National League Of Cities Washington, D.C.
The National League of Cities is seeking an experienced professional to lead the organization’s advocacy before Congress and the federal agencies on human development policy matters, including employment, education, social services, health, and poverty reduction. Reports to the Director, Federal Advocacy.
Examples of Work
- Develops and implements advocacy strategies to protect and promote the local government role in federal human development policy matters in a manner consistent with NLC National Municipal Policy and organizational objectives.
- Facilitates the development of NLC’s policy positions on relevant issues working through assigned policy committees and in consultation with other NLC groups, including the Board, the Advisory Council, constituency groups, and member councils.
- Works collaboratively with national organizations, the state municipal leagues, and other groups as appropriate to achieve NLC’s advocacy goals in these issue areas.
- Identifies emerging issues and establishes strategies to enhance the understanding of federal policy across the larger membership, the Department, and the organization.
- Monitors status of federal legislation, reviews and drafts legislation, and assesses possible impact of pending legislation on local governments and NLC.
- Reviews and analyzes proposed federal agency regulations and submits comments to agencies on behalf of NLC in response to proposals.
- Prepares congressional testimony for NLC and city officials and may testify before Congress or in other venues on NLC policy positions.
- Prepares articles for NLC’s e-newsletters, blog posts, and other publications, as well as materials for posting on NLC’s website and for use by municipal officials, state league staff, congressional offices, NLC Board of Directors, federal advocacy committees, and other national organizations regarding NLC legislative and regulatory activities.
- Plans and coordinates workshops and general sessions at NLC’s two annual conferences, the City Summit and the Congressional City Conference, on related topics.
- Guides the development of short and long-term policy priorities and goals, and ensures the consistency and quality of committee agendas, materials, education, and guidance
- Acts as a resource to other NLC staff on legislative and regulatory issues and strategies.
- May supervise other staff, including defining goals and priorities and providing leadership and direction.
- Some travel required.Performs other related duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in political science, urban affairs, public administration or related field; master’s or law degree required; minimum eight years progressively responsible relevant work experience, on Capitol Hill or with a public interest association, federal agency, or working for a local government in related areas; extensive experience with federal legislative process; supervisory experience preferred, or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of workings of all levels of government, issues of importance to local governments, workings of public interest associations; ability to analyze and communicate these issues effectively; ability to develop and implement lobbying strategies on a variety of issues; ability to build coalitions; ability to take responsibility and demonstrate an adherence to organizational policies and procedures; ability to be collaborative and provide guidance and assistance to other staff; excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication and organizational skills; and the ability to interact effectively with local elected officials, federal agency and Congressional officials and staffs, and all levels of NLC staff.
About National League Of CitiesThe National League of Cities was founded in 1924 and is the country’s oldest, largest and most representative organization serving municipal governments. The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. Working in partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues, NLC serves as a resource to and an advocate for the more than 19,000 cities, villages and towns it represents. We currently have 95 employees dedicated to making cities better.