In the role of Legislative and Political Affairs Manager at NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association), a professional will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on advocating for federal employees and retirees. Working closely with the SVP, Policy & Programs, the manager will be responsible for implementing strategies to influence policy, coordinating lobbying efforts, and building relationships with policymakers. Key responsibilities include establishing relationships with key stakeholders, managing the political action committee, analyzing policy developments, and communicating advocacy efforts effectively. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field, at least 5 years of experience in legislative or political affairs, and a strong commitment to NARFE’s mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
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Legislative Affairs & Government Relations
The Legislative Affairs & Government Relations aspect of the role involves establishing, maintaining, and building relationships with members of Congress, their staff, administration officials, and other key stakeholders involved in federal employee and retiree issues. The manager will advocate for NARFE’s positions through meetings, briefings, and written communications, and will assist in the development of advocacy strategies to support NARFE’s policy objectives.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
The Political Action Committee (PAC) is a vital component of NARFE’s advocacy efforts. The Legislative & Political Affairs Manager will be responsible for directing the activities of NARFE-PAC, including fundraising and disbursing political contributions that are aligned with NARFE’s overall advocacy strategy. This includes supervising the Political Associate, who administers NARFE-PAC activities.
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Policy Analysis and Monitoring
In this role, the manager will stay updated on legislative and administrative policy developments at the federal level. They will assist with the analysis of bills, amendments, and committee actions to assess their potential impact on federal employees and retirees. The manager will provide guidance on potential impacts and recommend responses accordingly.
Advocacy Communications
Effective communication is essential to advocacy efforts. The manager will draft and disseminate concise and persuasive written materials on behalf of NARFE. This includes official letters, policy briefs, fact sheets, and talking points. Clear and compelling communication is necessary to effectively convey complex policy issues.
Membership Communication
Membership communication is crucial for engaging and informing NARFE members on legislative and political issues that directly impact them. The manager will manage responses to communications from the general membership and will also write and coordinate monthly articles on advocacy topics for NARFE magazine. Timely and informative communication helps mobilize and empower members.
Coalition Activity
Building strategic alliances with like-minded organizations, associations, and coalitions is a key aspect of advocacy. The manager will collaborate with these entities to maximize the collective impact of advocacy efforts. This involves participating in meetings, conferences, and working groups to promote NARFE’s legislative agenda. By working together, organizations can amplify their influence and advocate more effectively.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be successful in this role, the Legislative & Political Affairs Manager should possess the following qualifications and requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. A Master’s or law degree is preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in legislative and/or political affairs or government relations.
- Some experience working for a member of Congress or congressional committee is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in building relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills, including a proven ability to communicate effectively regarding complex policy issues.
- A strong knowledge of the legislative and administrative process.
- Knowledge of issues affecting federal employees and retirees is preferred.
- A strong understanding of the political process.
- Political campaign or political action committee experience is preferred.
- The ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A commitment to NARFE’s mission and values.
- Experience with a membership association is preferred.
- Experience in public speaking is preferred.
- Experience in grassroots advocacy and mobilizing supporters is preferred.
These qualifications and requirements will ensure that the Legislative & Political Affairs Manager is equipped to effectively advocate for NARFE’s policy objectives and represent the interests of federal employees and retirees.
Legislative Affairs & Government Relations
In this role, the manager will establish, maintain, and build relationships with members of Congress, their staff, administration officials, and other key stakeholders involved in federal employee and retiree issues. These relationships are essential for effectively advocating for NARFE’s positions. The manager will engage in meetings, briefings, and written communications to convey NARFE’s policy objectives and priorities. By fostering these relationships, the manager can influence policy decisions and support the interests of federal employees and retirees.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
The manager will direct the activities of NARFE-PAC, which plays a critical role in NARFE’s advocacy strategy. This involves fundraising and disbursing political contributions that align with NARFE’s objectives. By strategically supporting candidates and campaigns, NARFE can amplify its advocacy efforts and build political influence. The manager will oversee the operations of NARFE-PAC and work closely with the Political Associate to ensure its success.
Policy Analysis and Monitoring
Staying updated on legislative and administrative policy developments is vital to effectively advocate for federal employees and retirees. The manager will closely monitor policy developments at the federal level and analyze bills, amendments, and committee actions. By assessing the potential impact of these policies, the manager can provide guidance on appropriate responses and advocate for the best interests of NARFE’s members. This comprehensive understanding of policy is essential for informed advocacy.
Advocacy Communications
Clear and persuasive communication is crucial for advancing NARFE’s policy objectives. The manager will be responsible for drafting concise and compelling written materials, including official letters, policy briefs, fact sheets, and talking points. These materials will effectively communicate NARFE’s positions and policy recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders. By crafting persuasive arguments and presenting complex issues in an accessible manner, the manager will strengthen NARFE’s advocacy efforts.
Membership Communication
Engaging and informing NARFE’s membership is critical to building support for advocacy initiatives. The manager will manage responses to communications from the general membership on legislative and political issues. This will involve addressing members’ questions and concerns and providing timely and accurate information. Additionally, the manager will write and coordinate monthly articles on advocacy topics for NARFE magazine. These articles will serve as an educational resource and empower members to take action on key advocacy issues.
Coalition Activity
Collaboration with like-minded organizations, associations, and coalitions enables NARFE to amplify its impact and advocate more effectively. The manager will work closely with these entities to build strategic alliances that maximize the collective influence of advocacy efforts. This involves participating in meetings, conferences, and working groups to promote NARFE’s legislative agenda. Through these collaborative efforts, NARFE can leverage shared interests and achieve meaningful policy outcomes.
In summary, the Legislative & Political Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing NARFE’s advocacy agenda and representing the interests of federal employees and retirees. By establishing relationships with policymakers, directing PAC activities, analyzing policies, communicating effectively, engaging members, and collaborating with coalitions, the manager strengthens NARFE’s advocacy efforts and contributes to the protection and enhancement of federal employee and retiree benefits and rights.