, materials, and other details are accurate.Experience coordinating events, meetings, fundraising activities, or other stakeholder engagements preferred.Ability to work effectively across teams and understand when to act independently, coordinate with colleagues, or elevate an issue.Interest in the intersection of government, business, politics, communications, technology, culture, and civic affairs.Experience or relationships in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, or Chester counties is a plus, but not required.Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.