Policy/Legislative Specialist

**Job Code:** PRO‑PR‑04T
**Location:** Client/Arlington, VA
**Employee Type:** Exempt, Full‑Time Regular
**Telework:** Partial
**Citizenship:** US Citizenship Required
**Salary Range:** $92,565.62 – $106,450.00

Are you passionate about advancing national cybersecurity and infrastructure security priorities through clear, strategic, and analytically driven communications?

Ripple Effect is seeking an experienced Policy/Legislative Specialist to support the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This role supports CISA’s mission by analyzing and tracking legislation, supporting congressional reporting and correspondence, and executing strategic communications and media coordination related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security initiatives.

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## Responsibilities

– **Legislative Affairs Support** — Support CISA’s Legislative Affairs efforts by tracking, monitoring, and analyzing legislation related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security. Assess the potential impact of legislative proposals and assist in preparing congressional correspondence, briefings, reports, and responses in support of agency priorities.

– **Strategic Communications Execution** — Independently execute advanced strategic communications projects with minimal supervision. Conduct thorough research and analysis—including stakeholder perspectives, audience insights, and external environment assessments—to inform messaging approaches and communication strategies.

– **Issue Analysis & Policy Support** — Lead complex issue analysis related to cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and DHS operational priorities. Develop data‑driven insights and recommendations to inform leadership decision‑making and legislative or strategic communications efforts.

– **Data Analysis & Measurement** — Lead analytical efforts by collecting, interpreting, and synthesizing relevant data—such as engagement metrics, legislative trends, stakeholder activity, and external indicators—to forecast interest, measure effectiveness, and refine strategic approaches.

– **Documentation & Reporting** — Prepare clear, comprehensive documentation and reports summarizing analyses, findings, and outcomes. Maintain organized records of legislative tracking, communications products, and analytical inputs to support continuity and institutional knowledge.

– **Regulatory & Contractual Compliance** — Ensure all activities and materials comply with applicable laws, regulations, contractual requirements, and DHS policies, including privacy, ethics, and communication standards. Complete all required compliance training and follow established procedures.

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## Requirements
### Minimum Education and Experience

– **Bachelor’s Degree** in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, International Relations, Homeland Security, or a related field; Master’s (MA or MBA) preferred
– **Minimum 6 Years Experience** supporting legislative analysis, strategic communications, policy analysis, or government affairs
– **Experience Reviewing Legislation**, regulations, or policy proposals and assessing potential organizational or operational impacts
– **Ability to Obtain DHS Fitness Determination**

### Basic Requirements

– **Legislative Summarization Skills** — Ability to summarize legislative content clearly and accurately for non‑technical or executive audiences
– **Written Response & Briefing Support** — Experience developing written responses, briefing materials, talking points, or correspondence
– **Analytical Skills** — Ability to synthesize complex information and identify risks, implications, and opportunities
– **Communication Skills** — Excellent written and verbal communication with attention to accuracy, clarity, and consistency
– **Independent Work Capability** — Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities
– **Federal or Contractor Experience** — Experience working in or supporting federal agencies, government contractors, or regulated environments
– **Microsoft Office Proficiency** — Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office, Teams, and SharePoint
– **Citizenship Requirement** — Must be a U.S. citizen

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## Skills That Set You Apart

– **DHS/CISA Experience** — Experience supporting DHS, CISA, or other national/homeland security organizations
– **Advanced Legislative Impact Analysis** — Experience assessing operational, technical, or policy impacts of cybersecurity or infrastructure legislation
– **Political Acumen** — Strong understanding of congressional processes and executive‑branch governance
– **Senior‑Level Briefing Preparation** — Experience preparing materials for leadership or external stakeholders
– **Policy Translation Skills** — Ability to translate legislative or policy developments into actionable insights
– **AI Tools Experience** — Intermediate experience with AI tools, including understanding limitations, risks, and applications for project management

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## Benefits

Ripple Effect rewards employees for their contributions to the mission through competitive compensation and a range of work/life programs based on employment classification and personal preferences.

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability or special need requiring accommodation during the hiring process, please contact our HR department or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified.

Apply here