Deputy Government Relations Leader

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

The Deputy Government Relations Leader serves as the second-in-command within the Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) office and is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the firm’s public policy and government affairs strategy. This role serves as a key liaison between the firm and federal, state, and local government stakeholders, while advancing policy priorities that support RSM’s business objectives and the modern middle market.

The Deputy Leader partners closely with the PPGA Leader, firm leadership, and lines of business to monitor legislative and regulatory developments, provide actionable insights, and drive strategic engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry associations. This role also supports thought leadership, advocacy efforts, and the management of external lobbying resources.

Strategy Execution & Operational Leadership

Support the development and execution of RSM’s government relations strategy aligned with firm priorities

Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative and regulatory developments impacting RSM and its clients

Provide timely, actionable policy insights to support client service, business development, and go-to-market strategies

Advocate for policies that support the middle market, professional standards, and innovation in assurance, tax, and consulting

Ensure compliance with independence requirements, including restrictions related to attest clients

Stakeholder Leadership & Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials

Represent RSM in industry associations and coalitions (e.g., AICPA, Center for Audit Quality, National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Serve as a key external representative of the firm in public policy discussions and forums

Ensure consistent and coordinated engagement across all external touchpoints

Internal Integration & Business Alignment

Partner with line of business, industry, risk, and communications leaders to align public policy strategy with firm objectives

Partner with firm leadership to translate policy developments into business impact and client opportunities

Standardize how policy intelligence is delivered and utilized across the firm to support client engagement by equipping teams with relevant policy intelligence

Thought Leadership & Communication

Contribute to positioning RSM as a leading advisor to the modern middle market through policy-focused insights and commentary

Support the development of position papers, comment letters, testimony, and policy briefs

Assist in preparing executives for advocacy engagements and public-facing opportunities

Team Leadership & Functional Management

Support the PPGA Leader in building and managing the firm’s government relations function

Assist in oversight and coordination of external lobbying firms and consultants in partnership with legal and compliance teams ensuring alignment and performance, including deliverables and ROI

Contribute to internal processes, reporting, and operational effectiveness of the PPGA function

Risk Management & Compliance

Align public policy activities with firm risk management, independence, and compliance priorities and regulatory requirements

Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., ORM, GCO, Audit Practice National Office, Office of Audit Quality) to ensure compliance

Maintain adherence to lobbying laws, reporting requirements, and ethical standards

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required

12–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in federal policy development, government affairs

Significant experience in senior Capitol Hill roles (e.g., Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, Policy Director) or equivalent

Demonstrated strong relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and key staff

Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, including rulemaking and committee procedures

Strong network within government, trade associations, and policy organizations

Proven ability to analyze policy impacts and develop policy positions, briefs, and commentary

Knowledge of lobbying laws, compliance requirements, and ethical standards

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills

Ability to collaborate across functions and influence senior leadership

Preferred Requirements

Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP, MBA, or related field)

Experience working with key congressional committees such as:

Senate Banking

House Financial Services

Senate Finance

Ways and Means

Appropriations or Budget Committees

Experience supporting or advising leadership roles within Congress or major policy organizations

Prior experience in professional services, financial services, or regulatory environments

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits .

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com .

RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.