Manager, Policy and Advocacy

Professional membership association located in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Manager of Policy and Advocacy. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents 24,000 members, has a staff of 30, and an annual budget of $8 million. NASP is located in downtown Bethesda, MD, three blocks from the Metro (Red Line). NASP represents school psychology and supports school psychologists to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth. This position provides an excellent opportunity for a professional interested in promoting federal, state, and local policy that enhances the development of children and youth. You will further develop your advocacy skills while promoting policies and practices that advance the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of all children and youth, and support equity and excellence in education.

About the Job:

The Manager of Policy and Advocacy (Manager) supports organizational efforts to advance NASP’s professional and legislative advocacy priorities, which are centered on ensuring all children and youth access the learning, behavior, and mental health support needed to thrive. In collaboration with the Director, Policy and Advocacy, the Manager will be responsible for advancing NASP’s public policy agenda. This is an exempt level position under the general

supervision of the Director of Policy and Advocacy.

What You Will Do:   

• Research and monitor state and federal legislation on issues of strategic priority to the organization and our members  
• Support efforts to advance NASP federal policy and legislative priorities with Members of Congress and other key policy makers
• Contribute to the development of Congressional testimony, regulatory comments, and other formal communications with members of Congress, federal agencies, and the White House       
• Represent NASP policy priorities and legislative positions with select external committees and coalitions        
• Facilitate research and data collection to support specific advocacy and policy priorities
• Organize grassroots advocacy activities and campaigns       
• Facilitate development of policy and advocacy related content and communications for internal audiences and external outlets (e.g. talking points, blogs, social media content, press statements)
• Support the work of NASP advocacy committees     
• Participate in and assist with the organization of various Capitol Hill Events
• Support all aspects of planning and implementation of the annual NASP Public Policy Institute (e.g., event design, agenda and resource development, registration, marketing, onsite event logistics, and other tasks as needed)
• Coordinate advocacy related activities and engagement at the Annual Convention, including staffing the NASP Advocacy Booth
• Maintain and update relevant NASP webpages, volunteer databases, and other lists as needed
• Provide general administrative office support as needed
• Other duties as assigned

About You:

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, psychology, or related field; or bachelor’s degree in another field with relevant work experience;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Experience in project and event management activities;
• Ability to be self-directed, organized, and effectively manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines;
• Ability to work with staff, volunteer leaders, and external partners in a fast-paced collaborative team environment;
• Creative problem-solving skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365;

Preferred (but not required) Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, psychology, public policy, or related field;
• Knowledge of education, education related policy, school psychology, and/or youth mental health;
• Work experience in public policy, on Capitol Hill, in a state legislature, or mental health or education association;
• General knowledge of the federal legislative process;

Work Conditions

• 37.5 hour work week with potential to work from home up to 3 days a week
• Occasional weeknight calls
• Occasional weekend meetings
• Minimal travel; attendance at Annual Convention required