Manager, Public Policy

Job Identification

Title: Manager, Public Policy
Department: Public Policy
Reports to: Vice President, Public Policy
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Grade: 19
FLSA Status: Exempt

Statement of Purpose

Help lead NIB’s efforts to support, grow and transform the AbilityOne Program, along with any other efforts to expand employment for people who are blind. Provide leadership in cultivating understanding and support for NIB, its associated agencies and the AbilityOne Program from Congress, Federal Executive Branch Agencies, Consumer and/or other organizations also concerned with disability employment and federal procurement policy.

Business Communications

On a daily basis, communicate by telephone, email, videoconference, or in person with the following: NIB staff, congressional staff and members, federal executive branch employees, NAEPB, SourceAmerica, and organizations of or for the blind.

• Employees in Other Division Ongoing
• Supervisory Personnel Ongoing
• Associated Agency Personnel Ongoing
• Federal Government Agencies Ongoing
• Organizations for People with Disabilities Ongoing

Supervision Required

This position works at the direction of the Vice President, Public Policy and is expected to accomplish routine tasks with little supervision according to priorities established by supervisor.

Responsibilities for the Work of Others

Directly responsible for the work of the Specialist, Public Policy. May provide indirect oversight of various office personnel or vendors.

Education Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be acceptable.

Training and Specialized Knowledge Required

• Solid understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience working with Members of Congress or other policy makers required.
• Familiarity with the Congressional Record, Federal Register, Congress.gov and other sources of information on federal procurement and disability employment; Internet and web-based research and monitoring tools.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and communicating about policy issues.
• Experience writing a variety of documents including, but not limited to, issue papers, congressional correspondence, and other letter format documents.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong presentation skills

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication Skills
• Ethics /Integrity
• Customer Care
• Job Knowledge/ Technical Skills
• Process Improvement
• Decision Making
• Judgment and Problem Solving
• People Management

Experience Required

Eight (8) plus years of relevant work experience and at least 6 years of relevant public policy experience. Experience working in agencies serving people who are blind with the AbilityOne Program is a plus. Solid foundation of understanding and applying philosophical underpinnings and legal complexities of employment for people who are blind. Someone who is blind is strongly preferred.

Travel Required

The position requires ten (10) percent travel within the U.S.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the Vice President, Public Policy to develop and enhance relationships with key committee staff and or personal office staff in the House and Senate overseeing federal programs and legislation of concern to NIB and work closely with outside Government Relations firm.
• Monitor and provide detailed analysis of issues pertaining to the AbilityOne program including, but not limited to, legislative activities in procurement policy, disability employment, vocational rehabilitation, wages, employment outcomes, and related issues.
• Monitor and influence relevant evolving legislative initiatives by participating in and articulating NIB’s positions at meetings, conferences and Task Forces and analyzing communications and work of other organizations (governmental and private) also working on disability employment matters.
• Represent NIB in its work with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and any similar coalitions.
• Write position papers, email alerts, articles, legislative alerts, and periodic updates for approval of the Vice President, Public Policy and dissemination according to organizational procedures.
• Manage the work of the Public Policy Specialist.
• Support the VP, Public Policy in helping to manage the spring Public Policy Forum/National Symposium and August Grassroots Forum.
• Support the VP, Public Policy, and other Public Policy staff in working directly with the NAEPB (especially its Public Policy Committee) and NIB associated NPA’s in coordinating grassroots efforts and advocacy on legislative and regulatory matters.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.

NIB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

NIB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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