Lobbyist (2-year Term position)

National Education Association; United States; On-site; USD 102,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic HMO

UnitedHealthcare Choice EPO or PPO

Job summary

The National Education Association seeks a seasoned Government Relations professional to advance its federal policy agenda. The role focuses on cultivating bipartisan ties with lawmakers and the executive branch, shaping advocacy strategies, and delivering timely policy analyses.

You will prepare testimony, position papers, and reports while collaborating with NEA leaders and field staff to influence education policy on the national stage. Occasional travel and flexible hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field.
• Five years professional lobbying experience.
• Experience in public policy advocacy at the state or federal level.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain bipartisan working relationships with Congress, federal executive branch, and national policy-makers.
• Advocate and coordinate support for NEA's federal policy positions.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate federal issues, legislation, rules and regulations.
• Prepare testimony, position papers, and reports; support NEA leaders and field staff in legislative processes.

Skills

Capitol Hill experience

Lobbying

Policy analysis

Oral communication

Written communication

Bipartisan relationships

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Office software

Job description

Posting Period: September 30, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type: NEASO NEA Staff Organization, OO108

Government Relations Department (GR)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range: $102,062.00 - $158,178.00

Rank: NEASO Rank 7

Position Summary

The essential functions of this position include developing and maintaining effective bipartisan working relationships with members of Congress, the federal executive branch, and other national policy-makers. The incumbent advocates and coordinates support for NEA's position on federal policies and legislation, develops strategies and approaches for effective advocacy, and researches, analyzes, and evaluates federal issues, legislation, rules and regulations. The incumbent also researches legislative issues and assists in the development of testimony, model legislation, position papers, and reports; and works with the NEA leaders and field staff to be influential in the legislative process in support of the Association's federal legislative program. In addition, the incumbent makes oral presentations and attends political events, responds to press inquiries, works on campaigns and evaluates NEA's position on federal education and related legislative policies important to NEA, its affiliates and its members. To carry out responsibilities, the employee uses a personal computer, associated software, other office technology and travels occasionally.

Qualifications

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained. Relevant advanced degree preferred. Minimum Qualifications: Five years professional lobbying experience involving political action or government relations at federal or state level. Experience in public policy advocacy at the state or federal level or experience in legislative or executive branch work at the state or federal level or Capitol Hill lobbying experience or combination of the above.

Additional Requirements

Writing samples (testimony, position papers, etc.), or samples of recent work products may be required at time of interview. Must be available to work evenings or weekends on very short notice. Some travel required.

Selection Criteria

• Tier 1 (Essential): Extensive working knowledge and experience on Capitol Hill with Congressional and executive branch processes and procedures. Demonstrated proficient knowledge of select legislative issues, which may include labor, workforce, job training, education, and among other issues. Proven federal legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating federal issues, rules, regulations and legislation. Demonstrated high-level and effective interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective bipartisan working relationships, and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams. Experience in and willingness to work in a frenetic and fluid legislative/political environment. Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions. Successful references.


• Tier 2 (Significant): Knowledge of the federal legislative process. Established relationships with key Congressional staff, as well as other education advocacy organizations. Proven awareness of current political environment and on-going strategic implications that affect NEA’s legislative and political activities.


• Tier 3 (Desirable): Experience educating internal and external audiences about NEA political agenda. Demonstrated ability of reaching out and strategically utilize grassroots membership to advance a policy agenda. Knowledge of Government Relation’s mission and strategic objectives.

ADA and Disability Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

EEO / Diversity Statement

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

Additional Employer Information

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work. NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023. The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Benefits

Eligible new employees have a choice of the following health plans: Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic HMO UnitedHealthcare Choice EPO or PPO