Legislative and Public Affairs Officer
Judicial BranchSummary
The Center has an opening for a Legislative and Public Affairs Officer. The Legislative and Public Affairs Officer is the primary point of contact for Congress, the media, and the public, and provides strategic guidance and advice to the Director and Deputy Director on congressional and public relations. The position is part of the Director and Deputy Director's Office and reports to the Center's Deputy Director.
The Legislative and Public Affairs Officer will often work closely with the Center's senior staff as well as with Judiciary leadership and other stakeholders.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Public Affairs
- Develops and implements public affairs strategies to support the Center's mission
- Advises the Director and Deputy Director on all matters related to media and public affairs
- Drafts press releases, speeches, talking points, and other public communications
- Serves as spokesperson for the Center and as liaison to the media
- Responds to information requests from the media and the public
- Manages social media and other public-facing communication channels to ensure accurate and consistent messaging
- Monitors and analyzes print, broadcast, and digital media, including social media, on matters related to the Center's work
- Advises the Director and Deputy Director on all matters related to legislative affairs, appropriations, and congressional relations
- Serves as the primary liaison with Congress, responding to inquiries and coordinating requests for information
- Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with congressional staff, federal agencies, and other stakeholders
- Facilitates open lines of communication and fosters a strong working relationship between the Center and Congress
- Keeps the Director and Deputy Director informed about legislative activities
- Monitors, analyzes, and reports on federal legislation, policies, and regulatory developments affecting the Center and its mission
- Manages, tracks and completes congressional reporting requirements for the Center
- Prepares briefings, reports, and summaries for the Director and Deputy Director on legislative developments
Conditions of employment
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
- Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirementsemployment-judiciary.
- Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation.
- Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity.
- All requirements must be met for full consideration.
Qualifications
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Juris Doctorate (JD) or master's degree in public affairs, public administration, public policy, political science, journalism, or related fields
- Familiarity with legislative processes
- Experience working with the media
- Strong knowledge and judgment about inter-branch relations
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work with government officials, stakeholders, and different audiences
- Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships
- Ability to act quickly and maintain composure under high pressure
- Ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment and maintain confidentiality
- Experience working in the Judicial Branch
- Experience working in Congress
- Experience in public relations, media relations, communications, or journalism
- Experience advising senior leaders
- Experience working in legislative or public affairs in a government agency
Education
Juris Doctorate (JD) or master's degree in public affairs, public administration, public policy, political science, journalism, or related fields.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Federal government benefits are applicable. An array of supplemental benefits is also offered, including a transportation subsidy and a flexible benefit program allowing for pre-tax deductions for health insurance, health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. The Center is in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB), conveniently situated to public transportation directly beside Union Station. The TMFJB houses a child development center, a health fitness facility, and a cafeteria for its tenants.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.