Government Affairs Specialist

Description

The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization of blind people from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As America’s civil rights organization of the blind, the Federation is a coordinated network of skilled advocates, resources, and programs that raise expectations of the blind in society and create opportunities for blind people to live the lives they want. The staff of the Federation are central to the organized blind movement by providing support, professional expertise, and daily contributions to the success of the organization. Working under the direction of the Federation’s elected President, the staff advise the organization’s leadership and contribute to the vibrant, energetic, and collaborative culture of the organization that raises expectations throughout society.

The Advocacy and Policy department of the National Federation of the Blind is responsible for assisting the President in the coordination and management of all federal legislative and regulatory advocacy; providing affiliates with state and local legislative technical assistance, strategy development, and training; membership support with education, employment, and social security issues; the administration of our Independence Market; and the administration of our NFB-NEWSLINE® system.

The government affairs specialist reports to the executive director for Advocacy and Policy. This role requires an efficient, multitasking individual capable of applying thoughtful analysis to legislation and policies that affect blind Americans, as well as the ability to articulate, educate, and persuade varying audiences with regard to NFB’s policy priorities. Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, various day trips, and overnight travel in order to meet a variety of external deadlines. This role requires a person with knowledge of federal and state legislative processes.

Responsibilities

• Advising the President of the National Federation of the Blind on advocacy and policy objectives.
• Working to strengthen the membership of the organization by providing training and developing training resources.
• Analyzing legislation and regulations.
• Assisting in the development of national and state-level legislative strategy.
• Coordination and communication with NFB membership.
• Fostering relationships with congressional staff and members of Congress.
• Reviewing and preparing regulatory responses.
• Reviewing and drafting model legislation and policy statements.
• Participating in strategic collaborations and working groups to advance the policy priorities of the organization.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Skills Required

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process. (Capitol Hill or state capital work experience preferred.)
• Strong analytical reasoning in evaluating current and potential regulations, legislation, and other policy initiatives.
• One to three years of relevant experience preferred.
• Superior ability in written and oral communications.
• Ability to function on teams or individually, depending upon task required, and to move quickly and efficiently from one task to another.
• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion through the use of public policy and advocacy.
• Flexibility in undertaking other duties as required.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in political science, public policy or administration, law, or related field is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55,000 to $71,000. Please go to our benefits brochure to learn about the employee benefits offered by the National Federation of the Blind.

How to Apply

We seek individuals who wish to identify with a cause and to assist in advocacy for a group long denied equal opportunity to succeed or fail based on ability—instead, they are all too often denied opportunity based on society’s stereotypes.

This job is open until filled. Applicants should send, preferably via email, a résumé and cover letter indicating salary requirements to:
Human Resources,
National Federation of the Blind,
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Telephone: 410-659-9314, extension 2488
Fax: 410-685-5653
Email: [email protected]

The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability. For more detailed information about our commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request to [email protected].