Legislative Affairs Specialst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Legislative Affairs Specialist to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

The candidate will support the drafting, editing, and review of DARPA responses to congressional requests for information, briefings, and hearings. Shall provide subject matter expertise on science and technology policy development and interaction with congressional staffs to implement policy. Will draft, track, and manage DoD/legislative affairs reporting requirements as they pertain to DARPA and DARPA requirements/responsibilities. Will maintain significant knowledge and awareness of science, technology, and overall defense issues in Congress. Will analyze, anticipate, and proactively react to political and policy developments. Will monitor and track draft legislation, and prepare summaries for Agency leadership.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• 4+ years of experience on congressional committee staff/related legislative affairs experience with a national security focus
• Proven knowledge of legislative processes and procedures, particularly authorization and appropriation
• Active Secret clearance
• Excellent attention to detail and interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Able to effectively manage time and collaborate across a diverse set of priorities
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:

• Prior DARPA experience
• Experience working on Capitol Hill
• Master's degree
• Active Top Secret clearance