Now Hiring: Legislative Director

Councilmember Matt Frumin seeks to hire a Legislative Director to provide legislative advice in support of the formulation and execution of the Councilmember’s overall legislative agenda. Responsibilities include reviewing and drafting legislation, tracking legislation and developments within assigned issue areas, and preparing for and staffing the Councilmember at public hearings and legislative meetings. Councilmember Frumin currently services on the committees on Executive Administration and Labor, Facilities and Family Services, Hospital and Health Equity, Housing, and Transportation and the Environment, as well as the Committee of the Whole. All staff engage with constituents and represent the office at meetings and events across the District.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as the resident legislative expert on the legislative history of programs, functions, and activities for a wide range of departments, agencies, offices in the District of Columbia government.
• Engages in policy research to inform the Councilmember’s legislative, oversight, and budget functions.
• Writes legislative text, amendments, and public hearing questions, opening statements, and presentation and discussion points for legislative and Committee meetings.
• Monitors legislation and issues pending in the Council and advises the Councilmember about the same.
• Consults with Executive Branch officials, other Council offices, citizen and business stakeholders, and advocacy groups on proposed or pending legislation.
• Analyzes and reviews proposed operating and capital budgets and other financial information associated with a variety of departments, agencies, offices, or programs.
• Responds to oral and/or written inquiries from the general public, business leaders, and/or advocacy groups related to legislative matters.
• Provides mentoring and oversight of legislative staff and interns.

Skills & Qualifications

• J.D. required.
• At least two (2) years prior demonstrated experience in legislative analysis, drafting, public policy, and/or advocacy. Housing policy experience preferred, but not required.
• Prior experience mentoring or managing staff preferred.
• Must be a resident of the District of Columbia at the time of appointment or obtain residency within 180 days of appointment.

Competencies Required

• Technical Knowledge in the legislative process and in public policy analysis.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Applies strong organizational skills to independently multitask and maintain productivity across multiple legislative issue areas and priorities.
• Accountability: Accepts accountability for achieving results and takes responsibility for outcomes. Identifies ways to enhance individual and group performance to make greater contributions to the Council. Takes a proactive approach, anticipating and addressing issues before they arise. Meets assigned deadlines.
• Communications: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively and clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Effectively conveys complex legal and/or legislative issues in plain language for diverse audiences.
• Judgement: Analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Considers possible implications and alternatives when making decisions and considers other perspectives before deciding.
• Organizing Work: Keeps track of details to ensure work is performed accurately and is completed on time. Allocates time and resources effectively and coordinates efforts with all affected parties.

Performance Environment

This is a full-time, in-person position located in the Councilmember’s office in the Wilson Building in downtown Washington, DC, with occasional work from home opportunities. Incumbents will work in a high paced, collaborative team environment. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required. Regular recess periods and the cyclical nature of the Council’s legislative calendar, as well as the office leave policy, provide opportunities to balance out periods of necessarily high-intensity work. Performance expectations will be developed with the Chief of Staff and Councilmember.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Chief of Staff Leigh Catherine Miles lcmiles@dccouncil.gov. Please include “Legislative Director” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Applicants will only be notified if granted an interview.

Domicile Requirement

An appointee to the Excepted Service is required to be domiciled in the District of Columbia at the time of their appointment or become a domiciliary of the District of Columbia within 180 days of appointment and shall maintain such domicile during the period of appointment.

Salary & Benefits

The annual salary for this position is $90,000 – $115,000, depending upon experience. The Council of the District of Columbia offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental, and vision coverage; long- and short-term disability program; a 457(b) program with a 3% employer match and a 5% entirely employer funded contribution; 13 to 26 days of annual leave, (based on years of employment); 13 days of sick leave; 8 weeks of paid family leave; 11 paid holidays; subsidized public transportation and bikeshare membership.