Senior Federal Policy Advisor

National Conference of State Legislatures•Washington, DC

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Federal Policy Advisor leads NCSL’s work on an assigned portfolio of federal policy issues with direct implications for states. The position tracks federal developments, evaluates their effect on states, and provides legislators and legislative staff with timely information, analysis, and technical assistance. Working closely with legislators, the senior federal policy advisor helps develop policy positions and carries out advocacy strategies to advance those positions before Congress, federal agencies, and other national organizations. The position also oversees committee work within the assigned portfolio and serves as a primary contact for policymakers, partner organizations, and subject matter experts. The senior federal policy advisor works independently on day-to-day responsibilities while consulting with senior staff and NCSL leadership on policy direction, advocacy strategy, and emerging or sensitive issues. This individual is required to protect confidential and sensitive information. This position is a supervisory role. When assigned supervisor responsibility, the position sets work priorities, provides guidance and feedback, reviews work, supports employee development and carries out performance management responsibilities in accordance with NCSL policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree plus at least 8 years of work experience with state legislatures, state and/or federal government, public policy or other relevant field.
Federal agency or Congressional experience is desired.
Knowledge relevant to assigned area.
Proficient writing and presentation skills and the ability to clearly and credibly communicate information to a variety of audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude at working both collaboratively with others and independently.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, national experts, funders and others, under the guidance or mentorship of supervisor(s).
Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required.
Strong research and analysis skills, including accessing and assessing a variety of resources and research; synthesizing data and legislation; and analyzing and summarizing policy options and legislative activities.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under the guidance of supervisor(s). Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload.
Progressive responsibilities for independently overseeing and managing significant tasks, and/or supervising staff.
Proficient knowledge of state and federal legislative and political processes and the balance of powers as prescribed by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Ability to travel by air up to 5 times per year, with most trips being 1-3 nights, as well as work extended hours, possibly evenings and weekends, usually associated with events/travel.

Responsibilities

Demonstrating and maintaining expertise in federal budgets, tax policy, banking and financial services
Translating complex legislative and regulatory developments into practical information for legislators and legislative staff
Evaluating the policy, programmatic, and intergovernmental effects of proposed and enacted federal actions
Responding to research and technical assistance requests from legislators and legislative staff
Preparing clear, nonpartisan analyses of federal legislation, regulations, programs, and administrative actions
Connecting legislators with members of Congress and congressional staff, federal agency officials, and other experts as appropriate
Working with legislators on NCSL standing committees to identify priorities and develop policy positions
Developing and carrying out federal advocacy strategies
Representing NCSL’s policy positions and the state legislative perspective in meetings with Congress, federal agencies, national organizations, and other stakeholders
Participating in coalitions and collaborative efforts that support state legislative interests
Providing federal officials and national partners with information about the effect of federal proposals and actions on states
Upholding and maintaining political neutrality and accurately represent adopted positions established during NCSL business meetings
Preparing materials for member D.C. fly-ins, advocacy visits, committee meetings, task force meetings, and educational programs
Delivering briefings and presentations, to include testimony before state legislatures, to members of NCSL
Planning and managing committee programs and activities related to assigned policy portfolio
Guiding committee policy processes and help legislators establish policy priorities
Supporting the development, review, and communication of committee policy positions including development of agendas, educational sessions, policy discussions, and other related materials
Building and maintaining relationships with state legislators, state legislative staff, congressional staff, federal agency officials, policy experts, public interest organizations, private sector organizations, funders, and other stakeholders
Coordinating with colleagues whose programs intersect with the assigned policy portfolio
Identifying opportunities for new policy initiatives, publications, services, and partnerships
Perform other responsibilities as assigned