Legislative Affairs Specialist I/II/III

This position will be filled at the grade commensurate with the knowledge, skills, and experience of the selected applicant.  This is a lobbyist position in the AFSCME Department of Federal Government Affairs. The position is responsible for advancing AFSCME’s federal legislative agenda by developing and maintaining relationships on the Hill and with the administration, building and maintaining relationships with other labor unions and coalition allies, and informing and engaging AFSCME’s affiliates in federal legislative campaigns where appropriate

Duties:

• Acts as a primary liaison with members of congress, their staff and committees of congress; and may appear before congressional committees/groups and travels to state councils to discuss AFSCME legislative agenda.
• Monitors legislative activities, provides analysis and comments on legislation, and advocates for AFSCME’s position on legislation.
• Develops testimony, letters of support, and other written statements and may serve as AFSCME's spokesperson with members of congress, congressional and agency staff, and interest groups.
• In consultation with other relevant departments, assists with drafting and revising legislative language; provides briefings on proposed legislation and amendments proposed during legislative sessions; and keeps relevant departments of apprised of developments.
• Serves as a specialist concentrating on major legislative/regulatory issues. In consultation with department leadership, develops grassroots legislative campaign field plans to engage affiliates and coalition partners in campaigns to advance AFSCME’s major legislative priorities.
• Responds to affiliate and members’ inquiries on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory issues.
• May staff various policy making bodies within AFSCME, as assigned. 
• Represents AFSCME at various professional meetings/gatherings, conducts briefings and workshops at International and affiliate conferences and meetings.
• Prepares legislative summaries and reports for various AFSCME and outside publications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college with course work in political science, economics, public administration, or other related field; advanced degree in such fields, or a law degree is a plus and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in congressional relations, legal, congressional office, or public policy analysis, including management experience. Equivalent experience in another union or similar job setting can be substituted for a portion of the years of experience requirement or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Skills Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge of federal legislative process, advocacy and lobbying, and public policy, which would be acquired normally through extensive work experience with Congress and trade unions.
• Excellent oral/written skills, including public speaking, providing key legislative analysis and testimony.
• Prior supervisory experience. Ability to lead, direct and supervise staff towards department’s legislative goals.
• Advanced knowledge of Congressional and law-making practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of AFSCME, labor unions and advanced understanding of operations at the national, state, and local levels.
• Effective knowledge of computers and software applications.

Travel & Work hours 

• Travel and extended work hours are required.