Lead Lobbyist for Native American Advocacy

Description

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary Grade: D, E

Job Location: Hybrid, within commuting distance to D.C.

Reports to: Legislative Director, Domestic Policy

Direct Reports: Program Assistant (if applicable)

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), a nonpartisan Quaker lobby, is seeking a Lead Lobbyist for its Native American Advocacy program to advance achievable legislation on issues of concern to Indigenous communities aligned with FCNL's commitment to tribal sovereignty and tribal self-determination, in accordance with FCNL legislative policies outlined in The World We Seek.

For decades, FCNL's Native American Advocacy Program has been an enduring ally to national Native American organizations and tribal communities engaged in policy advocacy. FCNL collaborates with national advocacy offices of faith organizations and with Native American organizations to lobby Congress and the administration for investments in Indian Country, policy changes that benefit Native American communities, and respect for tribal sovereignty.

We also provide information to Congress and the public on bills, hearings, and administrative actions that impact Native communities, including Native perspectives on federal issues. Recent priority work has included a Truth and Healing Commission on the Indian Boarding School Era and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives policy.

Founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL fields an expert team of lobbyists on Capitol Hill and a grassroots network of tens of thousands across the country to advance policies and priorities established by our governing General Committee of nearly 200 Quakers and like-minded friends.

Essential Job Duties

Supervise and Lead FCNL’s Native American and Advocacy Program: Lead as FCNL’s staff expert on Indian affairs. Monitor, review, and analyze legislative and policy developments, policy proposals, and congressional positions and votes. Prepare and disseminate factsheets, background papers, and other educational materials; brief FCNL colleagues, congressional staff, government officials, and FCNL grassroots constituents. Publish a monthly legislative update and participate in constituent and donor engagements.

• Represent FCNL to Congress and the Executive Branch: Build and maintain relationships with relevant congressional and executive branch staff of all parties and political leanings. Effectively advocate for Native issues aligned with FCNL’s Statement of Legislative Policy and legislative priorities. Demonstrate congressional knowledge and political acumen.
• Develop a comprehensive change strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive legislative, media, and grassroots strategy for advancing Native issues in Congress in concert with FCNL colleagues. Assess progress towards legislative goals and adjust approach to reflect lessons learned. Implement the tools to carry out that strategy, such as lobbying congressional offices, drafting letters to and for members of Congress, sign-on letters for relevant coalitions, legislative action messages to grassroots, and sample email texts and phone scripts for use by local advocates.
• Work in coalition with our colleague organizations: FCNL takes seriously its role as partner and ally to Native-led organizations and is a leading voice in the interfaith advocacy community. Co-lead an interfaith coalition working group on Native American issues.
• Represent FCNL’s Indian affairs policy positions externally: Serve as FCNL’s spokesperson for related Native American concerns. Support the currentness and accuracy of FCNL issue-related webpages. Engage with journalists and other media influencers; research and draft op-ed columns, letters to the editor, and reports; and work in coordination with other designated staff and constituents to publish the same as appropriate.

Supervisory responsibilities

• There may be an opportunity to supervise a Program Assistant and may vary by year.

Requirements

Minimum Required Job Qualifications

Education

• An undergraduate degree or some college plus equivalent experience.

Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of experience with congressional legislative processes and procedures, politics, and public policy related to Indian Affairs
• Proven strong understanding of political dynamics and legislative strategy
• Established relationships with Native organizations and congressional offices. Strong outreach, networking, and partnership-building skills
• Comfortable externally promoting and working in an office environment that reflects the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, and truth and working within the Quaker, nonpartisan process of FCNL
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with congressional offices, organizational partners, and individuals from across the political spectrum
• Strong research and writing skills, with a commitment to accuracy
• Experience public speaking and leading presentations
• Self-reliance, resourcefulness, organizational skills, and the ability to take initiative
• Commitment to engaging, promoting, and respecting individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives and to upholding FCNL’s AJEDI values
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Preferred Job Qualifications

Education

• Graduate degree

Skills and Experience

• More than three years of experience with congressional legislative processes and procedures, politics, and public policy, including Indian affairs
• Experience as a legislative staffer
• Ability to connect with constituents and bring their stories to the Hill
• Familiarity with software such as Quorum

Physical Demands & Work environment

• Frequently required to sit or stand for long periods of time
• This job requires occasional travel, including overnight travel within the U.S. a few times a year

Compensation & Work Expectations

• This position may be filled at the level of Representative or Manager depending on the level of experience and demonstrated skills of the candidate, with a starting salary ranging from $61,500 at the Representative level to a maximum of $75,000 at the Manager level. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate and placement within the pay grade will be dependent on the candidate’s specific background and qualifications and in equilibrium with our internal equity. FCNL is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of the DMV. As part of our AJEDI commitment, FCNL strives to make market job offers that are market competitive while maintaining the equilibrium with internal equity of the team. We believe the world can be a better place when candidates do not have to negotiate up their job offer and can trust the best possible offer is being made. For this reason, all FCNL job offers are final. FCNL is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
• This is a full-time exempt position, based on a 37.5-hour workweek. This person is expected to work in-person 2 days a week with the option to telework up to 3 days a week. More time in the office may be necessary some weeks, depending upon events in Congress, coalition partners, and the Administration. Annually this individual will need to be available for in-person/virtual support at our fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts FCNL’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.