Legislative Assistant/Legislative Counsel - Washington, DC

Legislative Assistant/Legislative Counsel

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: Professional/Administrative

POSITION OVERVIEW

District of Columbia
Councilmember Mary M. Cheh is seeking to hire a legislative
assistant/legislative counsel for the Committee on Government Operations
and
the Environment. These services include the drafting, monitoring, and
analysis
of legislation, preparation of legislative or legal memorandums on the
interpretation of legislation. The Committee reviews, analyzes, and makes
recommendations to the full Council relative to legislation that is
officially
referred. Committee staff are responsible for preparing the Committee Chair
in
the conduct of hearings on proposed legislation and oversight matters.
Staff
are further asked to respond to problems that exist or may arise within
District agencies; directly respond to constituent requests; review
proposed
contracts and reprogramming; exercise oversight over executive agencies and
boards; and staff the Chair for annual performance and budget hearings. The
Committee on Government Operations currently has oversight of the following
Executive agencies: the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, the
Department
of Human Resources, the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the Board
of
Elections and Ethics, the Office of Property Management, the Department of
the
Environment, and several other related agencies.

POSITION ATTRIBUTES

The incumbent is
expected to:

Serve as the resident
legislative and/or legal expert on the legislative history of programs,
functions, and activities of the departments, agencies, offices assigned to
the
staff member.

Write legislation,
amendments, committee reports, public hearing questions, opening
statements,
and presentation and discussion points for legislative and Committee
meetings.

Consult with
Executive Branch officials, other Council offices, citizen and business
stakeholders and advocacy groups on proposed or pending legislation.

Analyze and review
proposed operating and capital budgets and other financial information
associated with the assigned departments, agencies, offices or programs of
the
Committee.

Respond to oral
and/or written inquires from the general public, business leaders, advocacy
groups to the Committee or its members.

Investigate the
issues, review pending legislation and compose correspondence.

INCUMBENT ATTRIBUTES

Applicants must have
a bachelor’s degree in a field of study directly related to public policy
development such as public administration, public policy and other related
fields of study that exhibit the possession of the skills and competencies
for
a legislative position assigned to a Council Committee. An advanced degree
in
public policy or public administration or a Law Degree is a plus. The
successful incumbent will also have expertise, knowledge, or experience in
the
programs, functions, and activities of the agencies assigned to the
Government
Operations Committee. In some cases candidate will possess knowledge of
federal
and District laws as well as knowledge of the organizational and
operational
environment of the District government. In either case education or
experience
must show both breadth and depth and demonstrate the possession of the
organizational skills and competencies.

Skills and
Competencies required:

Adaptability –
Demonstrates the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions or
performance
expectations. Maintains productivity while performing multiple assignments.
Effectively evaluates and uses new ideas to enhance results.

Accountability –
Accepts accountability for achieving results and takes responsibility for
outcomes. Identifies ways to enhance individual and group performance in
order
to make greater contributions to the Council. Takes a proactive approach,
anticipating and addressing issues before they arise.

Communications –
Communicates with individuals and groups effectively and professionally
(verbally and in writing). Makes clear and convincing oral presentations.
Listens effectively and clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear
concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

Judgment –
Analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate
conclusions. Considers possible implications and alternatives when making
decisions and takes into account other perspectives before making a
decision.

Organizing
Work – Approaches work in a methodical manner. Keeps track of details to
ensure work is performed accurately and is completed on time. Allocates
time
and resources effectively and coordinates efforts with all affected
parties.

Research – Utilizes
the appropriate assumptions, methods and analytical approaches to obtain
requested information. Demonstrates the ability to analyze collected
information and provide recommendations on how the information should be
used,
shared, and documented.

PERFORMANCE
ENVIRONMENT

This position
requires work in a high paced, team environment that is also sometimes
stressful with minimal supervision. All work is primarily performed in an
office setting. Performance expectations will be developed with the
Committee Director
and Chairperson of the Committee.

SALARY INFORMATION

Salary is
commensurate with experience.

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION

This position
requires residency in the District of Columbia, or willingness to relocate
within 6 months of start date.

APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a cover
letter, resume, and writing sample to Anthony Lopez (alopez@dccouncil.us)by
close of business
on Friday – February 11, 2011. Please reference “Legislative
Assistant/Legislative Counsel Position” in the subject
line. Please send all documents in one PDF file or Word
file. No calls please.