Foreign Affairs Policy Advisor

About the Office of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez: Delia Ramirez is the Congresswoman for the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois. Her offices and operations reflect her commitment to the values of service, community, and perseverance. Congresswoman Ramirez is committed to working across boundaries, geographies, ideologies and offices to realize a values aligned, results oriented approach to leadership.

Role:

The Office of Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) seeks an experienced Foreign Affairs Policy Advisor to join the Washington, DC team. The Policy Advisor leads a portfolio focused on progressive foreign affairs, security and defense, trade, and international human rights, with other issues as assigned. The Policy Advisor works closely with the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to develop and execute a strategic and responsive policy agenda for the Member that leverages the member’s committee work, the Global Migration Caucus, the House Democracy Partnership, and more.

This is not an entry-level or typical Legislative Assistant role; congressional experience and a strong background in progressive foreign affairs and human rights policy are required. The position is both forward-looking and responsive to the needs of the district and local and national stakeholders. In addition to Hill experience and subject matter expertise, successful candidates will be able to effectively handle quick execution of multiple parallel projects in a fast-paced and often demanding environment, ability to meet aggressive deadlines without sacrificing quality, manage complex stakeholder relationships and coalitions to develop letters and legislation, strong writing and communications skills, a deep commitment to collaboration, consensus building, and multi-directional feedback, and well-formed progressive values and networks.

Responsibilities of this position include drafting, analyzing and building power around letters, amendments, and legislation; coalition building, negotiation and policy/strategy development; managing the Global Migration Caucus and executing briefings, roundtables, and newsletters; conducting research and responding to current events; drafting vote recommendations, policy memos, talking points, and remarks; meeting with constituents and groups; staffing committee, events and hearings; and other duties as assigned. The Policy Advisor aligns their work to the work of the District and Communications teams to move the Congresswoman’s priorities forward in the most locally resonant, strategic, values-aligned way.

The position is based in Washington, DC and is an in-office position. The position assumes flexible hours, including long hours, nights, and weekends, as needed.

Areas of Responsibility include:

Strategic Legislative Action: executes an outcomes-oriented legislative strategy for the Member in assigned issue areas.
Legislative Organizing: leverages key caucuses, taskforces and coalitions to build the Member’s power and authority in assigned issue areas.
Legislative Communication: develops legislative content for the Member and for the Office.
Stakeholder Relations: manages key relationships and meets with constituents and groups on behalf of the Member.
Administration: coordinates across functions to advance strategic priorities.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Policy experience: 2 years of experience in executing successful legislative strategy on Capitol Hill with knowledge of House Rules and House procedures.
Content Expertise: progressive foreign affairs, security and defense, trade, and international human rights, with other issues as assigned.
Strategic thinker: Politically savvy, able to long-game and plan, skilled at navigating complex and challenging situations with stakeholders and Members.
Exceptional coalition-building and relational skills: Exceptional negotiation, influence, problem solving and decision-making skills. Experience successfully collaborating and forming partnerships to advance legislative agendas is preferred.
Exceptional communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience writing, editing, and proofreading for various audiences.
Team player and team builder: Commitment to co-creation, willingness to be edited and redirected by peers and leadership, responsiveness to the needs of the district, cooperative and collaborative.
Strong detail and deadline-management: Capable of planning, prioritizing, and delivering results with tight deadlines, competing priorities, high expectations, and relational complexity.
Conflict resolution: Willingness to accept performance-based criticism and direction, ability to engage and resolve conflict productively. Direct and honest.
Proficiency in Spanish is highly preferred.

BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and those with Chicago/DuPage County/Cook County, Illinois ties are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and 3 professional references to jobs.deliaramirez@mail.house.gov with “FA Policy Advisor (First Name Last Name)” in the subject line.

Salary Range: $75,000 – 90,000, depending on experience and qualifications

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

Work is performed in an open office environment.
Noise levels in the office are usually moderate.
Ability to work in a small workstation without expectation of privacy.
Ability to work flexible hours, including long hours, nights, and weekends, as needed.
Physically able to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 lbs, such as supply inventory, small office equipment and audio visual equipment.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and computer

Our office is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. The office is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, disability, genetic information, national origin, uniformed service, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.