Clarification from the agency

US Citizens.

Primary responsibilities include working with congressional offices; planning and coordinating events in Congress specific to USCIRF's mandate; providing research on legislation and policy issues; and drafting letters, memos and other documents as requested.

Major Duties

Reporting to the Senior Congressional and Outreach Specialist, the Congressional Relations and Outreach Specialist's primary responsibilities involve the following:

1. Congressional Affairs

• Developing new and strengthening current working relationships with congressional offices by offering USCIRF as a resource for their work, and by providing them with relevant information on a timely basis;
• Preparing and organizing logistics for USCIRF hearings, briefings and special events, including administrative tasks such as scheduling, printing materials, booking rooms, etc.;
• Drafting position papers, background reports, comparisons of laws and bills, and other relevant materials in support of USCIRF's annual outreach and policy workplan;
• Monitoring legislation and legislative activities, including the management of USCIRF's legislative tracker to help USCIRF successfully navigate and adapt to changes within the current policy environment;
• Researching congressional voting records and policy issues and legislation; compiling backgrounders on Members of Congress;
• Attending and/or covering relevant congressional hearings and briefings, and other Hill events;
• Setting up and maintaining a database of contact information for Members of Congress and other relevant actors; and
• Ensuring timely compiling of reports to Director, Executive Director, and Commissioners (Monthly Activities Reports, Commission Meeting Materials).

• Managing USCIRF's partnership with the International Religious Freedom Roundtable by coordinating joint initiatives, handling communication, and attending meetings; and
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with relevant stakeholders inside and outside the U.S. government, including the White House, State Department and other Executive Branch agencies, as well as with foreign officials, domestic and foreign audiences, NGOs, human rights groups and religious organizations, who can provide information, assistance, and support in advancing USCIRF's mission. This includes:
  • Preparing and organizing logistics for meetings and events, including administrative tasks such as scheduling, printing materials, booking rooms, etc.;
  • Updating USCIRF's database of contacts, including the contacts in the U.S. government, Congressional offices, NGOs, academia, and other relevant stakeholders focused on freedom of religion or belief, and related human rights; and
  • Supporting the Director of Outreach and Policy in their outreach efforts to advance USCIRF policy recommendations and to raise awareness of religious freedom conditions globally.

• Working closely with Research and Policy staff on congressional affairs and outreach related tasks;
• Maintaining collaborative relationships with others within and across departments, displaying positive attitude and professional and collegial demeanor;
• Communicating professionally and respectfully both internally and externally, including with Commissioners, Congressional offices, Executive branch officials, the media, and other key stakeholders;
• Supporting Commissioners and Executive Director in their efforts to advance USCIRF's mission; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Minimum 3 years' progressively responsible experience commensurate with duties outlined above.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Satisfactory completion of a background investigation;
• Completion of a probationary period;
• Selectee must be able to meet and maintain suitability and security requirements;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including copy editing; and
• Extreme attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and collegial demeanor.

How you will be evaluated

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

This job is excepted from the competitive civil service. Applicants will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the (1) completeness of the submission of the required materials, (2) relevance and quality of experience and education, and (3) desired qualifications described above.

Pursuant to section 204(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, USCIRF staff members are hired "on the basis of professional and nonpartisan qualifications."