The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning. This position will provide advocacy and policy support across all of the Society's activism. The position will directly lobby Congress, as well as implement advocacy and lobbying strategies and tactics at the federal and state levels. The position will be responsible for public policy and legislative research and analysis to help determine, assess and manage the Society's federal, state and local policy priorities. Additionally, the position will engage with advocacy staff and volunteers across the country. Essential Function/Responsibility 1. Perform Policy Research and Analysis Research complex legislation and regulations of importance to people with MS Analyze policies, legislation and regulations and make recommendations on pursuit of policies Manage state legislative tracking system Monitor movement on top policy priorities at federal, state and local levels Analyze and provide updates to advocacy team on movement of priorities and when action is needed 2. Direct Lobbying Represent the needs of people with MS and their families on Capitol Hill through direct lobbying of members of Congress and administration officials and establish and strengthen relationships in conjunction with federal advocacy team Act as lobbying point of contact on small portfolio of issues and support team on other issues Represent Society at coalition meetings, partner meetings and briefings Monitor, attend and report on Congressional briefings and committee hearings Manage process for submission of appropriation programmatic requests with Congressional offices Manage, monitor or support state policy work as needed 3. Develop advocacy strategies, tactics and supporting materials Draft testimony, support letters, position papers and talking points to advance Society legislative and political priorities Draft content (articles, op-eds, blog posts) for newsletters, website, intranet and other communications Manage and help produce staff and volunteer trainings on public policy content and advocacy strategies 4. Volunteer Engagement Cultivate relationships with activists with direct experiences to support policy priorities Support story collection process to highlight personal impact of policies 5. Public Policy Conference and State Action Days Support planning of the Public Policy Conference and State Action Days Provide on location assistance at PPC and as needed at State Action Days Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/DisabledMinimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in public policy, political science, public administration, public health or communications Minimum Experience/Skills/Competencies: Experience in legislative office (Congressional or state) Experience in healthcare and/or disability policy preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills. Strong policy research and analysis skills Demonstrated ability to work within deadline pressures and manage multiple simultaneous projects Ability to work and collaborate in team environment, including with remote team members Experience working with volunteers and/or grassroots activists Demonstrated ability to problem solve Relationship building skills. Technical/Other: Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society (IF APPLICABLE) This position will be required to drive/travel on Society business. Candidate must possess a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation. The Society does run motor vehicle checks for all positions which require driving and the applicant must meet the Society guidelines. (IF APPLICABLE) Availability to work occasional nights and weekends to support events, committee meetings, etc The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package to employees. These benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.