Government Affairs Specialist, GS-0301-9/11 MP

National Science Foundation • Alexandria County, VA

1d

About The Position

The Government Affairs Specialist position is with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The role assists with facilitating, coordinating, and communicating information to Congress and the public on issues related to federal support for science and engineering research and education. The position is advertised at GS-0301-9/11. The announcement closes on October 28, 2026, or when 100 applications have been received, whichever occurs first.

The specialist supports legislative affairs by coordinating congressional inquiry responses, preparing written communications, analyzing legislation and appropriations materials, maintaining tracking databases, and carrying out administrative functions. NSF positions are eligible for situational telework, which may be approved occasionally under agency policy, supervisory approval, and operational requirements; participation is voluntary and requires an approved telework agreement.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and the selectee must complete a background investigation before onboarding. A two-year trial or one-year probationary period may be required. Applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade, eligibility, and qualification requirements. Relocation expenses will not be paid. The role may be used to fill similar positions elsewhere within NSF.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement: applicants who held a GS position within the prior 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent.
• Meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Complete all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire and any included external assessment.
• Provide a valid email address for online application communications.
• For GS-9, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 in government affairs, legislative, policy, or program support activities; alternatively, a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a qualifying combination of post-high-school education and experience.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 conducting research and analysis of legislative, regulatory, policy, or program information to identify relevant issues and potential impacts on agency operations; alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a qualifying combination of post-high-school education and experience.
• If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) or a diploma verifying the education requirement.
• NSF personnel and Intergovernmental Personnel Act individuals detailed to NSF may not participate in foreign talent recruitment programs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prepare responses to congressional inquiries, ensuring compliance with agency policies, legislative requirements, and deadlines for highly visible and sensitive topics.
• Develop, draft, and review written communications, including briefing materials, talking points, and official statements for congressional hearings and stakeholder engagements.
• Analyze proposed and enacted legislation, committee reports, and appropriations actions to assess impacts on agency programs, operations, and policies.
• Manage and update databases tracking congressional inquiries, correspondence, stakeholder engagements, and legislative actions, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Perform administrative functions supporting the legislative affairs team, including scheduling, meeting coordination, and records management.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level