Lobbyist (2-year Term position)

National Education Association

1d • $102,062 - $158,178 • Onsite

About The Position

The essential functions of this position include developing and maintaining effective bipartisan working relationships with members of Congress, the federal executive branch, and other national policy-makers. The incumbent advocates and coordinates support for NEA's position on federal policies and legislation, develops strategies and approaches for effective advocacy, and researches, analyzes, and evaluates federal issues, legislation, rules and regulations. The incumbent also researches legislative issues and assists in the development of testimony, model legislation, position papers, and reports; and works with the NEA leaders and field staff to be influential in the legislative process in support of the Association's federal legislative program. In addition, the incumbent makes oral presentations and attends political events, responds to press inquiries, works on campaigns and evaluates NEA's position on federal education and related legislative policies important to NEA, its affiliates and its members. To carry out responsibilities, the employee uses a personal computer, associated software, other office technology and travels occasionally.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained.
• Five years professional lobbying experience involving political action or government relations at federal or state level.
• Experience in public policy advocacy at the state or federal level or experience in legislative or executive branch work at the state or federal level or Capitol Hill lobbying experience or combination of the above.
• Writing samples (testimony, position papers, etc.), or samples of recent work products may be required at time of interview.
• Must be available to work evenings or weekends on very short notice.
• Some travel required.
• Extensive working knowledge and experience on Capitol Hill with Congressional and executive branch processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated proficient knowledge of select legislative issues, which may include labor, workforce, job training, education, and among other issues.
• Proven federal legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating federal issues, rules, regulations and legislation.
• Demonstrated high-level and effective interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective bipartisan working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams.
• Experience in and willingness to work in a frenetic and fluid legislative/political environment.
• Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
• Successful references.
• Skill in using a computer and/or laptop.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Skills in proofreading and editing.
• Use of clear and articulate speech.
• Interpersonal relations skills.
• Reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.).
• Ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge of the federal legislative process.
• Established relationships with key Congressional staff, as well as other education advocacy organizations.
• Proven awareness of current political environment and on-going strategic implications that affect NEA’s legislative and political activities.
• Experience educating internal and external audiences about NEA political agenda.
• Demonstrated ability of reaching out and strategically utilize grassroots membership to advance a policy agenda.
• Knowledge of Government Relation’s mission and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining effective bipartisan working relationships with members of Congress, the federal executive branch, and other national policy-makers.
• Advocating and coordinating support for NEA's position on federal policies and legislation.
• Developing strategies and approaches for effective advocacy.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating federal issues, legislation, rules and regulations.
• Researching legislative issues and assisting in the development of testimony, model legislation, position papers, and reports.
• Working with NEA leaders and field staff to be influential in the legislative process in support of the Association's federal legislative program.
• Making oral presentations and attending political events.
• Responding to press inquiries.
• Working on campaigns.
• Evaluating NEA's position on federal education and related legislative policies important to NEA, its affiliates and its members.

Benefits

• NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

What This Job Offers

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