About the Platte Institute
The Platte Institute’s mission is to advance policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. We unite Nebraskans from all points of view around ideas that enhance economic freedom and enable more people to build a future in our state. Our team operates in an entrepreneurial startup culture that prioritizes listening, learning, and working to find better ways to serve communities across Nebraska. Our efforts help save taxpayers billions of dollars, encourage the creation and growth of exciting new businesses and innovations, and represent individual workers and entrepreneurs who are often left out of the traditional policy process.

If you enjoy disrupting the status quo while building consensus across party lines, meeting amazing people and helping them achieve their dreams and goals, and being part of a tight-knit team where your contributions and expertise are valued and rewarded, you may be a great fit for a role with the Platte Institute.

About the Role
The Vice President of Governmental Relations is a senior role responsible for executing the Platte Institute’s legislative and executive outreach. The VP will build and deepen relationships with Nebraska policymakers and coalitions, promote the Institute’s research and priorities, and secure policy wins aligned with economic freedom. The role requires a strong grasp of policy, a strategic approach to lobbying, and comfort with media and public speaking. The VP will also monitor legislation, testify at hearings, support legislators with research, and track engagement outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines policy fluency, political savvy, and a commitment to limited government. The VP will ideally be based in Lincoln and able to travel to Omaha at least once a week. Candidates in Omaha or within a short distance of Lincoln will also be considered.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Responsible for drafting and executing the annual legislative and executive branch outreach programs;
  • Research Fluency: Maintain a strong understanding of our research—particularly in core policy areas—and communicate its relevance effectively to external stakeholders and policymakers;
  • Work closely and collaboratively with the Strategy, Policy, and Communications team to understand and be able to comfortably communicate key policy points;
  • Building and strengthening relationships with the state senators and staff, elected officials, and coalitions to champion our legislative priorities, identify partnership opportunities and promote our research;
  • Strategizing and working with policymakers to secure Platte Institute policy wins;
  • Track progress of legislator relationships and systematically evaluate outcomes;
  • Build relationships with legislative candidates;
  • Identify research and publication needs based on feedback from legislators and other elected officials;
  • Monitor legislation that pertains to the Platte Institute’s policy objectives and priorities;
  • Provide technical support to policymakers alongside our policy team;
  • Respond quickly to legislative requests for information;
  • Testify in legislative hearings on bills of interest to the Platte Institute;
  • Effectively lobby on behalf of the Platte Institute;
  • Participate in media interviews, as necessary;
  • Manage the production of the legislative guide alongside Policy and Communications;
  • Recruit legislators and staff to participant and/or attend Platte Institute events;
  • Coalition Engagement: Represent the Platte Institute at regular coalition meetings, relevant events, and other gatherings to communicate organizational priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three to five years of relevant experience: governmental affairs, building relationships, lobbying and public policy;
  • Strong commitment to the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and personal responsibility;
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field at a minimum, law degree preferred;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Database management experience;
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
  • Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work;
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Proven history of working strategically to advance organization mission.

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, Simple IRA with employer match, employer sponsored health insurance, and performance bonus opportunities.

How to Apply
To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter including:
    • An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the Platte Institute’s mission and how you came to those beliefs. Be sure to include at least one specific policy area that resonates with you.
    • Salary requirements
  • Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

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.

Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.