Legislative Assistant

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one-hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Legislative Assistant provides administrative, project management, and communications support for APA's advocacy efforts with Congress, regulatory agencies, and in collaboration with coalition partners. The APA Advocacy Office represents the largest and most visible national presence advocating for a broad range of policies, including research funding, workforce development, population health, and access to psychological services for underserved populations.

Working with the Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Strategy and Operations, this individual will support the work of a large and diverse Advocacy team, whose members possess different communication and work styles. As such, the Legislative Assistant plays a significant role in coordinating the production and dissemination of advocacy communications. The individual also collaborates with internal and external partners to execute grassroots advocacy events, including Hill Days, congressional briefings, webinars or coalition meetings.

A successful Legislative Assistant will develop an understanding of the diversity of APA membership, how our office interacts with federal officials and APA members, how legislative and regulatory processes impact our work, and how members of the team collaborate with each other. They will use this knowledge to think critically about projects, anticipate potential challenges, and collaborate with team members to ensure smooth delivery of communications, such as newsletters and action alerts, and events such as fly-ins and Congressional briefings.

Education and Experience:

• Education:
  A bachelor's degree is preferred and may substitute for up to two years of relevant experience.
• Experience:




• At least one year of experience in advocacy, government relations, or public policy.
• At least three years of experience in a professional office environment.




• Preferred Academic Background:
  Political science, public policy, psychology, communications, or a related field.
• Key Skills and Attributes:




• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and perform well under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Computer Skills Required:

• Advanced skills with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, and Social Media.
• Basic knowledge of digital advocacy platforms (Fiscal Note, Voter Voice)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate advocacy communications (including newsletters, action alerts, invitations) in collaboration with Advocacy Office staff, Chief Advocacy Officer and association staff.
• Provide support for grassroots engagement in coordination with the Director of Grassroots Engagement and Advocacy staff, including weekly updates to grassroots leaders and updating digital resource hub.
• Assist in the planning, communications and implementation of advocacy events for APA members. This includes scheduling congressional visits, hill briefings, receptions, and convention and conference sessions.
• Attend Congressional hearings and coordinate coalition activities where needed and monitor legislation as assigned.
• Represent the office in meetings or events requiring collaboration with other APA offices and assist in planning and administrative support for Advocacy Office meetings.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 122,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA's Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA's applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law. #LIRemote