JOB TITLE:                           Policy Associate/Policy Specialist

PROGRAM:                          State-Federal Affairs

LOCATION:                         Washington, D.C.

SALARY:                               $4,199-$4,708+/month depending on experience

ABOUT NCSL: 

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and legislative staff of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues.  Our mission is to serve state legislatures and other intergovernmental groups by providing support, promoting fresh ideas, connecting legislators and staff with experts and each other, and provide a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system. Since its founding in 1975, NCSL's staff has grown from 15 employees to over 150 employees in its offices in Denver, CO and Washington, D.C.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The policy associate/policy specialist will provide support on federal telecommunications, finance, cybersecurity, insurance, sports betting, and technology issues as well as assist in staffing the conference’s Cybersecurity Task Force, Insurance Task Force and Communications, Financial Services, and Interstate Commerce Committee. The policy associate/policy specialist will engage in federal advocacy, serve as a liaison between state legislators and the federal government, and support the Committee Director in event planning, information requests, and writing projects.

This position is housed in NCSL’s State-Federal Division and the successful candidate will work under the direction of the Committee Director for the Communications, Financial Services, and Interstate Commerce Committee.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Monitors federal legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect states;
2. Attends briefings, congressional hearings, coalition meetings, seminars, and other meetings on issues pertaining to Committee issues;
3. Prepares written summaries, analyses, and other background materials on federal legislative and regulatory initiatives and on meetings attended;
4. Writes periodic memoranda for Committee staff, legislators, and legislative staff on state-federal issues, as directed;
5. Makes oral presentations to the NCSL Communications, Financial Services, and Interstate Commerce Committee, and to other groups as assigned;
6. Assists in drafting testimony, comments on regulations, letters to Congress, and other correspondence related to federal legislative and regulatory initiatives;
7. Provides analytical support and assists with researching, compiling, and drafting background materials for research projects, meetings, conferences, and workshops;
8. Prepares concise and accurate oral/written responses to legislative requests for information as well technical assistance to state legislatures;
9. Assists Committee Director with planning and conducting Committee meetings;
10. Assists with other project and program tasks as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, copy machines, scanners and smartphones.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, lift small objects up to 50 lbs., open filing cabinets and bend, stoop, or stand on a stool as necessary.  Requires the ability to travel locally, regionally and nationally, including overnight and weekends.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.