The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) is the voice of the nation’s largest publicly owned metropolitan water systems on federal water policy issues. AMWA thrives in creating a community of water sector leaders to advance policies to protect public health and economic viability via safe, affordable, and sustainable drinking water.

AMWA is seeking a Legislative Affairs Manager responsible for managing a portfolio of legislative issues relevant to AMWA members and developing and responding to new legislative initiatives. The position regularly represents AMWA at internal and external events and meetings, including with congressional offices and relevant external organizations. The Legislative Affairs Manager authors newsletter articles on legislative policy activities and coordinates relevant committee meetings and calls. They are also responsible for planning AMWA’s Water Policy Conference in coordination with the Chief Policy Officer and other staff.

Experience level and other factors will determine the final salary level, in the starting range of $85,000-$95,000. The person in this position will have work-related travel a few times per year.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Legislative Affairs and Policy Development

Under the leadership of the Chief Policy Officer, supports the development and implementation of AMWA’s legislative affairs program and strategy, including drafting and building congressional support for the association’s priorities related to the Safe Drinking Water Act and related legislation.
Identifies and assesses legislation and policy proposals relevant to the association, its members, and the water sector.
Undertakes tasks as assigned by the Chief Policy Officer to achieve legislative objectives and advance the interests of AMWA and its members.
Represents AMWA on Capitol Hill by attending hearings, briefings, and other meetings with Members of Congress and their staff.
Represents AMWA in meetings with advocacy coalitions.
Builds and maintains relationships with members of Congress and their staff, including those on key committees of jurisdiction.
Supports the development of legislative and grassroots advocacy campaigns and to promote the priorities of the organization.
Facilitates coordination and implementation of advocacy strategies in partnership with staff, members, coalitions, and external partners to achieve AMWA’s legislative goals.
Drafts testimony for congressional hearings, and letters in response to legislative proposals.
Responds, as appropriate, to inquiries from members, external stakeholders, and congressional staff on policy issues related to drinking water.

Member and External Relations

Manages AMWA’s Legislative Committee, including working with the committee chair to set meeting schedules and agendas, gathering input from committee members, and engaging committee members in grassroots advocacy initiatives.
Represents AMWA at internal and external events such as meetings, workshops, and conferences to build AMWA’s reputation and influence inside and outside of the water sector.
Contributes articles for the weekly Monday Morning Briefing newsletter and produces other legislative updates as necessary.
Responsible for securing and scheduling congressional speakers for the Water Policy Conference.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Organizational Responsibilities

Participate in developing workplan goals, objectives, and systems.
Participate in administrative staff meetings, organization-wide meetings, staff team meetings, training programs, and attends other meetings and seminars as designated in professional development plans and organizational needs.
Assist in development of annual reports, plans, Board updates, and other organizational communications in relation to established goals.
Participate in the production of AMWA’s two annual conferences – the spring Water Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., and the fall Executive Management Conference, hosted in other cities.
Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Creativity
Generates new ideas, supports change, provides innovative solutions, solves problems creatively
Communication
Understand and communicate effectively with others using a variety of contexts and formats, which include writing, speaking, reading, listening and interpersonal skills
Fostering Teamwork
As a team member, the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team; as a team leader, the ability to demonstrate interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together
Flexibility
Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong familiarity with the federal policymaking process, especially legislative policy development and congressional procedure.
Excellent analytical, writing, and oral communication skills.
Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
Ability to multitask numerous projects and adapt to changing circumstances.
Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with members of Congress and their staff and colleagues at other external organizations.
Comfortable representing AMWA to external audiences.

Education and Experience:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, or a related field of study.
Minimum 3-5 years of Capitol Hill experience.

All AMWA staff are required to work in the D.C. office at least 2 days per week.

To apply:

If this position sounds like a great fit for you and you’re excited to make an immediate impact at AMWA, please send a resume and cover letter to jobopening@amwa.net and reference Legislative Affairs Manager in the subject line.

AMWA is a 501(c)(6) organization. AMWA offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance. AMWA also offers health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan, paid time off and other benefits. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. AMWA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA)

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