Job Posting: Government Relations Associate, Consortium of Social Science Associations, Washington DC
Consortium of Social Science Associations Seeks Candidates for Government Relations Associate
Closes March 15, 2016
Position: Government Relations Associate
Organization: Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), nonprofit
Job Location: Washington, DC Start Date: Flexible
Employment Type: Salary, Full Time, Exempt, Registered Lobbyist
Hours per Week: 40
Work Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, some overtime required throughout the year
Starting Salary Range: $50,000-$70,000
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience
Position Closes: March 15, 2016
Position Overview
The Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) is seeking to fill one (1) position for Government Relations Associate. The desired candidate will have at least two (2) years of professional advocacy, policy or related experience. Previous lobbying experience or experience working on Capitol Hill is preferred, though not required.
COSSA’s Government Relations Associates assist the Executive Director with and engage directly in federal advocacy activities on behalf of the COSSA membership and the social and behavioral science research community. The primary functions of this position are (1) to engage in direct lobbying activities and otherwise represent COSSA in interactions with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and Executive agency officials in support of COSSA priorities, and (2) to provide writing, research, communications, administrative, and other support to COSSA in service to its members. The position reports directly to the Executive Director.
Limited out-of-state travel can be expected and varies year to year.
Government Relations Associates will be registered as lobbyists once actions are taken by the staff member to trigger registration under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. § 1601) as amended.
This is a full-time exempt position. In addition to salary, benefits include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, paid annual and personal leave, and employee pension.
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Contribute to COSSA’s legislative efforts, including: researching and analyzing legislation, laws and policies and working to formulate and execute advocacy strategies; monitoring relevant Congressional activities, such as committee hearings, markups, floor debates, and votes, and informing the COSSA membership of
important developments; establishing and maintaining a network of contacts with Congressional staff; and drafting testimony, legislative and report language, amendments, letters, questions for the record, and other documents as needed and when directed.
2. Monitor Executive agency activities, including: establishing and maintaining a network of contacts in Executive Branch agencies; monitoring new or changing research directions or research policy changes that impact social and behavioral scientists; and informing the COSSA membership of relevant agency actions and opportunities.
3. Contribute to and assist with the production and distribution of COSSA’s written and online products, including member messages, website content, blogs, social media, newsletters, action alerts, and annual reports.
4. Represent COSSA externally, including: participating in coalition and community meetings, phone calls, and events; participating in member meetings and events (primarily in the Washington, DC area), which may at times require making a presentation; and responding to member inquiries.
5. Assist with administrative and other supports as directed by the Executive Director.
Required Minimum Skills & Experience
Interest in promoting the social and behavioral sciences.
At least two (2) years of professional advocacy, policy or related experience.
Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process and an ability to assess political situations and assist in the development of strategies to deal with them.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (public speaking and written).
Strong analytical, organizational, and research skills and attention to detail.
Ability to take initiative and work under little direct supervision.
Ability to work well with others in a collaborative environment.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office systems and social media platforms.
BS/BA in a related field.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Familiarity with web-based communications platforms (e.g. Constant Contact and Word Press).
Previous association experience.
Previous direct lobbying experience.
MS/MA or higher in a related field.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter and salary history to jobs@cossa.org by March 15, 2016. Please no unsolicited calls or drop-ins.
About COSSA
COSSA (www.cossa.org) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization serving as a united voice for more than 100 professional associations, scientific societies, research centers and institutes, and colleges and universities who care about a robust social and behavioral scientific research enterprise. We represent the collective science policy interests of all fields of social and behavioral science research, including but not limited to sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, economics, statistics, language and linguistics, population studies,
law, communications, educational research, criminology and criminal justice research, geography, history, and child development.
COSSA is located in downtown Washington, DC.