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. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.
We believe flexibility and in-person connection both play an important role in how we work and grow. Most roles at RSM follow a hybrid workstyle, which means team members are aligned to an RSM office and come together in person when it best supports clients, teams, development or relationship-building. Some roles may be virtual or primarily on-site based on role requirements, team priorities and client needs.
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.
About RSM
RSM is a leading global network of assurance, tax and consulting advisors focused on helping businesses navigate change and realize their full potential. With more than 56,000 professionals across more than 120 countries, RSM combines global reach with a distinctly client-centric approach, taking the time to understand each organization’s unique challenges, ambitions and opportunities.
At the heart of RSM’s model is a simple belief: clients need more than technical expertise. They need advisors who understand their business, anticipate what’s ahead and help them move forward with confidence. This commitment to delivering a personalized experience, grounded in deep industry and business knowledge, is reflected in RSM’s promise to instill confidence in a world of change.
RSM US LLP, a member of the global RSM network, brings this approach to the U.S. middle market. As the fifth-largest accounting firm in the United States, RSM US has grown from its founding in 1926 to more than 21,000 professionals serving clients across 119 locations in the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland with additional offices across its international footprint.
Together, RSM’s scale, specialized expertise and understanding of the middle market position the firm to help clients address today’s most pressing challenges while building for what comes next.
Military Support
VALOR (Veterans and Allies Leading Outreach) is RSM’s employee network group dedicated to strengthening the recruitment, retention, development and success of veterans, active and reserve military members, military spouses, families and allies. Through connection, advocacy and professional development, VALOR creates a community where military-connected professionals can build meaningful relationships, advance their careers and bring the unique skills and experiences gained through service to RSM and its clients.
VALOR champions the continued growth and success of its members by connecting them to resources, mentorship, networking and leadership opportunities across RSM. Members share career and military-related resources, advocate for one another and provide a strong network of support, including for colleagues continuing to serve when military commitments or deployments take them away from the workplace.
Beyond RSM, VALOR extends its impact into local communities and the broader military-connected ecosystem through regional and national strategic business alliances, events and initiatives. These efforts create opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, networking, business development and community engagement, while helping RSM attract and retain exceptional military-connected talent.
At its core, VALOR is about turning the strengths of military service into lasting impact for our people, our clients and the communities we serve.
Internships and RSM Excellence Academy
At RSM, you’ll be valued as an individual while interning with our firm. We recognize your accomplishments and unique potential, and mentor you as a future leader. By working directly with RSM professionals and leaders, you’ll move quickly along the learning curve to jump-start your career in accounting, consulting, tax, or operations.
Internships include orientation and training where interns will be prepared to work in client service through a combination of formal and informal training. Interns will receive hands-on experience working with a variety of clients, while teaming up with RSM colleagues and leaders. RSM will provide interns with lunch-and-learn workshops, sporting events, and community service projects. Interns will gather with their peers and co-workers to develop both personally and professionally. Interns will be paired with both a navigator and a career advisor to help transition into their new role. The navigator is a peer aligned with you to help with questions. The career advisor ensures your experience meets your expectations and that you’re doing the right things to work toward that job offer.
The RSM Excellence Academy consists of a three-day summer leadership conference with a stipend and the opportunity to participate in an internship with RSM during the following summer. The Excellence Academy is open to all qualified students who are three years from graduation. The Excellence Academy is designed to align with RSM’s strategic pillar of driving an unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience. We recognize efforts of inclusivity and intend to develop outstanding business, accounting, and technology students for internships and full-time employment. Participants will have an opportunity to build relationships that will assist them in their educational and career development. We hope that this experience will provide students with an overall understanding of the professional services industry, RSM’s culture, and the advantages of working in the middle market.