Government Relations Public Policy Officer

Government Relations Public Policy Officer

Government Relations Public Policy Officer 150 150 cgshr
Council of Graduate Schools
Published
June 8, 2023
Location
Washington
Category
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Janet Fisher
Main Phone
703-533-1533 ext 405

Description

Position Summary

CGS is a leader in the non-profit association in Washington, DC, that focuses on graduate education and research. The Government Relations and Public Policy Officer (GRPP Officer) provides key support to the Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy. The GRPP Officer is responsible for tracking and analyzing federal policies via the legislative and regulatory processes and assists in drafting responses to federal stakeholders. The GRPP Officer takes a proactive role in developing and updating policy and advocacy resources for CGS members that relay the association’s position on policy issues as well as the public value of graduate education. Additionally, coordinating CGS’s Advocacy Hill Day.

Responsibilities

  • Monitors, summarizes, and makes recommendations to the Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy (legislative, executive, and judicial) that align with CGS’s Federal Policy Agenda.
  • Drafts public comment responses to federal policymakers.
  • Serves as CGS staff-lead on graduate education issues pending before the U.S. Department of Education and relevant Congressional Committees that has jurisdiction over higher education issues.
  • Summarizes publications such as reports and white papers from policy think-tank organizations and federal entities.
  • Attends congressional hearings and briefings and provides timely summaries.
  • Attends meetings with federal departments/agencies and Congressional offices with the Associate Vice President, as appropriate.
  • Represents CGS at Higher Education community meetings and DC-based funding coalition meetings (Energy Sciences Coalition, Coalition for National Science Funding, and Taskforce on American Innovation).
  • Procures and drafts legislative and regulatory content for Washington Insights & Highlights newsletter (a bi-monthly newsletter).
  • Coordinates with the Associate Vice President to plan, organize, and execute CGS’s Advocacy Hill Day and assists with organizing quarterly meetings for CGS members and committee members.
  • Assist in scheduling and preparation of CGS and committee members for virtual and in-person meetings with Congress, the White House, and Federal Agencies.
  • Takes the lead on drafting and updating   CGS legislative/policy briefs and works with outside consultants to update the CGS State Snapshots.
  • Work with Associate Vice President and other CGS staff to develop digital content for advocacy resources, such as online tool kits and webinars.
  • Responsible for developing content and dissemination of the government relations biweekly newsletter.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required in Political Science, Public Policy, or a relevant field of study.
  • An Advanced Degree or Professional Degree is required.
  • 5+ years of professional work experience in Congress, a Federal Agency, or non-profit association is strongly preferred.
  • Understanding of legislative, congressional, and regulatory processes and procedures is required.
  • Experience in Higher Education policy issues stemming from the Department of Education and Capitol Hill preferred.
  • Read, interpret, and summarize legislative information and formulate communication for specific audiences for presentation.
  • Background in higher education policy issues a plus.

 

Technical Competencies

 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel. Experience with digital platforms to create infographics/charts such as InDesign is preferred.
  • Proficiency in use of MailChimp, website posting, AMS –Dynamics, and posting on social media platforms.
  • Read, interpret, and summarize legislative information and formulate communications for specific audiences for presentation.

 

Professional Competencies

 

  • Excellent customer service skills and is responsive to CGS’s membership and staff.
  • Displays strong self-initiative and collaborates with the Associate Vice President to advance existing projects and establish new projects.
  • Demonstrates ability to complete projects with a strong sense of time-management and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong ability to multi-task and is flexible when department/association priorities shift.
  • Operates well in a team-based setting and promotes a collaborative environment.

 

Core Competencies

 

  • Judgement:
    • The exercise of critical thinking, analysis and assessment of implications, identification of patterns, making connections of underlying issues, and the ability to apply that analysis to address issues effectively.
  • Communication:
    • Understand and communicate effectively with others using a variety of contexts and formats, which include writing, speaking, reading, listening and interpersonal skills.
  • Organization:
    • Sets priorities, creates goals and timetables to complete required tasks or projects. Tracks progress and makes necessary adjustments to efficiently complete work.
  • Customer Service:
    • Committed to increasing customer satisfaction, sets proper customer expectations, assumes responsibility for solving customer problems, ensures commitments to customers are met.

 

Position Attributes

  • HR Role: Functional Higher Education Advocate and Subject Matter Expert
  • Status & Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
  • Business Unit: Policy & Advocacy
  • Supervisor: AVP, Policy & Advocacy
  • Location: Washington, DC, currently remote
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to work in an office environment. Long periods of sitting; need to be able to lift 10 pounds.

Travel: No travel

 

Salary: $75,000

 

 

Benefits

  • CGS pays 100% of the employee’s premium for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, AD&D coverage, Life Insurance coverage and Long-Term Care coverage.
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Generous paid time off program
  • Hybrid work schedule

 

 

To Apply for this Position

 

Candidates interested in applying for this position must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by Monday, June 19, 2023. The writing sample should be no longer than three pages.

 

Please submit a complete application packet, which includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: cgshr@cgs.nche.edu

 

The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. CGS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.

 

 

How To Apply

Candidates interested in applying for this position must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by Monday, June 19, 2023. The writing sample should be no longer than three pages.

 

Please submit a complete application packet, which includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: cgshr@cgs.nche.edu