Staff Director of Congressional Outreach

SUMMARY

The American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD) is an independent, non-profit association of former senior US ambassadors and high-level government officials whose mission is to strengthen American diplomacy. In pursuit of its mission, the Academy supports programs that help diplomats respond to a world undergoing change, highlights past achievements and future opportunities for U.S. diplomacy, advocates for the resources needed to conduct an effective foreign policy, and fosters constructive debate on the best use of U.S. diplomatic assets.

The Academy is looking for a Staff Director of Congressional Outreach to assist with advocating for policy proposals and enacting legislation, which will improve the capabilities of the US Department of State in promoting the American national interest. This individual will support the Academy in its implementation of the Blueprints for a More Modern Diplomatic Service report, and particularly the report’s recommendations for enhancing diplomatic professional education and training and establishing a Diplomatic Reserve Corps, which require congressional action. This person should have experience working on or with Capitol Hill and enjoy the opportunity to meet and work with new Congressional staff. Previous work with the staff of Members on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee is particularly desirable.

The Staff Director will conduct outreach and hold regular meetings with staff of relevant congressional offices to advocate for the report’s proposals. They will also provide regular and timely briefings on the outcomes of all congressional efforts. This individual will be expected to participate in various project meetings to advise the Academy on the most viable strategies for turning the report’s proposals into legislation. The Staff Director will work directly with the President of the Academy, the Program Director, and senior Academy Members, who have extensive experience working with Congress. They will have the option to work from the Academy’s office.

This position will be an independent contractor with the Academy for a period of no more than two years. Compensation is dependent upon experience and would be in the GS-13 range.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conduct outreach to and setting up meetings with various relevant congressional offices.
Set up and participate in meetings with congressional staff (both individually and as part of the Academy’s project team)
Debrief AAD staff and the project team on the outcomes of individual congressional meetings.
Write short reports on meetings.
Track relevant legislative developments and advising on viable legislative strategies.
Participate in periodic project strategy meetings.
Collaborate and share information with Academy’s staff and project team.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

At least 3 years of substantive experience working on or with the Hill (in a congressional office, on committee staff, or in an association).
Experience developing and implementing successful legislative, lobbying, and political strategies.
Extremely strong legislative connections, particularly with members and staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Knowledge of key issues affecting the US Department of State and US diplomatic community more broadly
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently.

To apply, please e-mail a résumé and cover letter to academy@academyofdiplomacy.org with “Congressional Outreach Application” in the subject line. In your email, include your schedule availability and tentative start dates. No phone calls, please, and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.