Clarification from the agency

Administratively Determined, Term-Appointed Position (Employees of the USCC are appointed to administratively determined positions in the "excepted service," are employed on a term basis with a term that typically does not exceed one year (but that is renewable at the option of the Commission), and are not covered under the provisions of 5 United States Code that are applicable to Executive Branch employees regarding appointment, termination, competition, and pay rules and regulations.)

1. Congressional Outreach

• Support the Congressional Liaison in general outreach, ongoing efforts to engage key Member and committee staff, and disseminate Commission research to Congress.
• Identify and work with the congressional staff of Members of Congress to provide Commission content and serve as a resource for them.
• Support the development and implementation of strategies to engage Congressional staff and Members of committees key to the Commission's research. These include, but are not limited to:
  • House and Senate Armed Services Committees; House Foreign Affairs Committee; Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and House Ways and Means Committee.
• Attend congressional hearings, briefings, and staff working groups; prepare memos on the substance of these events; identify potential engagement opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Track developing and pending legislation related to the Commission's mandate; identify opportunities to offer and provide Commission support or research content relevant to the legislation's sponsors and cosponsors.
• Support the development of relevant Commission research products by providing analysis on past or current legislation, interest of Members of Congress, and opportunities for engagement.
• Conduct research on how to make Commission recommendations more "action ready" for the Committees of jurisdiction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• As directed, research, monitor, analyze, and write about developments in the U.S.-China relationship.
• Support the Director for Economics and Trade and the Director for Security and Foreign Affairs on research products prepared by their teams.
• Support other substantive research to support Commission work in selected areas of interest and expertise (existing or developing) and serve as the Commission's subject matter expert in those areas.
• Serve as a contributing author or co-author for staff analysis papers.
• Work with a designated staff lead to support Co-Chairs, senior staff, and team members to organize and execute Commission hearings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Applicants must be eligible for a security clearance. Upon appointment, the selectee will be required to undergo a background investigation, and during the employment period may also be required to obtain and hold a Federal security clearance up to the Top Secret/SCI level. An active clearance is not a prerequisite for applying for or initiating employment.

Qualifications

1. A minimum of 1 year experience working as a Congressional staff member in a position of substantial responsibility related to the Commission (National Security, Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S.-China Relations, International Affairs and Institutions).
2. Experience drafting, coordinating, or analyzing legislation.
3. Expert knowledge of Congress, its structure, and operations.
4. Prior research experience.
5. Knowledge of the People's Republic of China, Chinese strategic culture, and the major features of the U.S.-China relationship.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills, to include the ability to draft and edit reports, memoranda, and other official documents.
7. Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-moving environment, setting and meeting deadlines, and adapting to new priorities.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a strong attention to detail, excellent organization skills, and collegial demeanor.
9. Bachelor's degree or higher.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Commission will conduct internal evaluation based on applicants' cover letter, resume, and writing sample, to include qualifications and relevant experience. The Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, Executive Director, and appropriate staff will interview the top candidates. The Chairman and/or Vice Chairman may interview the final candidates. The final hiring decision will be made by the Executive Director.

Interviews will consist of two parts: 1) in-person interviews with the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, Executive Director, and appropriate staff; and 2) a writing test.