TITLE:                                               Senior Counsel, Legislative Policy and Legal Affairs

LOCATION:                                     Alexandria, Virginia

FLSA:                                               Exempt

DIVISION:                                        Office of Legal Counsel

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:

Minimal, less than 10%

HOURS and SCHEDULE:

Generally, Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm (minimum 37.5 hours within five (5) days per week); unless otherwise required or approved by management.

REPORTS TO:

Position reports to the Senior Vice President, General Counsel

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC CONTACT:

Daily contact requiring courtesy, discretion, and sound judgment.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:         

This position will focus on federal legislative strategy and advocacy relating to policy issues in support of NCMEC’s mission and will assist with substantive legal matters on NCMEC’s behalf.

The Senior Counsel primarily will be responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s strategy relating to federal legislative initiatives and advocacy concerning issues that align with and support NCMEC’s mission and policy agenda at the federal level. The position is responsible for building relationships and communicating with legislators, legislative staff, government and private entities, the general public, and internal staff on legislative issues that may impact or relate to NCMEC’s core programs of work.

The Senior Counsel will provide legal and strategy support relating to a broad spectrum of issues that arise within the Office of Legal Counsel, including litigation, governance, and internal policy issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner with the General Counsel and other senior management to develop the organization’s advocacy agenda and strategy relating to federal child protection legislation and issues supporting NCMEC’s non-profit mission.

Collaborate with internal staff to achieve implementation of NCMEC’s legislative and governmental affairs agenda and strategy.

Represent the organization when interacting with governmental bodies; federal and state officials; and non-profit and corporate entities, working groups, and partner coalitions.

Work closely with internal staff to craft organizational responses to legislative and related third party requests for guidance concerning proposed policy issues and federal legislation relating to NCMEC programs of work.

Assist in drafting written testimony and briefing documents relating to the organization’s federal legislative priorities and positions, including internal NCMEC policy and legislative positions.  

Liaise with the Public Policy Committee of the Board of Directors on discussion and action items that arise for consideration.

Provide general legal support to the General Counsel on legal issues, including but not limited to litigation matters; governance issues; and non-profit best practices.

Promote a professional image and communicate with co-workers, management, external partners and entities, and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner.

Respond promptly when returning telephone calls and replying to correspondence.

Registration as a federal lobbyist required.

Other duties and special projects as assigned by the General Counsel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s and JD degrees required.  

Minimum of 5 years of substantive experience relating to government relations, federal legislative affairs, and Congressional policy matters required.

Experience as a Hill staffer strongly preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of experience handling legal matters in a law firm, non-profit organization, or similar environment preferred.

Exposure to working on non-profit legal issues, civil legal matters, and criminal prosecutions preferred.

Demonstrable experience developing and maintaining strategic relationships with and working with Congress and federal government agencies.

Experience working with non-profit organizations relating to developing and coordinating national and state policies on mission-related issues preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive working knowledge and experience with Capitol Hill protocols and processes.

Ability to perform as high-level strategic thinker, communicate persuasively verbally and in writing, and act decisively.

Skilled at drafting briefing documents, correspondence, and presentations.

Excellent judgment in setting priorities and interacting with internal and external contacts.

Demonstrated ability to effectively perform research and prioritize multiple tasks.

Diligence and past success in pursuing positive outcomes in difficult situations.

Demonstrated word processing, spreadsheet and database software proficiency.

Adaptability, flexibility and ability to work as part of a team or in an individual capacity

Ability to handle and maintain the integrity and confidentiality of highly sensitive material and information.