Lead Lobbyist for Native American Advocacy

FCNL•Washington, DC

20h•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 position advances achievable legislation concerning Indigenous communities, aligned with FCNL’s commitments to tribal sovereignty and self-determination and the legislative policies in The World We Seek. FCNL works with Native American organizations, tribal communities, faith organizations, Congress, and the administration to promote investment in Indian Country, policy changes that benefit Native communities, and respect for tribal sovereignty. The program also informs Congress and the public about legislation, hearings, and administrative actions that affect Native communities. The Lead Lobbyist serves as FCNL’s staff expert on Indian affairs and leads the program’s legislative, media, and grassroots advocacy. The role monitors policy developments, develops advocacy strategies, builds relationships with congressional and executive branch staff, works in coalition with Native-led and interfaith organizations, and represents FCNL’s policy positions to the public and media. The position may supervise a Program Assistant, depending on the year and applicable needs. This is a full-time, exempt position with a 37.5-hour workweek. It is hybrid and based within commuting distance of Washington, D.C.; the employee is expected to work in person two days per week and may telework up to three days per week. More in-office time may be needed during some weeks. The role includes occasional overnight travel within the United States a few times per year and availability to support FCNL’s fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference, in person or virtually. The starting salary ranges from $61,500 at the Representative level to a maximum of $75,000 at the Manager level, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree, or some college combined with 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.
Ability to promote FCNL externally and work 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 and 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 upholding FCNL’s AJEDI values.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly.
Availability for occasional overnight travel within the United States a few times per year.
Ability to work in person two days per week, with the option to telework up to three days per week, and to provide support for FCNL’s fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference.

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, proposals, congressional positions, and votes.
Prepare and distribute factsheets, background papers, and educational materials, and 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 congressional and executive branch staff across parties and political leanings.
Advocate for Native issues consistent with FCNL’s Statement of Legislative Policy and legislative priorities.
Develop and implement a comprehensive legislative, media, and grassroots strategy for advancing Native issues in Congress, in coordination with FCNL colleagues.
Assess progress toward legislative goals and adjust advocacy approaches based on lessons learned.
Carry out advocacy strategy through activities such as lobbying congressional offices; drafting letters to and for members of Congress; preparing coalition sign-on letters, grassroots legislative action messages, sample emails, and phone scripts.
Work in coalition with colleague organizations, partner with Native-led organizations, and co-lead an interfaith coalition working group on Native American issues.
Represent FCNL’s Indian affairs policy positions externally and serve as spokesperson on related Native American concerns.
Maintain the accuracy and currency of FCNL 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 and organizational needs.
Provide in-person or virtual support at FCNL’s fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference.