The Niskanen Center is a public policy think tank and advocacy organization that seeks to build a compelling case for the mutually reinforcing relationships between the free market and the welfare state, individual liberty and social justice, social cohesion and multicultural pluralism, and economic well-being and environmental protection. We believe that conserving a free, competitive, and democratic society will require radical departures from existing policies. We work closely with the governing networks in Washington, D.C. to advance meaningful and concrete change. 

Position: Legislative Affairs Manager, Climate 

Location: Washington, D.C. (remote until the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available)

Salary: $75,000-$95,000 based on experience (open to more senior applicants), plus generous benefits package

Department: Climate department 

Report to: Director of Climate Policy, Senior Vice President, and Vice President of Policy

Travel: Occasional travel expected in the future

Position Overview

The Niskanen Center seeks a government relations professional to lead outreach for our growing climate department. Niskanen’s climate program produces original policy research and advocacy to reduce the risks of climate change, promote carbon taxation, reduce the cost of deploying clean energy, and build coalitions to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The ideal candidate will design strategies, along with our research staff, to represent the Niskanen Centers’ work before Congress, federal agencies, and with coalitional allies. That person will also have experience with research and evidence-based policy, policy change, and enthusiasm for climate and energy issues. They will be responsible for developing policy reports, regulatory proposals, testimonies, speeches, or commentary. Responsibilities also frequently include briefing allies, building coalitions with new partners, and directing outreach to regulators,legislators, and staff. Applicants should have  experience working across ideological lines and be comfortable learning technical subject matter. Candidates need not be a registered lobbyist.

Please note all positions will be remote until COVID-19 vaccination is widely available.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with research staff to represent the Niskanen Center, its research products, and its positions with key stakeholders and policymakers through positive and proactive outreach;
  • Develop and execute strategies for advancing policy proposals from conception to enactment through legislative engagement, public communications, coalition building, and regulatory proceedings; 
  • Monitor and interpret legislation and related regulation to ascertain any impact on the Center and its policy priorities; 
  • Advise and assist the preparation of briefing materials and coordinate briefing and educational events (remote or in-person, where appropriate);  
  • Represent the Niskanen Center externally with other nonprofits, public interest groups, and industry organizations. 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • 2+ years of experience working with the federal legislative or executive branch or the equivalent experience on a government relations team.
  • Experience administering a policy-oriented communications, coalition building, or legislative advocacy effort.  
  • Working knowledge of clean energy issues, transportation policy, tax policy, or climate change.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, leverage resources, and think creatively.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Standout or unique experience working with either the federal legislative or executive branch or the equivalent experience on a government relations or public relations team.
  • Creative ideas for executing legislative advocacy and education efforts using digital media, public relations, or direct engagement.
  • In-depth knowledge of clean energy innovation, transportation policy, infrastructure siting and permitting, or climate change, with experience influencing policy development in any of these areas. 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

How to Apply

The Niskanen Center is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all employment applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We seek to expand our professional networks and workplace composition to better our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.Please include a cover letter, resume, a brief writing sample, and salary requirements in one PDF file. Send all applications to: jobs@niskanencenter.org with a subject line including “Climate Legislative Affairs.” All applications submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET on Friday, February 5, 2021, will receive full consideration.

Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash