Federal Legislative Affairs Director

About FAMM:

How would you like to work in a highly rewarding job in a fun fast-paced work environment with great

people, and try to make the world a better place at the same time? Consider joining FAMM!

Since 1991, FAMM has helped secure some of the most important sentencing reforms at the federal and

state level, including the federal First Step Act of 2018, as well as efforts to repeal or reform drug

mandatory minimum sentences in Michigan, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania,

Maryland, Georgia, California and Iowa. The defining characteristic of FAMM’s advocacy remains its

emphasis on the human cost of counterproductive sentencing and prison policies. For more than three

decades FAMM has shared the stories of families and individuals directly affected by these policies and

advocated for more cost-efficient and humane approaches to protecting public safety.

Job Summary:

The Federal Legislative Affairs Director supports FAMM’s policy goals by setting and implementing a

legislative outreach strategy on Capitol Hill, drafting key legislative proposals, and coordinating federal

advocacy efforts. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role involves managing relationships with

FAMM’s coalition partners, overseeing contracted lobbyists, developing relationships with key members

on the Hill, and representing FAMM at key events both on and off Capitol Hill.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

1. Federal Legislative Priority Setting
   • Collaborate with the General Counsel and Vice President of Policy to establish FAMM’s annual federal legislative priorities, aligning them with FAMM’s mission and advocacy goals.
2. Legislative Outreach Strategy
   • Develop and execute a strategic outreach plan on Capitol Hill to advance FAMM’s federal policy agenda, strengthening relationships with key legislative stakeholders.
3. Legislation Drafting
   • Draft federal legislation and amendments to support FAMM’s policy objectives, ensuring language reflects the organization’s goals and effectively addresses legislative needs.
4. Federal Lobby Day Coordination
   • Organize and coordinate federal lobby days as needed, facilitating effective engagement and advocacy with policymakers.
5. Representation and Advocacy
   • Represent FAMM at events on and off Capitol Hill, advocating for policy changes and increasing FAMM’s visibility among policymakers and stakeholders.
6. Coalition Building
   • Work closely with FAMM’s coalition partners on federal legislative priorities, building collaborative relationships that support shared advocacy goals.
7. Lobbyist Management
   • Oversee FAMM’s contracted federal lobbyists, ensuring their efforts align with FAMM’s legislative strategy and objectives.
8. Bipartisan Relationships
   • FAMM is a nonpartisan organization committing to advancing criminal justice reform through bipartisan engagement and collaboration. The person filling this role must be comfortable working with offices across the political spectrum.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Political Science, or a related field required; an advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in federal policy, legislative strategy, or advocacy, with a strong understanding of Capitol Hill dynamics. Strong preference for someone with direct Hill experience, but not a requirement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in criminal justice or social justice reform.
• Demonstrated success in federal policy advocacy or legislative work.
• Enthusiasm for being a presence on Capitol Hill, connecting with members and their staff.

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and expertise in legislative drafting and outreach on Capitol Hill.
• Strong communication skills with experience in public speaking and advocacy.
• Ability to coordinate complex events and facilitate collaborative efforts with coalition partners.
• Knowledgeable in managing lobbyists and legislative affairs at the federal level.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort with public speaking and being the “face” of FAMM on the Hill.
• Attention to detail and strong self-management skills.
• High adaptability and a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence

Competitive benefits available