[2] Higginbottom's career began as a government relations specialist for Communities In Schools, followed by her role in the office of then Senator John Kerry as legislative assistant in 1999.

After the 2004 election, Higginbottom founded and served as executive director of the American Security Project, before returning the staff of Senator John Kerry.

On November 24, 2008, it was announced that Higginbottom was appointed the deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council in the administration of President Barack Obama.

[3] On January 7, 2011, President Obama nominated Higginbottom to the position of deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget.

[7] Beginning in March 2017, Higginbottom served as the chief operating officer of CARE, a major humanitarian agency delivering emergency relief and long-term international development to fight global poverty.