Government Relations Senior Counsel

APCO International•Alexandia, VA

About The Position

The Government Relations Senior Counsel performs a variety of government relations functions, both independently and in a team environment in support of government relations efforts. Executes legislative and regulatory initiatives and monitors legislative and regulatory developments within Congress, the Administration, and Federal Agencies.

Requirements

Active listener and accomplished public speaker
Ability to report events and information legibly and accurately using proper English grammar and structure, good memory retention
Speak English with sufficient clarity to be understood by others
Effectively prioritize situations and information
Make appropriate decisions based on information received, learn and apply new information
Strong organizational and time management skills
Manage assigned staff and/or area of responsibility with effective follow-up mechanisms to measure achievement of established goals and objectives
Attorney with significant prior experience in government relations, law, and/or public safety.

Responsibilities

Track legislation and other legal and regulatory developments in public safety communications and brief the Government Relations Director on related activities
Monitor legislative developments within Congressional Committees and Caucuses and brief the Government Relations Director about the key topics discussed
Plan and coordinate grassroots campaigns for the Association’s legislative prioritie
Perform research to substantiate the Association’s policies and priorities
Answer member requests for help on government relations matters
Draft and edit memos, briefs, articles, press releases and other documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, readability, and adherence to the Association’s approved policies
Verify, update, and write editorial content for the Public Safety Communications magazine and other online media portals that are operated by the Association
Perform legal and general research on state statutes, federal law, case law, etc.
Prepare charts, tables, presentations, and other materials as directed
Provide general support to government relations office, including administrative work
Respond promptly to emerging organizational priorities, external developments, or strategic needs that require executive-level attention.
Support the Chief Counsel and Executive Director in preparing briefing materials, facilitating executive communications, and representing the organization’s positions in special circumstances or urgent matters.
Assist with organizational initiatives that advance the mission, governance, legal compliance, or external relations of the nonprofit, even when such initiatives fall outside traditional advocacy or policy functions.
Demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, and a proactive mindset when managing evolving tasks and responsibilities delegated by senior leadership.
Coordinate the interaction between state and federal government officials and APCO membership concerning the interests of APCO and the functional impact of proposed legislation and regulation; suggest modifications as appropriate
Establish and maintain contacts with outside organizations and other institutions to aid and foster government relations activities
Recommend operational initiatives necessitated by legislative mandates; suggest alternative policies and procedures to enable APCO to accomplish its objectives