THE OPPORTUNITY
The National League of Cities (NLC) is an organization based in Washington, D.C., comprised of city, town, and village leaders across the country, focused on improving the quality of life for current and future residents. With over 100 years of dedication to local governments’ strength, health, and advancement, NLC has gained the trust and support of more than 2,000 municipalities nationwide. We are a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to supporting municipal leaders and driving positive change in communities across the nation.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Consistent with the mission, vision, and values of NLC, the Legislative Research Manager is responsible for coordinating and leading the creation of key research and data-informed materials and messaging in support of the organization’s legislative priorities and agenda. This role also supports federal advocacy meetings and events and reports to the Federal Advocacy Grassroots Advocacy Manager.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Legislative Research and Policy Narrative Development
- Coordinate across NLC’s Federal Advocacy Team, internal departments, and external contributors to support content development aligned with legislative priorities.
- Research policy issues, impacts, and solutions supporting key legislative campaigns.
- Gather background information from government representatives, associations, and stakeholders.
- Lead development and collection of research and data to support advocacy actions and campaigns.
- Serve as Federal Advocacy Liaison for NLC signature reports produced by Research and Data Analytics team
- Conduct congressional data mapping for policy issues and member engagement.
- Serve as a central point of contact for Federal Advocacy research requests, data collection, communications input, and legislative insight.
- Support development of legislative background content to advance team priorities.
- Deliver synthesized materials with recommended narrative framing to Legislative Directors and the Federal Advocacy team.
- Advocacy Committee, Conference, and Event Support
- Support federal advocacy meetings and events.
- Prepare talking points, summaries, presentations, and briefs.
- Support key events and programming including Congressional City Conference, Summer Board and Leadership Meeting, City Summit Conference and fly ins.
- Respond to advocacy committee research requests.
- Develop data visualization presentations and facilitate discussions as needed.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, urban affairs, public administration, or related field.
- Minimum 4 years of relevant experience with legislative bodies, public interest associations, federal agencies, or local government.
- Strong writing skills and experience with policy research and messaging.
- Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes affecting local governments.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local government operations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Quantitative data skills, including competence with statistical software (e.g., state government databases, ArcGIS, etc.) and knowledge of federal data sources.
WORK LOCATION: This hybrid position is based in Washington, DC, requiring three days per week onsite.
SALARY RANGE: $70,000 – $88,000 annually.
OUR BENEFITS
- Competitive benefits and retirement package
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Hybrid work environment
- Professional Development
EOE/M/F/D/V