Legislative Affairs Specialist

**About the Job**

**Overview**

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high‑impact technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the U.S. and abroad. The team is highly collaborative, producing *Results that Matter*. SPA offers opportunity, unique challenges, and a clear commitment to the mission.
SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to customers across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian agencies, and international markets. JOID offers a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enable and execute a strategy of technological superiority, delivering secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost‑effectively. The team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts evaluates military problems, identifies driving factors, devises innovative approaches, collects data, develops software tools, and performs timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions—ensuring U.S. forces retain military superiority.

SPA has an immediate need for a **Legislative Affairs Specialist** to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

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**Responsibilities**

The candidate will:

– Support the drafting, editing, and review of DARPA responses to congressional requests for information, briefings, and hearings.
– Provide subject matter expertise on science and technology policy development and interaction with congressional staff.
– Draft, track, and manage DoD/legislative affairs reporting requirements related to DARPA responsibilities.
– Maintain strong awareness of science, technology, and defense issues in Congress.
– Analyze, anticipate, and proactively respond to political and policy developments.
– Monitor and track draft legislation and prepare summaries for Agency leadership.

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**Required Qualifications**

– Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
– 4+ years of experience on congressional committee staff or related legislative affairs experience with a national security focus
– Proven knowledge of legislative processes and procedures, particularly authorization and appropriation
– Active Secret clearance
– Excellent attention to detail and strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
– Ability to effectively manage time and collaborate across diverse priorities
– Ability to work fully onsite based on client needs

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**Desired Qualifications**

– Prior DARPA experience
– Experience working on Capitol Hill
– Master’s degree
– Active Top Secret clearance

Apply here