Congressional Affairs Specialist

Patent and Trademark Office • Alexandria, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA), Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce. The incumbent serves as a Congressional Affairs Specialist performing developmental assignments involving legislative analysis, congressional correspondence, appropriations monitoring, executive briefing support, and congressional liaison activities. The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per leave year. This rewarding career role is ideal for you if: You're able to research proposed legislation, Congressional hearings, committee reports, and appropriations actions affecting USPTO programs and prepares summaries and analyses for review by higher-graded specialists. You're ready to assist in drafting legislative proposals, Congressional testimony, briefing papers, talking points, and position papers supporting agency legislative initiatives. You are committed to assist with preparing responses to Congressional inquiries by collecting background information, coordinating with program offices, and preparing draft correspondence. You are eager to participate in meetings with Congressional staff, Department of Commerce officials, Office of Management and Budget personnel, and other Federal agencies to obtain information supporting legislative initiatives.

Requirements

• Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.
• You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
• You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position.
• You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.
• Specialized experience includes: Experience developing congressional testimony and briefing materials; AND Experience preparing responses to congressional inquiries by collecting background information, coordinating with program offices, and preparing draft correspondence; AND Experience reviewing pending legislation and evaluating potential impacts on agency programs, operations, and strategic initiatives.
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Research proposed legislation, Congressional hearings, committee reports, and appropriations actions affecting USPTO programs and prepares summaries and analyses for review by higher-graded specialists.
• Assist in drafting legislative proposals, Congressional testimony, briefing papers, talking points, and position papers supporting agency legislative initiatives.
• Assist with preparing responses to Congressional inquiries by collecting background information, coordinating with program offices, and preparing draft correspondence.
• Participate in meetings with Congressional staff, Department of Commerce officials, Office of Management and Budget personnel, and other Federal agencies to obtain information supporting legislative initiatives.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Learn more about federal benefits.
• Review our benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed