Legislative Counsel/Policy Advisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ward 6 Councilmember and Chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety seeks a Legislative Counsel or Policy Advisor to join his Committee staff. The incumbent will maintain a portfolio of legislation and oversight matters within a high-volume and fast-paced legislative committee. The Committee maintains oversight of more than thirty-five District government agencies, boards, and commissions, including the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Department of Corrections, Office of the Attorney General, and Board of Elections. A full list of the agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction can be found here.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Quickly develops subject matter expertise in all agencies, legislation, policies, and issues within the assigned portfolio
• Acts independently and with authority to build strong relationships with District and federal agency staff, Council staff, advocates, stakeholders, and constituents
• Secures passage of legislation referred to the Committee
• Drafts legislation and ceremonial resolutions for introduction by the Committee Chair
• Identifies and responds to oversight issues that are within the assigned portfolio and responsive to the Committee Chair’s priorities
• Analyzes and reviews proposed budgets of assigned agencies and prepares performance and budget oversight materials for the Committee Chair
• Prepares the Committee Chair for oversight and legislative hearings
• Drafts thorough, accurate, and persuasive committee reports, memoranda, written remarks, and talking points
• Reviews agency contracts and budget matters during the course of the fiscal year
• Ensures agency compliance with legislative mandates
• Responds to agency- or issue-related constituent services issues
• Attends relevant agency and community meetings
• Monitors current events and best practices in local, state, and federal policy within the assigned portfolio

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Displays initiative, passion, and empathy
• Possesses exceptional writing ability for a variety of audiences
• Adapts quickly to changing political and legislative environments
• Strong critical thinking skills and work ethic
• Ability to work collaboratively and with diverse constituencies
• Commitment to strategically using the legislative process to achieve social change and racial justice
• Sense of humor
• J.D. required; experience in relevant law, policy, or agency matters preferred
• District residency at the time of hiring or within 180 days thereafter

Councilmember Allen is committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color, women, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience of criminal justice system involvement.

SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $85,000

BENEFITS: The Council of the District of Columbia offers a compensation package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 457(b) retirement program with a 3 percent employer match and a 5 percent entirely employer-funded contribution; 13 to 26 days of annual leave, based on years of employment; 13 days of sick leave; 8 weeks of paid family leave; 11 paid holidays; subsidized public transportation and bikeshare membership; and subsidized use of an off-site gym.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (legal writing discouraged) via email to:

Laura Marks, Chief of Staff
Councilmember Charles Allen
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 110
Washington, DC 20004
[email protected]

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation and gender identity, family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code § 2-1401.01 et seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived identities, such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.