OSD Legislative Consultant

Requirement: OSD Legislative Consultant

Job Description:

Forge requires a Legislative Consultant to become part of a dynamic team supporting OUSD(P). The Legislative Analyst will assist in tracking and coordinating reporting requirements, hearing preparation, Q&As, questions-for-the-record, and other support functions as required to assist OUSD(P) in responding to Congressional inquiries or engaging with Congress. The ideal candidate would thrive in a fast-paced environment with the ability to prioritize tasks, work collaboratively with teammates, and have five or more years' experience in legislative affairs with government agencies, preferably with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the candidate will be (but aren't limited to):

• Assist and prepare OUSD(P) staff on legislative issue operations and functions, as well as keep informed on legislative timeline/milestones
• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and editing a broad range of draft Congressional testimony and briefings for the Under Secretary and other principals.
• Research and answer questions about proposed legislation and its status as it moves through the department, government departments, and to Congress
• Assist in preparing reference material for senior officials and staff that may be used for legislative proposals.
• Assist in compliance with Congressional Reporting Requirements
• Maintain a Congressional tracker to be submitted weekly to track current and upcoming hearings
• Manage hearing transcripts
• Conduct legislative research, including research on bills/resolutions from Congress.
• Review and track the NDAA for OUSD(P) specific equities or reporting requirements.
• Ability to build effective professional relationships, both within OUSD(P) and across DoD
• Ability to quickly learn OUSD(P)'s missions, current issues, and organizational needs

Qualifications/Requirements:

The Candidate must have the ability to think strategically, act tactically, and display strong analytical and critical thinking skills. They must also build strong cross-group working relationships and demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. The Candidate must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment and not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in legislative affairs, preferably for the Department of Defense
• Experience and familiarity with Congressional timelines and processes, as well as reporting requirements
• Excellent oral and written briefing skills
• Ability to follow security protocols to protect sensitive data
• U.S. Citizen
• Active TOP SECRET Security Clearance

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Public Affairs-related degree from an accredited four-year university

Job: Full-time

Location: Arlington, VA

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 per year

Assigned Forge JobTitle: Project Specialist

Essential Duties:

• Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems promptly; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Written Communication- Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Diversity- Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethics; upholds organizational values.
• Strategic Thinking- Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Planning/Organizing- Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; set goals and objectives; organize or schedule other people and their tasks; develop realistic action plans.
• Professionalism- Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Innovation- Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Qualifications- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, proposals, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Mathematical Skills- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to question activities and issues in all functional areas and make sound business decisions based on that data.
• Physical Demands- The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, type, or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Work Environment- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.

This job posting sets forth the basic authorities and responsibilities of this position, which may be changed from time to time as shall be determined. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfy each essential duty.

Benefits:

Forge fosters a rich company culture built on a diverse, hard-working employee base. Our staff is the core of our success and the impetus behind our decisions. In today's corporate culture, there is no longer a line between work and home life. As a result, we focused our benefits approach on the whole family.

The Forge total compensation model is based on a "choose-your-own-adventure approach" allowing each employee to create a comprehensive package of benefits and perks tailored to his or her needs. Examples of benefits included in our total compensation package include:

• Complete Flextime
• 401k With Employer Matching
• Healthcare, Including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA) And Pre-Tax Premium Options
• Supplementary healthcare and family support
• Extended Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Healthcare Insurance Deductible Paydown
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement, Student Loan Repayment, and Education & Training Stipends
• Cell Phone / Internet Stipends
• College Saving Plans with Employer Contributions
• Alternative Work Locations and Tele-Commuting
• Employee Referral Awards
• Retention, Signing & Performance Bonuses
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Sabbatical