Primary responsibilities include working with Congressional offices; developing materials specific to USCIRF's mandate, including fact sheets and summaries of legislation; providing research on legislation and policy issues; and drafting letters, memos and other documents as requested.

This is not an entry-level position.

Major Duties

Reporting to the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, the Senior Congressional Relations Specialist's primary responsibilities include:

• Attending and/or covering Congressional hearings and Hill events;
• Preparing and coordinating USCIRF hearings, briefings and special events;
• Drafting testimony, legislation, position papers, background reports, comparisons of laws and bills, and other relevant materials;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with Congressional offices and working effectively with these offices, including providing staff with information on a timely basis;
• Monitoring legislation and legislative activities;
• Researching legislation, Congressional voting records and policy issues; compiling backgrounders on Members of Congress Managing USCIRF's Congressional Calendar;
• Overseeing Congressional Affairs Interns;
• Editing USCIRF publications (policy papers, fact sheets, feature articles, special reports, etc.);
• Ensuring timely compiling of reports to CA&C Director, Executive Director, and Commissioners (Monthly Activities Reports, Commission Meeting Materials);
• Work closely with policy staff on congressional affairs related tasks; and
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications.

Conditions of employment

Key Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Resume and supporting documents (see How to Apply).
• Satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• Completion of a probationary period.
• Selectee must be able to meet and maintain suitability and security requirements.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, along with at least four (4) years of substantive experience in relevant areas that demonstrate commensurate experience;
• Experience working with or in Congressional offices on international relations or foreign policy;
• Extensive understanding of the legislative process and experience in analyzing and summarizing legislation;
• Knowledge of international relations and foreign policy, with a primary focus on religious freedom or human rights;
• Ability to perform legal analysis and summarize the analysis;
• Experience in organizing and doing briefings, consultations, and other presentations;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Exercise sound judgment and critical thinking;
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and collegial demeanor; and
• Proven experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

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."