2301 - GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation in excess of $310 million and is governed by a private, bipartisan Board of Directors. This unusual arrangement positions NED to play a unique role as America’s leading foundation for freedom, empowering the institution to be nimble, innovative, and risk-taking in support of democratic activists, civil society organizations, independent media, and the NED family core institutes (the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center).
We seek a motivated, energetic, organized, and resourceful Government Relations Officer who is a mission-oriented team player, and who would be excited to join a fast-paced Government Relations team. This position is based in Washington, D.C.
Position Summary:
The Government Relations Officer will work directly under the Director of Government Relations and the VP of Government Relations to educate and inform the Congress and federal government entities about the work of the NED.
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious institution and team committed to the cause of our time. The ideal candidate will be energized by the idea of being part of an expanding team supporting our brave partners on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach to Capitol Hill, including coordinating and staffing meetings with Congressional staff, members of Congress and federal government officials.
- Assist with the planning and execution of special events and briefings with members of Congress, Congressional staff and federal government officials.
- Develop and maintain relationships with staff in Congressional offices and federal government agencies with an interest in international affairs and democracy support.
- Monitor hearings, markups and legislative developments, and policy initiatives in Congress and in the federal government and communicate updates internally to relevant NED staff and leadership.
- Track NED’s Congressional and federal government outreach efforts and identify opportunities for NED to increase impact.
- Assist NED staff, partners, and fellows in preparation for engagements with Congressional staff, members of Congress, and federal officials.
- Gather information about NED programs and priorities and package into content for NED’s target outreach audience.
- Assist the Director for Government Relations in the preparation of NED’s budget and appropriations compliance and reporting materials for submission to Department of State, the Office of Management & Budget, and Congress as required.
- Develop a professional networking relationship with NED’s core institute partners and other organizations in the democracy and international development space.
- Other special projects and duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in international affairs, international development or related work experience in the field of international relations or foreign policy.
- 4+ years of work experience with at least 1 year in government relations or on Capitol Hill is required.
- Understanding of the legislative and appropriations processes.
- Strong interest in democracy assistance and a desire to gain experience in the international non-profit sector.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Solid organizational skills.
- Represents the organization as a principal contact and often performs project leadership roles.
- Ability to explain, advocate, and express ideas in a convincing manner.
- Attention to detail and ability to multi-task, set priorities, and organize time efficiently.
- Strong ability to be a team player and self-starter, working independently in a multicultural environment.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.
The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion amongst our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.ned.org/careers or careers@ned.org.