Legislative Associate
Open Date:
2013-03-21
Close Date:
2013-06-30
Organization:
National Congress of American Indians
Location:
Washington, DC
Skills And Qualifications:
Employee must possess:
- Two or more years of experience in working on Indian policy and/or with American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments;
- The ability to articulate a vision for education and/or workforce development in Indian Country;
- Knowledge of education and/or workforce development issues of relevance to tribal nations;
- Strong writing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
- The ability to take direction and work independently, take initiative within areas of responsibility, as well as provide leadership and direction while working in a team oriented environment;
- Experience with and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high pressure environment; and
- A Bachelor’s degree in education, workforce development, public policy/government, Native American Studies, or a related field.
- Two or more years’ experience in federal policy advocacy, working with Congress and the Administration; and
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including tribal leaders, intertribal organizations, legislative staff, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Duties And Responsibilities:
NCAI is a leader in national legislative affairs. The organization provides essential information and education on key policy initiatives, enhances coordination and consultation with tribal governments, and leads tribal advocacy efforts to unite tribal advocates to promote progressive, proactive Indian policy. We also work to enhance relationships between tribal governments and the federal, state, and local governments in order to better meet the needs of tribal citizens and uphold the government-to-government principals that are essential to the autonomy of tribal governments. The Legislative Associate will lead NCAI’s efforts to advance the priorities of tribal governments in the area of education and/or workforce development.
Under the direction of the NCAI Policy Director, the primary duties of the Legislative Associate include:
- Build relationships with Congressional and agency contacts that are necessary to further the overall mission and responsibilities of NCAI, including responding to Congressional questions, constituent inquiries, and correspondence involving proposed or pending legislation or agency activities;
- Work with other members of the NCAI legislative department to develop policy priorities and implement communications and outreach strategies;
- Develop and implement legislative strategies and tactics to advance NCAI policy priorities at the federal level;
- Develop and maintain relations with key partners, networks, coalitions, and organizations critical to the achievement of the organization’s legislative agenda;
- Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and other materials related to education and/or workforce development policy affecting Indian Country;
- Develop Congressional testimony, legislative analyses and alerts, policy briefs, and other written documents; and
- Develop strong relationships with NCAI partners by convening and regularly communicating with an array of tribes and national, regional, and tribal organizations focused on a broad range of education and/or workforce policy priorities.
Salary And Benefits:
This is a salaried position that offers competitive salary and benefits (including health benefits, 401(k) plan, vacation time, etc.). Salary will be determined based on experience.
Contact Info:
Position will be located at NCAI’s Washington DC offices and is open until filled. Initial application review will include all applications received by April 15, 2011. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample and the names of three references, by email (preferred) or mail to: National Congress of American Indians Attn: Nketia Agyeman 1516 P St, NW Washington, DC 20005 jobs@ncai.org