Congressional Affairs/Policy Development Lead - JLLWhat this job involves: JLL's Public Institutions group is seeking a mid- to senior-level professional to lead the Congressional affairs and policy development function of our advisory engagement supporting the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Housing (ODASW(H)). This role sits at the intersection of federal housing policy, defense legislation, and senior government advisory work. You will serve as the team's strategic voice on all policy and legislative matters, setting the direction for how issues are framed, analyzed, and communicated to inform and advise Department of War client decision-making and follow-on actions. You will work closely with subject-matter experts across the team's functional areas (e.g., credit and OMB scoring, construction and development, capital markets, financial modeling, and portfolio governance) to ground policy positions and Congressional correspondence in program reality. You will own the full legislative affairs lifecycle, from tracking statutory developments and Congressional correspondence to shaping hearing preparation materials and Department informal views and you will serve as the quality control checkpoint that ensures every policy deliverable is strategically sound and client-ready.
This is not a position for someone who processes policy. It is a position for someone who shapes it.
What your day-to-day will look like:- Establish the strategic framing for all policy and legislative correspondence before initial drafting begins, ensuring alignment with ODASW(H) priorities and the broader Department housing policy posture
- Lead QA/QC review of all policy deliverables at the strategic level prior to client submission - including Congressional responses, legislative proposals, and hearing preparation materials
- Lead the statutory and regulatory review of proposed MHPI transactions, including crosswalk of operating agreements against governing authorities and development of conditions of approval
- Prepare Congressional notification packages for approved program actions, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with statutory reporting requirements
- Track and analyze legislative developments affecting MHPI, including NDAA provisions, 10 USC authorities, and proposed statutory changes
- Maintain standing oversight of NDAA enactment and implementation as it affects the MHPI portfolio, translating new provisions into program guidance
- Prepare and review Department informal views, appeals of proposed legislation, and formal legislative proposals on behalf of ODASW(H)
- Develop and maintain hearing preparation materials and draft responses to questions from Congressional members and committee staff
- Monitor and analyze GAO and Inspector General actions, findings, and recommendations relevant to MHPI
- Track DoDI updates and regulatory changes with policy implications for the MHPI portfolio
- Support the development of housing policies, processes, and procedures across the MHPI enterprise, including analysis of BAH impacts and housing regulatory frameworks
- Coordinate across the advisory team's functional lanes - credit and OMB scoring, construction and development, capital markets, financial modeling, and portfolio governance - to pull subject-matter input into policy products and Congressional correspondence
- Engage directly with Military Department counterparts and private MHPI project owners to gather ground-level insights, project-specific data, and stakeholder perspectives that shape the development of policy positions and Congressional communications
- Coordinate with Department senior leadership, OMB, and Congressional stakeholders on policy matters as needed
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, law, government affairs, or a related field; advanced degree strongly preferred
- 10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, federal policy, or Congressional operations; exceptional candidates with a compelling record and fewer years will be considered
- Experience at a policy-focused think tank, research institution, or defense/housing policy organization is highly valued
- Familiarity with Department legislative processes, NDAA development, and privatized military housing, MILCON, or defense installation policy is a meaningful advantage
- Exceptional written communication skills; candidates must be able to produce and edit at the level of Congressional testimony, formal Department correspondence, and senior leadership briefings - and hold others to that same standard
- Strong analytical instincts and the ability to distill complex statutory or regulatory developments into clear, actionable guidance for senior clients
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functional teams and with external stakeholders, including government partners and private sector counterparts
- US citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience working on or with Capitol Hill - as a Congressional staffer, agency legislative affairs professional, or in a closely adjacent capacity
- Experience within a Department of War or Military Department legislative affairs, policy, or installations office
- Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance required; prior clearance eligibility
Location: Washington DC (Remote-eligible with the ability to travel between Washington DC office and Pentagon, as needed)
Interested candidates should submit a resume and
2-3 writing samples that demonstrate experience with policy analysis, legislative correspondence, or government advisory communications. Samples may include authored or co-authored work product; please note your specific contribution where applicable.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Estimated compensation for this position:125,000.00 - 140,000.00 USD per year
This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.
Location:Remote -Washington, DC
Job Tags:Public Institutions
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:
- 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
- Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
