Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified U.S. Citizens. This is an Administratively Determined, Term-Appointed Position (The initial term of appointment is one year and is renewable at the Commission's option. The position is not covered by provisions of 5 USC that apply to Executive Branch employees regarding appointment, termination, competitive service selection, and pay related rules and regulations.)

1. Engage with Members of Congress and their staff to assess interests in order to provide: (1) briefings by Commissioners; (2) Commission work products including the Annual Report; and (3) support Congressional policy, awareness, and engagement on matters related to the People's Republic of China and the statutory mandate of the Commission.
2. Manage all communications with the media including: (1) speaking with reporters; (2) preparing Commissioners for interviews; (3) drafting press releases; and (4) collaborating with Commission staff on editorials and speeches for Commissioners.
3. Manage administrative Hill related work including arrangements of Congressional hearing rooms for Commission hearings, scheduling member meetings and managing the yearly presentation of the Commission's Annual Report to media and Members of Congress.
4. Identify, track and maintain a weekly summary of legislative actions regarding matters within the statutory mandate of the Commission.
5. Prepare background memos and info-briefs on mandated issues to support Commissioner and staff engagement with Congress and the public.
6. Prepare background material and engage with Congressional offices to explain Commission processes, budget, and impact.
7. May be assigned part time or full time supervisory responsibility over an employee or fellow, or over the work of other Commission employees in support of the Commission communications and congressional requirements.

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. Experience and ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
2. At least two years of experience which has developed knowledge of Congress, its structure, and operations.
3. Experience working as a Congressional staff member in a position of substantial responsibility. (Experience working on issues pertaining to China or the Asia-Pacific Region is preferred.)
4. Proven and demonstrable experience and ability to present written and oral information clearly and concisely. Strong writing and editing skills are required.
5. Knowledge of the People's Republic of China, Chinese culture, and the major features of the U.S.-China relationship.

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 an internal evaluation based on applicants' cover letter and resume, to include qualifications and relevant experience. The 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, with concurrence from the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

Initial interviews will consist of two parts: 1) in-person interviews with the Executive Director and appropriate staff; and 2) an in-person writing test.