Legislative Support Specialist and Special Assistant to the Secretary

State of North Carolina•1 S Wilmington St Wake, NC

21h•$47,703 - $83,479•Onsite

About The Position

The Legislative Support Specialist and Special Assistant to the Secretary is an important role within the Legislative Affairs Office at NCDOT, designed for an early-career professional seeking hands-on experience in government, public policy, and executive operations. Reporting to the Legislative Affairs Director, this position serves as a primary point of contact for constituent concerns related to NCDOT and NCDMV, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective resolution. The role coordinates across divisions within the department to gather information, assess needs, and implement solutions in alignment with agency policies and procedures. The role also conducts research and outreach as needed to support the legislative affairs team. In addition, this position serves as a special assistant to the Secretary of Transportation, providing support in external engagements as necessary, and helping ensure follow-through on key priorities. This includes driving and traveling with the Secretary as needed and capturing key takeaways and ensuring timely follow-up with internal teams and external partners. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to senior leadership, legislative strategy, and the operations of a large state agency while contributing meaningfully to its success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Strong interest in government, public policy, or legislative affairs.
Exceptional organization and attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Initiative and a willingness to take ownership in a fast-paced environment.
Comfort working directly with senior leadership and representing the department externally.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to think critically, synthesize information quickly, and follow through on next steps.
Experience maintaining confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive constituent matters.
Experience composing written communication for a diverse audience

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the legislative process and governmental affairs is a plus, but not a requirement.

Responsibilities

Manage constituent cases from intake through resolution, ensuring responsiveness, accuracy, and accountability.
Serve as a connector between constituents, legislative offices, and NCDOT staff.
Track, monitor, and summarize legislation and committee activity relevant to the department.
Coordinate required legislative reports, including tracking deadlines and facilitating internal review and submission to the Legislature.
As needed, work closely with the Secretary’s team to support engagements, particularly those that require travel. This includes driving the Secretary and assisting with prep and follow-up.
Collaborate across teams to align messaging and policy priorities for constituent responses.