Lead Lobbyist for Native American Advocacy

FCNL•Washington, DC

1d•$61,500 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), a nonpartisan Quaker lobby, seeks a Lead Lobbyist for its Native American Advocacy program. The role advances achievable legislation on issues of concern to Indigenous communities, aligned with FCNL’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination and its legislative policies in The World We Seek. FCNL works with Native American organizations, tribal communities, faith-organization advocacy offices, Congress, and the administration to advocate for investments in Indian Country, policy changes benefiting Native communities, and respect for tribal sovereignty. Recent priorities include a Truth and Healing Commission on the Indian Boarding School Era and policies concerning Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The Lead Lobbyist serves as FCNL’s staff expert on Indian affairs and leads the program’s legislative, policy, media, and grassroots advocacy. The position monitors and analyzes developments, creates educational materials, briefs colleagues and external audiences, and represents FCNL to Congress, the Executive Branch, coalitions, the media, constituents, and donors. It is based in a hybrid work arrangement within commuting distance of Washington, D.C., with in-person work generally required two days per week and telework available up to three days per week. Additional office attendance may be needed during some weeks. The position may supervise a Program Assistant, depending on the year, and may be placed at the Representative or Manager level depending on experience and demonstrated skills. This is a full-time exempt position based on a 37.5-hour workweek. The position requires occasional U.S. travel, including overnight trips a few times a year, and annual availability to support FCNL’s fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference in person or virtually. The listed starting salary ranges from $61,500 at the Representative level to a maximum of $75,000 at the Manager level; final compensation and pay-grade placement depend on the candidate’s background, qualifications, and internal equity. The position reports to the Legislative Director, Domestic Policy.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree, or some college plus equivalent experience.
At least three years of experience with congressional legislative processes and procedures, politics, and public policy related to Indian Affairs.
Strong understanding of political dynamics and legislative strategy.
Established relationships with Native organizations and congressional offices; strong outreach, networking, and partnership-building skills.
Comfort promoting FCNL externally and working in an office environment reflecting Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, and truth, and within FCNL’s Quaker, nonpartisan process.
Ability to communicate effectively with congressional offices, organizational partners, and people across the political spectrum.
Strong research and writing skills, with a commitment to accuracy.
Experience with public speaking and leading presentations.
Self-reliance, resourcefulness, organizational skills, and ability to take initiative.
Commitment to engaging, promoting, and respecting people from varied backgrounds and perspectives, and to upholding FCNL’s AJEDI values.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to travel occasionally within the United States, including overnight travel a few times a year.
Frequently required to sit or stand for long periods.
Availability to support FCNL’s fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference annually, in person or virtually.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree.
More than three years of experience with congressional legislative processes and procedures, politics, and public policy, including Indian affairs.
Experience as a legislative staffer.
Ability to connect with constituents and bring their stories to Capitol Hill.
Familiarity with software such as Quorum.

Responsibilities

Lead FCNL’s Native American Advocacy program and serve as FCNL’s staff expert on Indian affairs.
Monitor, review, and analyze legislative and policy developments, policy proposals, and congressional positions and votes.
Prepare and disseminate factsheets, background papers, and other educational materials; brief FCNL colleagues, congressional staff, government officials, and grassroots constituents.
Publish a monthly legislative update and participate in constituent and donor engagements.
Build and maintain relationships with relevant congressional and Executive Branch staff across parties and political leanings.
Advocate for Native issues aligned with FCNL’s Statement of Legislative Policy and legislative priorities.
Develop and implement a coordinated legislative, media, and grassroots strategy to advance Native issues in Congress; assess progress and adjust the approach based on lessons learned.
Carry out advocacy strategies through congressional lobbying, drafting letters to and for members of Congress, coalition sign-on letters, grassroots legislative action messages, sample emails, and phone scripts.
Work with FCNL colleagues and partner organizations, including co-leading an interfaith coalition working group on Native American issues.
Serve as FCNL’s spokesperson on Native American concerns and represent FCNL’s Indian affairs policy positions externally.
Maintain current and accurate issue-related webpages; engage with journalists and other media influencers; research and draft op-eds, letters to the editor, and reports; and coordinate publication with designated staff and constituents.
Potentially supervise a Program Assistant, depending on the year.
Provide in-person or virtual support at FCNL’s fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference.