Government Relations Specialist
About Optica
Government Relations Specialist
Optica is looking for a Government Relations Specialist.
The Government Relations Specialist is part of the Global Policy & Affairs team responsible for Optica’s public policy activities in the US and around the world. This role focuses on US federal government relations (Congress and Executive).
This position reports to the Senior Director, Global Policy and Affairs. The Specialist has considerable external contact with government staff, Optica volunteers, and internal and external nonprofit and industry staff.
This position requires strong project management, organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills; knowledge of US federal policymaking processes; and experience working in or with Congress and/or the Executive branch. The candidate must be a collaborative, creative, and reliable colleague.
Primary Responsibilities
- Responsible for the Congressional Fellowship program, including its marketing, publicity, and selection process.
- Manages the Public Affairs Council, to include drafting agendas, collecting meeting materials, organizing in-person and virtual meetings, and communicating with volunteer council members.
- Organizes Capitol Hill visits days for volunteers, including training, logistics, setting meetings, scheduling, and leading Hill meetings.
- Organizes visits by members of Congress and the Administration to places relevant to optics and photonics.
- Tracks relevant legislation and policies and seeks opportunities to promote optics and photonics to government audiences.
- Attends and reports back on committee and coalition meetings.
- Manages online content and develops compelling external communications.
- Generally supports the Global Policy & Affairs and other internal teams.
Education and Experience
• College degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
Skills and Abilities
- Understanding of Congress and the Administration.
- Familiarity with public policies relevant to the US research and development ecosystem and advanced technology industries.
- Logistical, administrative, writing, and verbal skills
- Long-term planning skills.
- Customer service orientation.
- Comfortable working as staff to volunteers and/or committees.
- Flexible and creative collaborator.
- Capable of executing unguided research tasks.
- Detail oriented.
- Possesses high ethical standards.
About Optica
Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, Optica offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.
Optica is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, maritial status, veteran's status, personal appearance, political affiliation, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other basis prohibited by law.
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