Seasonal Government Relations Assistant

AFS-USA is part of a worldwide network of AFS partner organizations that work together to advance global education and foster meaningful connections across cultures. As the network’s largest partner, AFS-USA works to increase the global competency of U.S. citizens by providing a variety of international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities. We are proud of our Staff from our national office in New York City as well as home offices across the county, who collaborate with our more than 2,000 AFS-USA Volunteers to deliver high quality programs and global education resources. These include immersion-based study abroad experiences in over 40 countries worldwide; opportunities to host foreign AFS exchange students; and global learning workshops and curricula for educators, schools and businesses.

AFS-USA works with the Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State to implement several fully funded scholarship programs, including the Congress-Bundestag (CBYX) Program, a US-German government initiative; and the Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES and YES Abroad), a public diplomacy initiative authorized by Congress in the aftermath of September 11, which builds bridges of international understanding between Americans and people in approximately 40 countries with significant Muslim populations; and the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) a language intensive program designed to build a core of US citizens knowledgeable in the languages and cultures of lesser taught languages.

Core responsibilities of the role include coordination and logistical arrangements for Capitol Hill visits that will take place on March 10, 2025. Capitol Hill visits are part of AFS’ larger annual volunteer, staff and alumni training event known as the ECA Programs Workshop which takes place March 4 – 11, 2025, in Washington, DC. The approximate attendee number is 150. The incumbent will work closely with staff, to plan pre-visit orientations, schedule visits with Representative offices, and post-visit follow-up. The Sponsored Programs Seasonal Government Relations Assistant will report to the Sponsored Programs Hosting Specialist leading this program component.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize webinars and develop content to prepare volunteers for Capitol Hill visit prior to the Workshop.
• Schedule in-person meetings with offices of Congressional Representatives and Senators.
• Assist with communications to volunteers leading up to the Workshop.
• Prepare leave-behind materials and packets for Representative and Senate offices.
• Coordinate travel logistics from hotel to the Hill and provide on the ground support while on the Hill.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all event details and attendee lists.
• Supports the Team Lead with information/tasks related to the Workshop.
• Organize post-Capitol Hill visit follow up - gathering notes, staffers contact information and providing guidance for follow-up that volunteers can do in their local communities.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORK EXPECTATIONS:

• The Sponsored Programs Seasonal Government Relations Assistant works remotely from the DC area or the AFS-USA’s NY office (remote or in-person); US remote outside of the D.C. or NYC area considered. Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM Eastern. However, you may work a schedule outside of these hours dependent on the needs of your department. There will be times when hours will be altered due to seasonal fluctuations in workload and may include occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• Requires travel up to 10% time and work on nights and weekends
• The expected duration of this position begins in December and is expected to continue through March 2025. Applicants must commit to the full duration of the position.

SALARY:

• The compensation for this position is $18/hourly. This position is eligible for overtime pay and sick & safe time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1+ year experience in event planning or interest in governmental processes, government relations
• Bachelor's degree in International Relations or Political Science an advantage
• Fluent verbal and written English are a must
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills
• Ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Excellent phone skills
• Ability to work well under pressure on fast-paced projects
• Experience/high level of comfort in an intercultural setting
• Ability to travel to Washington, D.C. for the March 4 - 11, 2025 event
• Ability to work extra hours on some evenings and weekends
• Sense of humor, a great attitude, proactive nature, flexibility and patience are a plus.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

AFS-USA is committed to maintaining a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome employees from all backgrounds to ensure that we have the best, most creative and diverse talent on our team.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

AFS-USA is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. AFS-USA prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including behavior which targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics, such as but not limited to: race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship status, caregiver status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, status as a certified medical marijuana patient or any other legally protected classification.

APPLY:

Please note that only completed applications will be considered. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact our HR Department at ransah@afsusa.org. Only online applications will be accepted.