Congressional Affairs Officer - Climate Crossroads Fellowship

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

NAS Building

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: the opportunity,the office,special projects & events,congressional relations,strategy & collaboration,experience,knowledge,skills,education

Full time

$97,240 - $151,935 Annually

Overview: <strong>Req. #: R0001979<br /><br />The Office<br /><br /></strong>The Office of Congressional and Government Affairs (OCGA) is the principal liaison between the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and Capitol Hill. The Climate Crossroads (CCX) is a major new initiative to harness the expertise and skill across the National Academies to highlight actions to meet the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of climate change. The Legislative Fellows Program within CCX will provide educational opportunities for Congressional staff to learn about the science and impacts of climate change across disciplines and sectors. <br /><br /><strong>The Opportunity<br /></strong><br />The Congressional Affairs Officer develops strategy and oversees special projects and events, with an emphasis on establishing and leading a new bipartisan, bicameral climate fellowship program for current Congressional staff. The fellowship program will build capacity for science and analysis-informed decision making across a broad spectrum of issues relevant to climate change (e.g., infrastructure, finance, health, security, agriculture), while serving as a professional development and networking opportunity for participants. <br /><br />Primary responsibilities of this position will include working with leadership to establish the strategic goals and implementation plan for the fellowship program, coordinating a staff team to execute the program, aligning the program with emerging policy making needs, recruiting Congressional staff and speakers to participate in the program, and maintaining sustained engagement with participants.<br /><br />Other duties may include negotiating legislative requests for National Academies' work, preparing witnesses for hearings, leading congressional outreach on National Academies&rsquo; activities, and monitoring relevant legislation and policy trends.
Responsibilities: <p><strong>Special Projects and Events</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Develops special projects and events, including establishing and leading a new climate fellowship for Congressional staff. Arranges and attends meetings and events to foster connections and increase stakeholders&rsquo; familiarity with the mission of the National Academies and the Climate Crossroads initiative. Oversees travel and other logistics for meetings.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Congressional Relations</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Identifies key Congressional stakeholders for outreach on relevant Academies work and the Climate Crossroads initiative. Arranges briefings on Capitol Hill, maintains communications with staff, and responds to Congressional inquiries.&nbsp; As needed, provides assistance on legislative text and requests for hearing witnesses, etc. and strategizes with Academies leadership and colleagues on approach. Monitors relevant legislation.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Strategy and Collaboration</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Advises National Academies&rsquo; staff regarding Congressional activities and interests. Follows progress of relevant Academies&rsquo; activities from conception to completion and advises on opportunities for Congressional engagement, relevance to policymakers, etc.&nbsp; Develops and delivers presentations to staff groups, Academy members, and other internal stakeholders.</p> </li> </ul>
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</strong> &nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <p>Knowledge of Congressional legislative and oversight processes, and the jurisdiction and composition of committees relevant to the mission of the National Academies and climate-related policy issues. Ability to interact in a nonpartisan fashion with Congressional Members and staff, other government leaders and external stakeholders. Knowledge and experience in government relations and legislative process.</p> </li> <li> <p>Collaboration: Strong ability to work successfully in a Team Environment</p> </li> <li> <p>Communication: Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.</p> </li> <li> <p>Problem Solving: Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality, ingenuity and application of extensive procedures, precedents, and rules.&nbsp; Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action.&nbsp; Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements:</strong> &nbsp;Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience:</strong> &nbsp;Eight years of related professional experience. Preferred experience: 10 years of related professional experience, with at least 4 years of experience working as senior Congressional staff and/or managing an educational, professional development or fellowship program.<br /><br /></p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities:</strong> &nbsp;Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time and ability to travel.</p> <p><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:</strong> &nbsp;None.</p> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:</strong> &nbsp;Reports to the Deputy Director, OCGA. Sets objectives with supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Work Environment:&nbsp;</strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage a minimum of 20%, with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p> <p><strong>Compensation: </strong>The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $97,240 - $151,935. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The National Academies&rsquo; Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:</strong></p> <p>To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies&rsquo; staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.</p>