Senior Legislative Specialist, Federal Affairs

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Senior Legislative Specialist, Federal Affairs for its affiliate Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF). In this position you will develop legislative strategy and promote the legislative goals of the HSLF to Congressional offices and committees. You will provide guidance to other legislative staff while leading on multiple issues, and lead on appropriations issues as designated.

Responsibilities:

• Works with the President, Vice President and Director, Legislative Affairs of HSLF to develop strategic priorities that include working with Congressional members to pass animal welfare legislation and to defend against attacks to weaken animal protection laws. Implements these priorities and helps junior legislative staff navigate the legislative process;
• Promotes the HSLF’s legislative goals to Congressional offices and committees focusing on authorizing and appropriating language. Provides regulatory lobbying support;
• Monitors and tracks relevant legislative proposals, Congressional briefings, and hearings;
• Alerts appropriate program, campaign, regulatory, litigation, and communications staff of opportunities to advance or defeat legislative measures. Provides information on timing of legislative actions and in coordination with outreach and state affairs, drafts alerts for grassroots actions;
• Works in coordination with the HSUS’ public relations department to review press releases, op-eds, and other media materials as related to federal legislations. Provides media interviews as needed;
• Works to develop coalitions with a variety of political organizations and associations where common interests intersect. Represents the legislative agenda and strategy of the HSLF within these coalitions;
• Drafts action alerts, fact sheets, blogs, and other outreach materials for distribution to the activist network. Drafts materials for outreach to Congressional offices;
• Contributes to testimony for Congressional hearings and drafts questions for Congressional hearings;
• Assists in planning Hill events, including Legislator Awards, Briefings, and TAFA Lobby Day.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience required;
• A minimum of four (4) years of federal government relations or lobbying experience required; experience working in the legislative branch preferred;
• Strong knowledge of federal legislative process, appropriations process, committee work, and floor procedures;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) including Share Point;
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive;
• Ability to multitask and be flexible with regard to workload and assignments;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and making presentations;
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes;
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member in a team environment;
• Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Please upload your resume and cover letter as one document.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE