Title: Legislative Manager for Native American Advocacy

Department: Policy & Advocacy

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary Grade: 5

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

Reports to: Legislative Director for Domestic Policy

Direct Reports: N/A

Job Summary:

For decades, FCNL’s Native American Advocacy Program has been an enduring ally to national Native American organizations and Indian communities engaged in policy advocacy. We collaborate 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 to benefit Native American communities and respect for tribal sovereignty. We also provide information to Congress and the public on the rights and continuing struggles of Native peoples.

The Legislative Manager for Native American Advocacy leads FCNL’s lobbying on Native American issues, keeping track of legislation and funding proposals that affect Native Americans, communicating with Congress about selected bills and issues, and lobbying on legislation that is important to Indian country. Working within FCNL’s vision to recognize and honor tribal sovereignty and enhance tribal self-determination, and to “seek a society with equity and justice for all,” the Legislative Manager lobbies for achievable legislative change, in accordance with FCNL legislative policies outlined in the document, The World We Seek.

Essential Job Duties

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 in support of selected legislative priorities on Native issues. Provide insight, strategy, and feedback for legislation, hearings, and floor action. Demonstrate strong 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. Assess progress towards legislative goals and adjust approach to reflect lessons learned. Implement the tools to carry out that strategy, such as 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. Potentially lead an interfaith coalition working group on Native American issues.
Coordinate with other members of the Policy and Advocacy Team: Collaborate with other members of the Policy and Advocacy Team on intersecting issues and programs, strategies, lobby visits, grassroots engagement, internal and external reporting, and communications with Congress, the administration, and the public
Provide and develop expertise: The Legislative Manager for Native American Advocacy is FCNL’s staff expert on Native issues. The Manager will further develop expertise on these and other issues assigned by the Legislative Director for Domestic Policy. This includes monitoring legislative and policy developments; preparing and distributing fact sheets, background papers, editorials, newsletter articles, and other educational materials for general distribution; briefing FCNL and congressional staff; and overseeing maintenance of web pages on assigned legislative issues. The Legislative Manager will also publish a monthly legislative update for FCNL constituents and offer presentations to FCNL constituents around the country
Represent FCNL positions in the media: Serve as FCNL spokesperson for Native issues related FCNL’s work in interviews 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 to have the same published, distributed, or posted as appropriate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Currently none but may supervise a summer intern

Minimum Required Job Qualifications

Education

An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

Experience

Tribal experience, preferably in tribal programs, education, or governance
At least 3 years of legislative, advocacy, organizing, governmental, or relevant non-profit experience
Strong understanding of political dynamics and legislative strategy
Relationships with Native organizations and congressional offices
Excellent research and writing skills, with a commitment to accuracy
Strong outreach, networking, and partnership-building skills
Comfortable with public speaking and leading presentations
Self‐reliance, resourcefulness, and the ability to take initiative
An appreciation of the Quaker vision that FCNL promotes in Congress and with administrative agencies
An abiding passion for Indian issues and for public policy change

Preferred Job Qualifications

Education

Graduate degree

Experience

Ability to connect with constituents and bring their stories to the Hill
A systematic and well-organized approach to problems, with attention to details and deadlines, and the ability to handle a wide range of tasks as needed
An ability to collaborate with a staff team responsible for a wide range of objectives within FCNL’s work
A consultative and collegial manner, with skills in cooperative work with colleagues inside and outside of FCNL
Commitment to involving, promoting, and respecting participants from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives
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
Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands & Work environment

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

Compensation & Work Expectations

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 and is negotiable based on skills and experience.
This is a full-time exempt position, based on a 37.5-hour workweek. This person is expected to work in-person generally two days a week with the option to telework up to three days a week, although more time in the office may be necessary some weeks dependent upon events in Congress, coalition partners, and the Administration
We offer a highly competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, flexible spending account, dependent care account, short-term & long-term disability; monthly cellphone/internet stipend, employer paid life insurance; 12+ paid holidays; vacation; sick leave; personal days; volunteer time off, wellness initiatives; educational support; healthcare stipend; maternity/paternity leave; employee assistance programs, generous employer contributions to the retirement plan, and employer-paid benefits with Capital Bikeshare and WMATA

FCNL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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Legislative Manager for Native American Advocacy