Public Policy Specialist

Division and Unit Overview

Consistent with the ACS (American Chemical Society) National Charter and the ACS (American Chemical Society) Strategic Plan, OSGC Government Affairs promotes public policies that advance science and chemistry enterprise for the benefit of society. The Government Affairs team informs policymakers and federal agencies of the role of science in public policy, advances specific recommendations on issues affecting the chemical enterprise, and informs and involves ACS (American Chemical Society) members in the process. Three units – Public Policy, Advocacy and Federal Relations comprise the government affairs activities of OSGC.

Position

This position involves working both independently and within a team environment in support of a wide range of government affairs activities including policy development, governance administration, and government affairs support. The position requires knowledge of Capitol Hill and federal Agencies/Departments, with an emphasis on science policy; ability to interact frequently with a wide range of both internal and external audiences; and a high degree of attention to detail., \ Knowledge of membership organizations or working with volunteers helpful. Excellent oral and writing skills required. The position will be reporting to the Public Policy Manager.

Work Design: Works under supervision. Work is reviewed in progress and after completion. Resolves standard problems. Follows policies, practices, and procedures. Seeks guidance on unusual problems. Reports to the Manager, Public Policy.   

Position Accountabilities

1. Support ACS policy statement process: Help ACS staff and external volunteer members with statement edits, coordination of writing teams/staff team leads, liaise with governance committees, and statement maintenance. Coordinate writing teams/staff liaisons and make sure they understand the process and receive info in a timely manner. Keep ACS policy statements updated on the website.
2. Governance committee activities: Assist government affairs staff liaisons to create agenda books and presentations for their committees. Assist the government affairs team and project leads with policy research, preparation of reporting materials for society governance, and writing and editing of advocacy materials.
3. Internal ACS coordination and event support: Assist in planning and executing government affairs events, including legislative briefings for lawmakers, congressional receptions, multi-organization coalition meetings, and events at ACS national meetings. Assist in handling all associated coordination for these events.
4. Help foster the culture of a high-performing, enterprise focused team to carry out the elements of the ACS strategic plans related to government relations. Help to promote inclusion, cohesion and unity within the staff, programs, and Government Affairs office. Engage in organizational development opportunities and training. Actively promote and participate in multi-divisional work events.

Education/Experience/Technological Knowledge

College degree or equivalent experience; 2-5 years of related experience. Prior experience with public and/or government affairs work environment or on Capitol Hill is preferred.

This position will be primarily based in the Washington D.C. office. ACS employees work a hybrid work schedule, consisting of working onsite, three days per week. ACS employees are in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday with the third in-office day scheduled in consultation with the manager. While always welcome to work in the office, employees may work the other two days of the week from a location of their choice. New employees are immediately eligible for this hybrid work arrangement. ACS offers relocation assistance, if applicable.

EEO/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran