Legislative Assistant

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies that will build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

CBPP is hiring a Legislative Assistant to support the Government Affairs team. Reporting to the Vice President for Government Affairs, the Legislative Assistant will collaborate closely with all members of the Government Affairs team to advance CBPP’s policy and legislative goals. The Legislative Assistant will help track and manage external communications with congressional offices and other national organizations, including helping to respond to requests for information and building and maintaining congressional contact lists. This role will be responsible for drafting a range of materials including talking points, short summary materials, and PowerPoint presentations. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, highly organized, and able to manage multiple tasks across different projects and timelines. Candidates must have excellent writing and communication skills and an interest in working to influence federal budget priorities and issues affecting people with low incomes.

Responsibilities:

• Manage incoming communications from congressional offices, the executive branch, partners, and press. Track emails for time-sensitive requests and information and work with CBPP staff on appropriate follow-up.
• Draft template materials, talking points, memos, and PowerPoints for congressional and executive branch staff, partners, and internal audiences.
• Help maintain communication lists that include congressional staff, executive branch staff, and partners. Support distribution of materials and papers to these lists as needed.
• Track and compile a weekly events calendar, as well as hearings and briefings, for the Government Affairs team and broader CBPP policy teams.
• Provide scheduling support for team members and for coalition work as needed.
• Support the Government Affairs team in meetings, webinars, or other events, which may include taking notes, coordinating relevant follow-up, and drafting email responses.
• Help with other administrative duties including quarterly lobbying disclosure and semi-annual contribution reports.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with ideally one year of experience working in the federal legislative process, either inside or outside government, on legislative issues.
• Ability to grasp new concepts quickly and manage detailed assignments and projects focused on federal budget and low-income issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a team, managing multiple competing priorities and projects, often on a time-sensitive basis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of and passion for CBPP’s policy areas, interest in low-income issues, and a commitment to CBPP’s mission to advance economic and health security and promote racial equity.

CBPP is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule of two in-office days (Tuesday and Wednesday) per week as well as the first Thursday of each month in our Washington, D.C. office.

This position reports to the Vice President for Government Affairs.

Terms of Employment: full-time; exempt; two-year term.

Bargaining Unit Status: this is a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: Salary for the role starts at $55,860 annually and goes up to $60,000, with the exact salary to be determined based on total relevant experience; excellent benefits (including health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, MERP, and DCAP), and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to CBPP’s mission.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.