Legislative Manager

Legislative Manager 

Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)
Reports to: Legislative Director  

Salary Grade: Manager I

Salary Range: $61,000-$73,000

Location: Washington, DC Required (hybrid schedule)

Organization Overview

In the critical lead-up to the 2024 elections, Issue One is leading the charge to safeguard elections and election workers and clean up the toxic information ecosystem by holding social media platforms accountable for the harms they cause. We are strategically positioned to ensure a smooth transfer of power in 2025 and to champion comprehensive reforms to create an inclusive democracy for everyone.

As a nonpartisan advocacy powerhouse, Issue One unites a diverse coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and independents to push back on the attacks on our democracy and advance a bold policy agenda to protect our elections and reform social media and the AI that’s at the root of its power Our ReFormers Caucus — comprising over 200 former Congress members, governors, and Cabinet secretaries — cultivates invaluable connections with current policymakers, adding significant weight to our legislative and communication endeavors. Supported by robust research, a dynamic communications team, and a vigorous development program, we're uniquely equipped with the resources and insight needed for transformative federal reform.

We have had an outsized impact in Washington, DC.  We were instrumental in securing $825 million in federal funding for states to enhance cybersecurity and manage the challenging 2020 elections during the pandemic. In 2020, we ran a $15 million “Count Every Vote” campaign to defend the integrity of our elections. In 2021, our advocacy – along with key partners – led to the establishing of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack and the passage of the Electoral Count Reform Act in 2022. We have built our Faces of Democracy campaign to lift up America's election workers and advocate for increased federal funding for our elections and protections for election officials and poll workers. 

Because we recognize that election protection sits at the intersection between trust in elections and social media-driven election propaganda – including the use of AI to disrupt our elections – Issue One launched the Council for Responsible Social Media (CRSM) in 2022 to unite stakeholders in the fight for social media reform to create a healthier democracy for our digital age. The CRSM is the most prominent group of its kind that has ever come together to speak with one voice to hold tech companies accountable and improve our digital information environment.

Position Overview 

The Legislative Manager (LM)  will play a pivotal role in shaping legislation to safeguard our elections and tackle the challenges of social media. As an LM, you'll be at the forefront of policy expertise and lobbying, working closely with the Legislative Director to craft and execute effective legislative strategies and campaigns.

This role will involve active lobbying in Congress, strengthening vital relationships on Capitol Hill and with coalition partners, and delivering top-notch policy research and analysis. The LM will also manage the day-to-day lobbying compliance for both Issue One (IO) and Issue One Action (IOA).

With a focus on election protection and social media reform, alongside supporting initiatives on congressional modernization, ethics, and the influence of money in politics, the LM is crucial in driving IO's legislative agenda. This position requires a commitment to nonpartisan advocacy, registration under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, and the ability to create high-level written communications.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced public policy advocate looking to elevate their career. You'll influence and advance critical federal legislation, lead meetings on the Hill, and build strong relationships with congressional staff. Representing IO at key events and hearings, and coordinating with coalition partners, you’ll contribute to some of the most pressing and timely issues facing our society today.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Legislative Director to implement IO’s legislative agenda by meeting with Senate and House staff, stewarding relationships and communicating with key Hill offices, and working with coalition partners to advance legislation.
• Research, develop, and draft policy solutions on election protection, social media reform, congressional modernization, ethics, and money in politics. 
• Provide top-tier policy research and analysis to all IO/IOA campaigns and assist other staff by articulating IO’s legislative priorities and strategy. 
• Interface with coalition partners and like-minded organizations to discuss ways to advance IO/IOA priorities through issue campaigns.
• Track direct and grassroots lobbying time to ensure compliance. 

Key Attributes and Qualifications 

• Three to five years of experience in legislative, legal, or public affairs settings. Internships and clerkships count as relevant experience. 
• Experience analyzing and communicating policy issues.
• Knowledge of the federal legislative process, including legislative drafting, investigations, and appropriations, is vital
• Hill experience, whether as a staffer, lobbyist, or outside legislative analyst, is required.
• Baseline knowledge of US election administration policy, election issues, technology and social media policy, and generative AI is a plus.
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to effectively approach decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Strong verbal communication skills–comfortable speaking publicly, leading high-stakes meetings, and communicating with politically diverse audiences.
• Strong writing and research skills, including writing brief policy analyses rapidly.
• Superb project management and organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure, under multiple deadlines, and think quickly on your feet.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is required.
• Ability to work in a bipartisan setting with different stakeholders and congressional partners.

Structure and Location

This full-time role is based in Washington, DC, or the surrounding area. The Legislative Manager must also work on-site in our DC office twice weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday). 

The Legislative Manager reports directly to the Legislative Director.

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance. 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 
• Staff receives over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home but establishes regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. In addition, all staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Additional Job-Related Abilities

The successful candidate will also possess the following characteristics:

Team Player – Works well with others in a congenial, collaborative environment involving shared responsibility and credit. Is comfortable with leading and following, as well as working in tandem with peer colleagues on joint projects.

Superior Influencing Skill – Draws upon an active network of contacts and relationships to gain access and influence with key stakeholders. Is a “known entity,” enjoys a reputation for working well with a wide variety of people, and is well received on both sides of the political aisle. Works on and through coalitions to achieve objectives. 

Leadership – Demonstrates “situational diplomacy” and an appreciation for the personal and agency-level differences involved in executing an effective lobbying strategy. Able to lead teams through effective communications, clear direction, and steadfast follow-through. Hands-on and self-sufficient. 

Self-Directed – Able to spearhead initiatives, translate plans into specific actions across a team, and execute with urgency. Creates a level of trust with partners around sound judgments in an environment of shifting initiatives, priorities, and public opinion.      

Impeccable Integrity – Embodies and practices world-class ethical standards. Creates an environment of trust by acting with fairness and consistency, keeping commitments, and providing a rationale for decisions. 

Ego Maturity – A highly motivated, seasoned, and self-assured quality leader, with high confidence in her or his superior professional skills and ability to drive decisions. 

Intelligence – A person with strong intellectual capabilities who can synthesize complex data, legal concepts, and government/regulatory issues for the organization’s Hill education and policy efforts. High level of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated through credentials and recognition of key institutions.

Flexible Work Style – Comfort working within a public policy environment in general and within an organization proud of its reputation for collegiality, diversity, and creativity in delivering excellent policy and partnership outcomes.

Physical Demands 

• Most work is done in an office-like environment, completing projects at a desk for extended periods and working with a computer. 
• The employee may sometimes have to lift, push, and/or carry items above ten (10) pounds. 
• The Manager may need to move and/or stand for extended periods, especially when on Capitol Hill or leading a programmatic event. 
• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

How to Apply:

All interested applicants can apply by clicking "apply for this job," in the top-right of the page. Issue One encourages all interested applicants to complete this self-identification questionnaire as a part of their candidacy.

Due to the volume of applications, we will unfortunately be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth,