National Assoc of Counties

Compensation

Full Description

About the Position: The Associate Legislative Director – Human Services & Education – supports NACo’s advocacy work by managing, developing and executing on policy issues relating to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. The ideal candidate has experience working on Capitol Hill or in a legislative, policy or advocacy setting and thrives in a politically dynamic, bipartisan environment. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of the U.S. political system and an interest in the intersection of federal, state and local government. NACo offers a collaborative, fast-paced workplace with a bipartisan, mission-driven team dedicated to strengthening America’s counties.    Key Responsibilities:  * Develops and implements legislative and advocacy strategies on human services and education policy issues outlined in the American County Platform.  * Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the legislative process, including the federal budget and appropriations.  * Represents NACo’s policy positions to the Legislative and Executive branches, monitoring and analyzing legislation and regulations affecting counties.  * Relays relevant legislative information to county officials, prepares testimony for committee hearings, attends mark-ups, and liaises with public interest groups to coordinate advocacy efforts and build support for NACo’s priorities.  * Works closely with associate legislative directors and assists with developing lobbying strategies for NACo’s priority legislative issues across various policy areas.  * Presents human services and education-related issues to NACo members on national webinar, meetings of state associations of counties and stakeholder conferences, providing both information and guidance for grassroots lobbying efforts in Washington.  * Regularly prepares written communications, including articles for County News, blog posts, and email updates to congressional offices and county officials.  * Plans and organizes meetings, seminars, and follow-up activities held in conjunction with NACo conferences and other association events.  * Serves as a liaison to NACo-affiliated organizations, communicating legislative developments.  * Perform administrative duties, including maintaining legislative files, records for the Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee, and responding to legislative inquiries from members. * Manage legislative assistant/associate, including through providing professional development opportunities and chances to lead on projects. * Performs other duties as assigned.  Liaison Role: Serve as primary staff liaison to the Human Services & Education Policy Steering Committee and Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs. Work closely with legislative assistant/associate to lead and coordinate the activities of these groups, including meetings, fly-ins, NACo conferences, stakeholder briefings and other events.       Qualifications:  * Bachelor’s degree plus four years of progressively responsible experience in a legislative or advocacy-related role, or a master’s degree plus two years of experience, or seven years of relevant experience.  * Thorough knowledge of federal transportation and infrastructure policies.  * Strong understanding of intergovernmental relations and the functions of government at all levels.  * Deep familiarity with the legislative process and grassroots advocacy’s impact on policy outcomes.  * Detailed knowledge of county structure and government.  * Self-motivated, creative, and a team player.  * Strong oral and written communication skills.  * Excellent skills in conceptualization, planning, and follow-through.  * Strong advocacy abilities and sound political judgment.  * Sensitivity and tact in dealing with diverse groups.  * Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.      Preferred Attributes:  * Prior professional experience on Capitol Hill, within a federal agency, local government or related policy organization   Location and Travel: This position is based in Washington, D.C., with opportunities for travel to conferences, meetings, and partner engagements. The Association currently offers hybrid workplace options, based on job function and performance, with an emphasis on leadership and teammate engagement and performance.      Salary: Annual Base of $85,000