Director, Congressional Affairs
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) is seeking a Director, Congressional Affairs to support the institution’s engagement with the U.S. Congress and assist with other U.S. government relations. A successful applicant must have substantive expertise on the workings of Capitol Hill and a desire to connect NBR’s policy research with the policy interests of Members of Congress and their staffs. The director is part of the Office of the President, and will work closely with NBR’s executive management, research, and publications teams. This position is a full-time (40 hours), regular, salaried, exempt, staff position. It is based in NBR’s Washington, D.C. office but currently working primarily remotely.
About NBR
NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.
With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, at the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) we tackle those critical issues that America’s leaders need to understand ‘ because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation’s Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement NBR’s congressional affairs/government relations initiatives and priorities in coordination with research group leaders and NBR’s executive management team; track and measure the effectiveness of the efforts surrounding these priorities.
- Initiate and coordinate Congress-oriented publications and research. Develop content and oversee contribution to NBR partnerships, including the U.S.-China Working Group, Senate India Caucus, and Senate Chiefs of Staff Foreign Affairs Study Group. This may involve interviewing Asia policy experts and writing and editing content.
- Provide research, planning, and logistical support for meetings and briefings on Capitol Hill.
- Manage the congressional affairs budget and build financial support for congressional affairs activities by creating and pursuing funding opportunities.
- Represent NBR before a range of audiences.
- Contribute to the institution’s overall outreach efforts.
- Supervise congressional relations, public affairs, and/or media relations staff.
- Work with NBR’s online communications, project, and publications teams to integrate government outreach into NBR’s research activities and online presence.
- Participate in and support other NBR activities as needed, particularly those of the Washington, D.C. office.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have excellent relationship management skills to capably represent NBR and to integrate a wide range of stakeholders’ needs and perspectives into NBR activities. Also required:
- Degree in international relations, Asia studies, public policy, or a related field
- 5+ years professional experience and demonstrated success working with the U.S. Congress
- Substantive experience in Asia policy issues
- Demonstrated commitment to a nonpartisan approach to engaging with Congress
- Ability to engage a wide range of constituencies and build long-term relationships
- Strong project development and management background
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Fundraising experience preferred
- Event planning experience preferred
- Employment is contingent upon results of a reference and background check.
This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a group of high performing, dedicated, and friendly colleagues. NBR offers a competitive benefits package including 17 annual paid holidays; paid vacation and sick time; a medical, vision, and dental healthcare plan; life insurance; health and dependent care flexible spending plans; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, and transit reimbursement options.
Application Instructions
The application period for this position will close on March 14, 2021. To apply, submit the following materials through NBR’s employment site (https://nbr.applicantpro.com/jobs/). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Cover letter summarizing your experience as it applies to the outlined responsibilities and qualifications
- Resume
- Recent 3-5 page writing sample that has not been edited by anyone else
- List of 3 professional references
NBR is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.