Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs)

The Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs) assists with all aspects of AUL’s extensive law and policy program, embracing and fostering the pro-life mission of Americans United for Life with a primary focus on federal issues. Working independently and exercising good judgment, the Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs) is involved in legislative drafting and consulting; writing and delivering testimony on behalf of life-related legislation; working with pro-life allies to advance legislative priorities; representing AUL at conferences and events; and researching, drafting, and developing educational and media material. The Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs) works under the supervision of and reports to the Government Affairs Director.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Effectively execute tasks essential to the position with a primary focus on federal issues, including legislative drafting and consulting, writing and delivering testimony on behalf of life-related legislation, working with pro-life allies to advance legislative priorities, representing AUL at conferences and events, and researching, drafting, and developing educational and media material and other tasks as assigned
  

 

• Consult with federal legislators, national policy groups, and allies on life-affirming legislation. These consultations include providing legal and policy advice; reviewing proposed legislation, drafting legislative language; and providing testimony, talking points, and support
  

 

• Work with allies on federal legislative issues including providing analysis and advice to AUL staff regarding the proper response to a wide range of federal life-related issues; communicate/meet with Hill staff; track and review legislation; draft letters in support of or in opposition to legislation or nominations; and write administrative or agency comment
  

 

• Track, analyze, and report on federal legislation related to life issues and publish an annual Federal Legislative Report
  

 

• Research and develop new model legislation, legislative policy guides, and other materials
  

 

• Assist in the development and production of legal-related components of the AUL web site, including Defending Life, the Federal Spotlight, and other special and investigative AUL reports
  

 

• Contribute to the drafting of amicus briefs in support of life-affirming laws and policies or in opposition to anti-life laws and policies, especially in litigation that seeks to uphold AUL legislative policy approaches
  

 

•  Draft op-eds and represent AUL in the media, including in print, television, radio, and podcasts
  

 

• Remain up-to-date and current with all related legal activity, judicial opinions, and pertinent state and federal laws related to life issues
  

 

• Participate in conference calls and meetings and complete other projects as assigned.
  

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Interns and Externs as assigned.

RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience Preferred

§  Law degree from an accredited law school and bar membership OR equivalent federal policy work experience.

§  Minimum two years of experience in legal or policy position.

 

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
  
• Ability to communicate complex issues both orally and in writing.
  
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  
• Effectively communicate with donors, clients, public and employees in a professional manner.
  
• Solid computer skills including internet communications, Excel and Word.    
  

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
  
• Ability to demonstrate project and time management skills.
  
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
  

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. 
  
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  
• Ability to see, read, and interpret written documents.
  
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
  
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
  

 

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting.  It is well-lighted and the noise level is moderate.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel is required. Use of a personal vehicle may be necessary. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance may be required.

  

This role description is designed to provide an employee with a basic understanding of the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities entailed in the performance of his or her job with Americans United for Life.  It is not intended to be all-inclusive.  This description does not constitute an employment contract, either expressed or implied.  Employment with Americans United for Life is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Company with or without advance notice for any reason or for no reason at all. Only the CEO is authorized to make changes to any Company policy. Job functions and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of management.  Efforts will be made to provide advanced notice of such changes whenever possible.