Government Affairs Associate

Who We Are: 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 200 organizations which promotes and protects civil and human rights in America.  The Leadership Conference has coordinated national lobbying efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957.  To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US.  Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower advocates to push for progressive change in the US.  To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

About the Role:

The Government Affairs Associate will work with the Government Affairs Department staff on a variety of policy-related tasks, supports the work of identified issue-based teams, and provides research and analysis to the Executive Vice President of Government Affairs.

The position will report to the Managing Director of Government Affairs and is part of the collective bargaining unit.

What You Will Do:

• Draft and send materials on various policy issues, including fact sheets and letters to Congress and federal agencies
• Coordinate and supervise the transmission of materials to members of Congress, including advocacy letters from The Leadership Conference on pending legislation
• Research a range of civil and human rights policy issues including legislative and educational materials
• Serve as the staff representative for the Government Affairs Department at relevant Leadership Conference task force meetings, legislative hearings, coalition meetings, conference calls, meetings with agency and legislative staffs, and other events, networks, conferences, and meetings
• Work closely with identified issue-based teams, including Fair Courts and Voting, to coordinate and support meetings, including team and coalition meetings, as well as briefings
• Manage policy related vendor contracts and assist with managing the departmental budget and expenses, including timely submission, and tracking of invoices
• Develop and maintain relationships with coalition members and partners, as well as congressional staff

What You Will Bring:

• At least 2 years of legislative experience with a civil rights organization, congressional office, or related experience
• A bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in an administrative or executive assistant role where duties included schedule management, office coordination, and/or project management
• The ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and to handle complex and competing administrative priorities under tight deadlines
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to pay attention to detail
• Experience in MS Office including Word and Excel, Google Drive applications, database systems, and Internet research tools
• Strong written and verbal communications skills with a high degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Robust skillset in planning and coordination with various levels within an organization as well as external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, sound judgement, confidentiality, and discretion
• Desire and ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to get along well with all staff
• A demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights

What We Offer:

The Organizations offer its staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous personal leave and vacation time.  Staff members can also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and a retirement savings account.

Salary Range – $65,380 – $70,079, dependent on years of related experience.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter.

 Office Re-opening Statement

Currently, staff has the option to work from the office or home while we determine our long-term policy on remote and hybrid work. Please note this position is not permanently remote and over time the person filling this role may be required to work on occasion or regularly from the Washington, DC-based office.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace 

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are committed to providing equal
employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.