Government Relations and Public Policy Assistant - Washington, United States - Council of Graduate Schools - CGS

Description

About Us:

For six decades, the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) is a 501 (c) (3) who is and has been the national voice for the graduate dean community.

CGS is the only national organization in the United States that is dedicated solely to the advancement of graduate education and research.

CGS accomplishes its mission through advocacy in the policy arena, innovative research, and the development and dissemination of best practices.

CGS also acts as a convening authority, organizing major events that bring together graduate deans and other stakeholders to discuss and act on a broad range of issues affecting graduate education today.

Position Summary:
CGS is hiring a Government Relations and Public Policy Assistant. This individual will work closely with the Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy.

In addition to providing administrative support to the Government Relations and Public Policy Department, the Assistant will also conduct general research on federal legislation and regulation, watch/attend congressional hearings and draft summaries, assist in compiling information and drafting articles for the CGS Washington Insights and Highlights Newsletter.

This individual will also assist in scheduling and organizing quarterly meetings for the CGS Advisory Committee on Advocacy and Public Policy (ACAPP).

Responsibilities:
Regulatory and Legislative Affairs

• Conducts general research on pending federal legislation and regulation and drafts brief summaries.
• Watches online or attends congressional hearings and briefings and provides timely summaries.
• Works with Government Relations and Public Policy Officer to draft policy briefs on graduate education.
• Other duties as assigned.

Membership Engagement and Resource Development

• Assists in compiling information and drafting articles for the Washington Insights and Highlights newsletter.
• Coordinates with the Associate Vice President to schedule and organize quarterly meetings for the Advisory Committee on Advocacy and Public Policy (ACAPP).
• Assists (as assigned) the Government Relations and Public Policy Officer in the development of digital content for advocacy resources, such as online tool kits and webinars.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties

• Provides general administrative support for the Government Relations and Public Policy Department. This includes meeting support in compiling agendas, reading materials, and talking points for CGS meetings.
• Schedules meetings (as assigned) with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agency staff for the Associate Vice President and CGS membership.
• Proofreads, edits, and formats letters, policy briefs, talking points, presentations, and articles generated by the Government Relations and Public Policy Department.
• Posts (as assigned) content to the CGS website.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel. Experience with digital platforms to create infographics/charts such as InDesign is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills to include responsiveness to CGS's membership base and staff.
• Results Driven: Manges their time efficiently and completes projects within deadlines.
• Strong ability to multitask: exercises flexibility when department priorities shift.
• Operates well in a teambased setting and promotes a collaborative environment.
• Self-Motivated: Displays initiative and collaborates with the Associate Vice President and Associate to advance existing projects.
• Previous experience working with an association, a congressional office, or federal agency preferred.
• Understanding of legislative, congressional, and regulatory processes and procedures preferred.

Competencies:

• Organized: Understands priorities, creates timetables and goals to complete required tasks or projects. Tracks progress and makes any adjustments to complete work efficiently and on time.
• Focus on Quality: Pays attention to detail and spots mistakes easily. Works with a continuous improvement mindset and regularly monitors and diagnoses root cause of quality issues.
• Exercises appropriate judgement: Utilizes critical thinking skills to make appropriate interventions and connections to underlying issues.
• Team Player: enjoys working with others towards a common goal. Contributes to meeting team deadlines and responsibilities. Listens to colleagues and members and values their contributions. Welcomes new staff or members and contributes to a positive work environment.

This is a hybrid role.

CGS employees are expected to physically work in our DC office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday regularly and work from home on Monday and Friday.

We offer a robust suite of benefits, several of which are fully paid by CGS for employees and their dependents.

• Fully paid Medical and Prescription Drug Insu