Issue Education and External Relations Associate

About LSA:

Lutheran Services in America is one of the nation’s largest national networks of health and human service providers with a mission to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all. With 300 nonprofit organizations across 1,400 U.S. communities. the Lutheran Services in America network advances equitable outcomes for children, youth and families, improves independence and choice for older adults, champions meaningful services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and strengthens stability and purpose for veterans, refugees, new Americans and other special populations. Formed in 1997, Lutheran Services in America brings together a network of leaders, partners and funders to catalyze innovation, strengthen organizational capacity and advance public policy.

The Issue Education and External Relations Associate is responsible for supporting the development and execution of member issue priorities, engagement, and efforts including supporting and assisting with:

• • Legislative research
  • Relationship building with government officials at the federal level
  • Policy analysis and legislative updates
  • Preparing materials for advocacy efforts
  • Preparing materials for membership meetings
  • Communications-related needs and materials
  • Coordinating with internal teams to align with organizational goals, and
  • Member engagement efforts needed to successfully execute advocacy campaigns, communications and meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Legislative Monitoring:
  • Support tracking and analysis of proposed legislation relevant to the organization's interests, including summaries and updates on potential impacts.
  • Relationship Building:
  • Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with government officials and staff by developing targeted contact lists, scheduling meetings, and drafting emails.
  • Additionally, assist in member engagement efforts with our network, identifying and developing relationships with organizations in key legislative districts, and supporting advocacy outreach.
  • Assist in the planning and delivery of the Winter, Spring and Summer LSA-Disability Network meetings.
  • Policy Research and Development:
  • Conduct in-depth research on complex policy issues, including drafting background materials, fact sheets, and briefing papers.
  • Support operation of advisory Policy Committee, including planning virtual and in-person meetings and drafting communications.
  • Advocacy Support:
  • Support preparation of materials to advocate for the organization's positions on key issues as well as follow up from meetings.
  • Support coordination of LSA member fly-ins to Washington, DC, including scheduling meetings, and support site visits in Congressional districts.
  • Coalition Building:
  • Collaborate with colleagues on engagement with coalitions and other organizational partners.
  • Internal Communications:
  • Communicate legislative updates and policy developments to internal stakeholders.
  • Oversee CongressPlus software and organize lists/spreadsheets for coordination across the LSA Network.
  • Support the development of communications-related materials and resources.
  • Assist in monthly newsletter and ongoing communication to the LSA-Disability Network.
  • Administrative Tasks:
  • Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and maintain government relations records.
  • Support advocacy and communications teams including the Disability Network.
  • Maintain LSA-DN membership rosters.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• • Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public affairs, or a related field
  • 1-2 years of related experience
  • Good understanding of the legislative process at the federal level
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to build relationships and effectively interact with diverse stakeholders
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant government relations databases