Federal Policy Associate Director

Council for a Strong America is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization with more than 20 years of success in promoting policies and practices that are building a healthier, more secure, and better-educated nation. Our diverse staff comprises more than 50 dedicated and experienced individuals. Headquartered in Washington DC, Council for a Strong America also has a presence throughout the country, as well as state offices in nine states. 

Summary/Objective:      

The Federal Policy Associate Director will work closely with the Director of Federal Policy and the VP of Federal Policy and Strategic Communications to lead the organization’s strategic and tactical efforts to influence change in federal policy and regulation. The Associate Director will serve as the lead on building and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress and Hill staff

Essential Functions:

1. Assist in the planning of strategic objectives and execution of tactics to set the agenda of federal policymakers;
2. Develop relationships with Members of Congress and their staff to achieve policy goals;
3. Lead the coordination of activity with other teams in the organization to further federal policy objectives;
4. Track and analyze key legislative actions on child care, education, child nutrition and out of school time initiatives;
5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key congressional staff;
6. Contribute to the development of substantive policy maker education materials including background documents, talking points, letters, testimony, statements for the record fact sheets, op-eds, and LTEs
7. Schedule, Coordinate, and Lead meetings with Congressional staff and Members of Congress with organizational members;
8. Brief members of CSA organizations on research and legislative details in preparation for meeting with policymakers or congressional briefings; and
9. Actively Participate in internal team meetings, providing collaborative input on federal policy work.

Essential:

• Strong commitment to our mission and strategic vision;
• Knowledgeable about the U.S. Congress and the legislative process;
• Demonstrated superior ability to be an effective and persuasive communicator, both orally and in writing;
• Able to present complex information in a coherent, persuasive manner in a variety of forums;
• Ability to lead effective meetings with high profile membership;
• Ability to perform complex legislative and regulatory analysis to make recommendations on possible courses of action; 
• Ability to advocate independently and effectively in meetings on Capitol Hill, with both staff and policymakers; Ability to juggle multiple projects at once, and respond rapidly and flexibly to changing priorities, while meeting deadlines;
• Ability to work in a collegial manner with a diverse group of colleagues, in the national office and the state offices; and
• Demonstrate Proficiency with Google Drive/ Word/Excel/PowerPoint

 Supervisory Responsibilities: None

 Minimum experience required: At least four years of policy experience, 2 years Hill experience preferred

Education: College degree required  

Salary Range: $75k-$80K        

Travel Required: Minimal

Work Environment: This job operates in an office/home office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and scan/fax machines.

*Note: Our office staff is currently teleworking due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and will continue to do so at least through July 2021. Therefore, the ability to successfully work in a remote environment is essential. When the office reopens, this will be a full-time, in-office position.

Physical Demands: This is a largely sedentary role; however, some packing and shipping of boxes is required. This would require the ability to lift boxes, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Some flexibility in hours is allowed but the employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 9:30AM to 3:30PM and must work 40 hours each week to maintain full time status.

Application Procedure: Only applications with a cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications for the position included will be considered. Click the link to apply.

Council for a Strong America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is seeking a diverse slate of candidates for formal consideration