Legislative Counsel

POSITION:                LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL

CENTER/OFFICE:   FEDERAL RELATIONS

HIRING RANGE      $53,152-$75,000

General Description

Responsible for working on behalf of local government members to monitor, analyze, and advocate municipal interests before Congress, the administration, and federal agencies with regard to federal legislative and regulatory actions in multiple issue areas affecting municipalities.   May supervise staff.

Examples of Work

Monitors status of federal legislation, reviews and drafts legislation, assesses possible impact of legislation on local governments and NLC; advocates adoption of NLC positions in federal legislation and regulations; considers NLC National Municipal Policy and recommends and coordinates NLC lobbying strategy.

Reviews federal regulations published by federal agencies; submits comments to agencies on behalf of NLC.  Where appropriate, participates as an assistant to local elected officials in federal advisory committees developing regulations.

Writes Congressional testimony for city officials and provides briefing to assist city officials in testifying.

Support local officials in their understanding of legislative processes.

Writes articles for organizational publications; prepares briefing papers for municipal officials, state league directors, congressional offices, NLC Board of Directors, policy and steering committees, and other national organizations regarding NLC legislative and regulatory activities.

Works collaboratively and builds coalitions with staff from state leagues, congressional offices, other national organizations, and the administration.

Coordinates legislative workshops at conferences.

Provides guidance to NLC staff on legislative issues.

Travel required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in political science, urban affairs, public administration or related field; advanced degree preferred; To be considered for a Principal Legislative Counsel position you must have a master’s or law degree; minimum 8 years progressively responsible relevant work experience on Capitol Hill or with public interest association, federal agency or local government.  A Senior Legislative Counsel position requires bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred; minimum 5 years progressively responsible relevant work experience on Capitol Hill or with public interest association, federal agency or local government; experience with federal legislative process; or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of workings of all levels of government, issues of importance to local governments, workings of public interest associations; demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate these issues effectively; demonstrated ability to interpret policy positions and apply those positions in a highly political and frequently changing environment; understanding of the federal legislative process and how it relates to the needs of local governments; demonstrated ability to develop and implement lobbying strategies on a variety of issues; ability to build and work effectively with coalitions to achieve shared advocacy goals; demonstrated ability to adhere to organizational policies and procedures; demonstrated ability to represent organizational perspective internally and externally; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and provide guidance and assistance to other staff   Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication and organizational skills; and the ability to interact effectively with local elected officials, federal agency and Congressional officials and staffs, and all levels of NLC staff.

Human Resources

National League of Cities

1301 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Washington, DC  20004

employment@nlc.org