Legislative Director

DC Councilmember Matt Frumin (Ward 3) seeks to hire a Legislative Director to provide policy analysis and legislative advice in support of the formulation and execution of the Councilmember’s overall legislative agenda. Responsibilities include reviewing and drafting legislation, tracking legislation and developments within assigned issue areas, and preparing for and staffing the Councilmember at public hearings and legislative meetings. All staff engage with constituents and represent the office at meetings and events across the District. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the resident expert on the legislative history of programs, functions, and activities for a wide range of departments, agencies, offices in the District of Columbia government.
• Engages in policy research to inform the Councilmember’s legislative, oversight, and budget functions.
• Monitors legislation and issues pending in the Council and advises the Councilmember about the same.
• Consults with Executive Branch officials, other Council offices, citizen and business stakeholders, and advocacy groups on proposed or pending legislation. Develops collaborative working relationships in support of policy analysis and formulation.
• Drafts legislation, amendments, and public hearing questions and discussion points for legislative and committee meetings.
• Analyzes and reviews proposed operating and capital budgets and other financial information associated with a variety of departments, agencies, offices, or programs.
• Responds to oral and/or written inquiries from the general public, business leaders, and/or advocacy groups related to legislative matters.
• Manages and mentors legislative staff and interns.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• J.D. required.
• At least two (2) years prior demonstrated experience in legislative analysis, drafting, public policy, and/or advocacy. Policy related experience in one or more areas of housing, tax and revenue, and/or education highly desirable.
• Prior experience managing and mentoring staff strongly preferred.
• Must be a resident of the District of Columbia at the time of appointment or obtain residency within 180 days of appointment.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Technical Knowledge: Demonstrates experience in the legislative process and in public policy analysis.

Accountability: Accepts accountability for achieving results and takes responsibility for outcomes. Identifies ways to enhance individual and group performance. Takes a proactive approach, anticipating and addressing issues before they arise. Meets assigned deadlines.

Communication: Listens effectively and clarifies information as needed. Writes and speaks in a clear, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Effectively conveys complex legal and/or legislative issues in plain language for diverse audiences.

Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong working relationships, fostering collaboration to achieve assignments and goals. Utilizes tact, diplomacy, and ethical behavior when interacting with others.

Judgement: Analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Considers possible implications and alternatives when making decisions and considers other perspectives before deciding.

Organizing Work: Allocates time and resources effectively and coordinates efforts with all affected parties. Applies strong organizational skills to independently multitask and maintain productivity across multiple legislative issue areas and priorities. Keeps track of details to ensure work is performed accurately and is completed on time.

PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time, hybrid position with four days per week in-person at the Wilson Building in downtown Washington, DC, and one day per week remote, with additional occasional work from home opportunities. Incumbents will work in a collaborative team environment. Evening and occasional weekend availability is required. Regular recess periods and the cyclical nature of the Council’s legislative calendar, as well as the office leave policy, provide opportunities to balance out periods of necessarily high-intensity work. Performance expectations will be developed with the Chief of Staff and Councilmember.

HOW TO APPLY

All packages must include: cover letter, resume, one (1) writing sample, not to exceed three (3) pages, and a list of three (3) professional references. Application materials should be submitted to Leigh Catherine Miles, Chief of Staff, at lcmiles@dccouncil.gov. Please include “Legislative Director” in the subject line. NO PHONE CALLS, please. Applicants will only be notified if granted an interview.

DOMICILE REQUIREMENT

An appointee to the Excepted Service is required to be domiciled in the District of Columbia at the time of their appointment or become a domiciliary of the District of Columbia within 180 days of appointment and shall maintain such domicile during the period of appointment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $120,000. The Council of the District of Columbia offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental, and vision coverage; long- and short-term disability program; a 457(b) program with a 3% employer match and a 5% 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.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of or a plea of guilty to a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia government is an equal opportunity employer. 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, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: 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. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.