Counsel/Professional Staff – Space

United States Senate; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Senate's Democratic Ranking Member is seeking a qualified candidate to lead the Committee’s space policy portfolio, including NASA policy and oversight, space and science missions, and the commercial space sector. The role focuses on developing legislative and policy proposals and coordinating with federal agencies and industry stakeholders.

The successful candidate will draft legislation, amendments, policy memoranda, and briefing materials, and prepare for hearings, markups,

Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of NASA and space policy.
• Experience with the federal government and the legislative process.
• Legislative experience and at least five years of relevant professional experience are preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop and execute policy and legislative strategy in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of legislative and policy proposals for space policy.
• Conduct oversight of NASA and other relevant federal agencies.
• Draft legislation, amendments, policy memoranda, and briefing materials.
• Engage with constituents, industry leaders, scientists, federal officials, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare the Ranking Member for hearings, markups, and floor debate.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Oral communication

NASA/space policy knowledge

Job description

The Democratic Ranking Member of a high-profile Senate Committee seeks a qualified candidate to lead the Committee’s portfolio on space policy, including civil and commercial space activities. The position will cover NASA policy and oversight, space, science and technology missions, and the commercial space sector, including space manufacturing and related economic development. The successful candidate will lead the development of legislative and policy proposals; conduct oversight NASA and other relevant federal agencies; draft legislation, amendments, policy memoranda, and briefing materials; engage with constituents, industry leaders, scientists, federal officials, and other stakeholders; and prepare the Ranking Member for hearings, markups, and floor debate. Applicants should have significant knowledge of NASA and space policy, emerging space technologies, the commercial space sector, and the federal government and legislative process. The successful candidate must be proactive and strategic, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and demonstrate an ability to develop and execute policy and legislative strategy in a fast-paced environment. The position requires sound judgment, the ability to work effectively under pressure, and the ability to excel as part of a small, collaborative team. Legislative experience and at least five years of relevant professional experience are preferred. A connection to the Pacific Northwest is a plus.