Capitol Hill Policy & Defense Liaison

SimIS Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) Savings Plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Professional Development

Paid Time Off

Job summary

SimIS, Inc. is seeking a Congressional Liaison Officer to represent clients on Capitol Hill, monitor defense budget debates, and build relationships with Members of Congress, staff, and committees in Washington, D.C.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or relevant Bachelor’s with staff experience, five years of Congress experience, and a proven ability to craft strategic messages and coordinate across departments to advance defense priorities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Law, or similar field (BS with Congressional staff experience considered).
• Five years of experience with or within the U.S. Congress on defense, appropriations, and foreign policy.
• Proven track record in government relations, managing a legislative portfolio and communicating policies.
• Excellent communication with elected officials, policymakers, and staff to inform, educate, and persuade in support of defense initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the U.S. defense budget process, from planning to execution, highlighting implications for NATO
• Track ongoing Congressional defense reforms and assess their impact on NATO transformation
• Provide strategic reporting on Congressional debates and decisions concerning Ukraine and broader Euro-Atlantic security
• Assess budget issues linked to the U.S. troop presence in Europe, with specific attention to burden-sharing debates
• Analyse the political dynamics of defense-related legislation, identifying key influencers and agendas
• Plan and conduct informal engagements, including dinners and meetings, with legislators and staffers to promote ACT visibility
• Monitor legislative initiatives, hearings, and committee activities relevant to NATO
• Manage relationships with Members of Congress and provide tailored briefings on ACT and NATO priorities
• Coordinate with U.S. executive agencies, NATO missions, and Allied embassies to ensure message coherence
• Produce regular reports for SACT and POLAD on Congressional trends, risks, and opportunities.

Skills

Congress experience

Policy communication

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Interagency collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Political Science/IR/Economics/Law

Bachelor's degree with Congressional staff experience

Job description

SimIS, Inc. is seeking a Congressional Liaison Officer to represent clients on Capitol Hill, monitor defense budget debates, and build relationships with Members of Congress, staff, and committees in Washington, D.C.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or relevant Bachelor’s with staff experience, five years of Congress experience, and a proven ability to craft strategic messages and coordinate across departments to advance defense priorities.