This position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing lobbying efforts with Members of Congress, the federal executive branch and other national policy makers to support NEA’s legislative policies.  The position is in the Center for Advocacy, Government Relations department.

POSITION SUMMARY:  The essential functions of this position include developing and maintaining effective bipartisan working relationships with Members of Congress, the federal executive branch, and other national policy-makers. The incumbent advocates and coordinates support for NEA's position on federal policies and legislation, develops strategies and approaches for effective advocacy, and researches, analyzes, and evaluates federal issues, legislation, rules and regulations.  The incumbent also researches legislative issues and assists in the development of testimony, legislation, position papers, and reports; and works collaboratively within the Government Relations team, and with NEA leaders, state affiliates and field staff to be influential in the legislative process in support of the Association's federal legislative program. In addition, the incumbent makes oral presentations and attends political events, assists on campaigns and evaluates NEA's position on education, racial and social justice, and related legislative policies important to NEA, its affiliates and its members. To carry out responsibilities, the employee uses a computer and/or laptop, associated software, other office technology and travels occasionally.

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), THE FOLLOWING IS PROVIDED:_ The position involves analytical and problem-solving skills; use of clear and articulate speech; written/oral communication skills; interpersonal and customer service skills; moderate lifting (up to 25 lbs.); use of a computer keyboard; sitting/standing for long periods and ability to travel by various means, e.g., train, plane, automobile._

Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS: MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained.  Relevant advanced degree preferred.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Five years professional lobbying experience involving political action or government relations at federal or state level. Experience in public policy advocacy at the state or federal level or experience in legislative or executive branch work at the state or federal level or Capitol Hill lobbying experience or combination of the above qualifies.  OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Writing samples (testimony, position papers, etc.), or samples of recent work products may be required at time of interview.  Availability to work evenings or weekends on short notice, helpful. Some travel required.

Required Experience

SELECTION CRITERIA: TIER 1 (ESSENTIAL): Extensive working knowledge and experience on Capitol Hill or with Congressional and executive branch processes and procedures. Demonstrated knowledge of education, social and economic justice issues. Proven federal legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.  Demonstrated experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating federal issues, rules, regulations and legislation. Demonstrated high-level and effective interpersonal skills, including ability to establish and maintain effective bipartisan working relationships, and proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams.  Experience in and willingness to work in a frenetic and fluid legislative/political environment.  Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions. TIER 2 (SIGNIFICANT):  Knowledge of federal legislative process.  Established relationships with key Congressional staff for both Democrats and Republicans, as well as other education and progressive advocacy organizations.  Proven awareness of current political environment and on-going strategic implications that affect NEA’s legislative and political activities.  TIER 3 (DESIRABLE):   Established relationships with Congressional Black Caucus. Demonstrated ability of reaching out and strategically utilizing grassroots membership to advance a policy agenda.  Knowledge of Government Relation’s mission and strategic objectives.

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NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.

QUALIFICATIONS: MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained.  Relevant advanced degree preferred.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Five years professional lobbying experience involving political action or government relations at federal or state level. Experience in public policy advocacy at the state or federal level or experience in legislative or executive branch work at the state or federal level or Capitol Hill lobbying experience or combination of the above qualifies.  OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Writing samples (testimony, position papers, etc.), or samples of recent work products may be required at time of interview.  Availability to work evenings or weekends on short notice, helpful. Some travel required.