Public Affairs and Government Specialist - Domestic Policy

Islamic Relief USA
Alexandria, VA, US
Full-time

Job Title : Public Affairs and Government Specialist - Domestic Policy

Status : Full-time

Division : Public Affairs Department

Location : Alexandria, VA

The Public Affairs and Government Specialist will be responsible for supporting DC centric public engagement and advocacy efforts of the Department of Public Affairs.

The overall focus of the Department’s work is to promote Islamic Relief’s advocacy priorities among domestic government entities, strengthen IRUSA’s relationships with peer NGOs and advocacy coalitions, and to protect IRUSA’s reputation with various stakeholders.

The candidate must show commitment to IRUSA’s faith inspired values and principles as well as a commitment to the vision and mission of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Public Affairs

  • Assist in the Public Affairs Department’s representation of Islamic Relief USA’s mission, programs, and advocacy priorities, to Congressional offices, Executive Departments, and state / local government officials.
  • Assist the Manager in planning and implementing a yearly advocacy strategy to engage strategically selected Members of Congress, multilateral stakeholder and state / local officials.
  • Track and engage selected congressional legislation relevant to IRUSA domestic legislative and policy priorities (i.e.

poverty reduction, food security, refugee resettlement, climate change, gender-based violence).

  • Regional research and data collection on issues related to IRUSA’s domestic policies.
  • Work with IRUSA’s US Programs Department to identify any US based grantees, or program partners that might be relevant to engagement with various government officials and lead those efforts.
  • Maintain and update a contacts database of Congressional staff, government officials, coalition chairs & members, NGO staff and interfaith leaders etc.
  • Prepare briefing folder / materials for engagement meetings with government officials.
  • Attend advocacy and coalition meetings and draft summary memos.
  • Support on organizing some of our seasonal events inviting these stakeholders including Ramadan activities on Capitol Hill and the annual Partnership Gala
  • Help identify and recruit and supervise interns interested in the domestic policy space
  • Other public affairs tasks assigned.

Outreach

  • Attend and participate in city, community and networking events; charity and volunteer service events; and donation and sponsorship events.
  • Schedule advocacy meetings with Congressional offices, NGOs, beneficiaries and interfaith stakeholders
  • Assist with planning and coordination of regional congressional engagement.
  • Attend regional Congressional meetings relevant to IRUSA domestic policy priorities, and draft summary memos for Manager’s review.
  • Analyze and track effectiveness of all outreach activities.
  • Other outreach tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy or Political Science preferred; Master’s degree a plus.
  • Minimum of 3-5 year’s work experience in domestic policy advocacy, public affairs, government relations, or communications.
  • Prior Capitol Hill employment or internship experience, a plus.
  • Understanding of regional government, politics and press.
  • Able to handle a fast-paced work setting with diplomacy and composure.
  • Ability to independently handle multiple, simultaneous, varied assignments and meet tight deadlines, while providing a consistent level of quality and accuracy.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
  • Possess basic understanding of the Congressional legislative calendar
  • General awareness of the leading domestic social services organizations, multilateral organizations, and advocacy organizations.
  • Strong communications skills, including writing, public speaking, and social media.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGO representatives, and interfaith leaders.
  • Ability to attend frequent off-site and regional meetings, after business hours’ events or weekends.
  • Confident and proficient user of MS Office and various social media platforms.
  • Highly organized and self-directed.
  • Must be available to travel.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.
  • 30+ days ago
Related jobs
Promoted
Fairfax County Government
Annandale, Virginia

Conducts comprehensive assessments to include but not limited to the following areas: safety, permanency, and wellbeing; educational, social, and independent living skills; substance abuse, and developmental concerns; family relationships such as parent-child conflict and domestic violence; assessin...

Promoted
Department Of Homeland Security
Arlington, Virginia

Working with Office of the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Media team is responsible for media operations and engagement, including responding to media queries, media training, coordinating, and staffing leadership interviews with news media, writing press statements and releases, and providing ...

EY
McLean, Virginia

Communication is essential, must be able to listen and understand the question and develop and deliver clear insights. Due to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector, work may be required to be completed at client, EY and/or contractor sites. In addition, our Total Rewards package...

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd
McLean, Virginia

The EY Government and Public Sector Practice's staffing model is to assign resources to projects aligned to the office within the metropolitan area you have been hired; however, in certain circumstances, travel may be required within and/or beyond your geographic region based on client and project n...

EY (Ernst & Young)
McLean, Virginia

CPA licenseThe ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearanceExcellent project management skills; advanced written and verbal communication skillsDedication to teamwork and leadershipIntegrity within a processional environmentDue to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector,...

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd
McLean, Virginia

We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. If you have a disability and either need...

EY
McLean, Virginia

Previous exposure to technology consulting, and a keen interest in advising the US government and Public Sector. Due to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector, work may be required to be completed at client, EY and/or contractor sites. As a member of our GPS Digital team, you wil...

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd
McLean, Virginia

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities. You will conduct research as needed, assist in the testing of IT general and application controls, prepare for and potentially lead client meetings, establish relationshi...

Islamic Relief USA
Alexandria, Virginia

The Advocacy & Government Affairs Advisor will be responsible for supporting the public engagement and advocacy efforts of the Public Affairs, Research, and Advocacy (PARA) Department, with a regional focus on Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. The objective of the Department’s work is to pr...

EY
McLean, Virginia

Due to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector, work may be required to be completed at client, EY and/or contractor sites. Our Government & Public Sector Assurance practice is growing exponentially, and as a manager, you'll play a key role in that growth. Demonstrate a thorough u...