Congressional Affairs Specialist

U.S. Department of Commerce; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Commerce invites applications for a Congressional Affairs Specialist. The incumbent will perform developmental assignments including legislative analysis, congressional correspondence, appropriations monitoring, executive briefing support, and congressional liaison activities.

Applicants must meet OPM qualification standards, including specialized experience, by the closing date. Experience with congressional testimony and drafting responses to inquiries is required and

Qualifications

• Specialized experience must be equivalent to one full year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level in Federal service (GS-11 for this position).
• Experience developing congressional testimony and briefing materials.
• Experience preparing responses to congressional inquiries by coordinating with program offices and drafting correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Developmental assignments involving legislative analysis, congressional correspondence, appropriations monitoring, executive briefing support, and congressional liaison activities.

Job description

This position is located in the Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA), Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce. The incumbent serves as a Congressional Affairs Specialist performing developmental assignments involving legislative analysis, congressional correspondence, appropriations monitoring, executive briefing support, and congressional liaison activities.

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Administrative and Management Positions.

Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in Federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-11.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Experience developing congressional testimony and briefing materials; AND
• Experience preparing responses to congressional inquiries by collecting background information, coordinating with program offices, and preparing draft correspondence; AND
• Experience reviewing pending legislation and evaluating potential impacts on agency programs, operations, and strategic initiatives.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.