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Congressional Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Senior Legislative Affairs Officer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Congressional Research: Conducting research and synthesizing information for congressional engagements, including biographical and district information, office and staff contact information, recent ...

Palisade Research

Congressional Policy Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Palisade Research Congressional Policy Lead Washington, DC · Full time Company website Apply for Congressional Policy Lead Palisade Research is hiring a Congressional Policy Lead in Washington, DC ...

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Congressional Research information

What is congressional research?

Congressional Research typically refers to the work performed by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a division of the Library of Congress. CRS provides nonpartisan, objective research and analysis to members of the U.S. Congress and their staff to support the legislative process. This research covers a wide range of policy issues, including economics, law, science, and social policy, and helps lawmakers make informed decisions. CRS analysts, attorneys, and information professionals are experts in their fields and produce reports, memos, and briefings tailored to the needs of Congress.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in congressional research roles?

Professionals in Congressional Research often face the challenge of managing tight deadlines while producing comprehensive, nonpartisan analyses on complex policy issues. The work environment is highly collaborative, requiring frequent communication with legislative staff, subject matter experts, and other researchers to ensure accuracy and relevance. Additionally, adapting quickly to shifting legislative priorities and handling sensitive or confidential information are common aspects of the role. Staying updated on current events and legislative developments is crucial to providing timely and effective support to Congress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in congressional research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Congressional Research, you need strong analytical skills, policy expertise, and advanced research abilities, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree such as public policy, law, or political science. Proficiency in data analysis tools, legislative tracking systems, and library databases is commonly required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help professionals clearly convey complex information to lawmakers and stakeholders. These competencies are essential for producing accurate, nonpartisan research that informs legislative decision-making.

What is the difference between Congressional Research vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectCongressional ResearchLegislative Assistant
Required credentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees in political science, law, or public policyBachelor's degree in political science, law, or related field; experience may vary
Work environmentGovernment agency, congressional offices, research institutionsCongressional offices, legislative bodies, government agencies
Employer and industry usageUsed by Congress, government agencies, policy organizationsEmployed by congressional offices, legislative bodies, advocacy groups

Congressional Research specialists focus on providing in-depth policy analysis and research for Congress, often working within government agencies or research organizations. Legislative Assistants support legislators directly by managing policy issues, drafting legislation, and advising on political strategy. While both roles require knowledge of policy and government, Congressional Research roles are more research-oriented, whereas Legislative Assistants are more involved in legislative processes and constituent relations.

More about Congressional Research jobs

What are popular job titles for Congressional Research?

Popular job titles for Congressional Research:

Congressional Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Congressional Research job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Senior Legislative Affairs Officer

Springfield, VA • On-site

ECS
See more jobs at ECSexternal

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Legislative Affairs Officer to work at our Springfield, VA customer site.
Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
Legislative Affairs Work Role:
The Legislative work role is a comprehensive service responsible for supporting the Chief of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs and their team in interactions and external communications related to congressional oversight. This includes developing and executing annual engagement strategies to promote support for NGA's programs, coordinating responses to oversight requests, and advising NGA leaders on congressional engagement. This service includes coordinating responses to congressional inquiries, hosting congressional delegation visits, preparing NGA personnel for hearings and briefings, and explaining and defending the President's budget requests.
The Legislative Affairs Support Officer is responsible for supporting the execution of NGA interactions with the Legislative Branch, including elected officials, committees, and associated staff. This individual will serve as a principal advisor to senior leadership and the legislative affairs team on all matters concerning legislative affairs. They will develop and support comprehensive engagement strategies to advance NGA's legislative priorities, including its annual budget request and efforts to provide timely, accurate responses to all Congressional inquiries. They will provide expertise and guidance on legislative procedures and actions; coordinate engagements, communications, and visits with/by congressional and oversight committee members and staff; and develop, review, edit, and coordinate documentation for congressional audiences.
Duties May Include:
  • Congressional Activities: Monitoring and reporting on the status and substance of congressional activities, including hearings, legislation, and nominations of interest to NGA, including substantially contributing to summaries of relevant legislation. This will include a weekly summary of current Congressional atmospherics, recent and upcoming engagements or hearings, and active legislation (involving or of interest to NGA), in addition to required elements of information to USD(I&S) or ODNI legislative affairs organizations.
  • Congressional Responses: Developing, reviewing, and providing editorial feedback on documentation for congressional audiences, including Congressional Notifications, Congressionally Directed Actions, and letters, along with reviewing and providing substantive analysis and editorial improvements to congressional budget justification materials (i.e., Congressional Budget Justification Book, Congressional Justification Book). Also, coordinating the development of responses to congressional inquiries and providing editorial and substantive review of proposed responses on behalf of constituents.
  • Congressional Research: Conducting research and synthesizing information for congressional engagements, including biographical and district information, office and staff contact information, recent activities, and news articles or legislative content. Also, supporting the maintenance of records associated with congressional interactions.
  • Congressional Engagements: Supporting training and preparation for engagements onsite and on Capitol Hill, including assistance with preparing briefing materials; guidance on decorum for interacting with legislators; explaining the rules and procedures of Congress; ensuring required logistical support is in place; and other support as requested. Also, represent OCC in providing status updates and basic inquiries regarding the legislative process in meetings with other NGA components, as requested (i.e., NGA Connect, Furlough WG).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $135,000-165,000
General Description of Benefits
  • US Citizen
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to pass CI Poly
  • A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field is required. A master's degree is highly preferred. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 15+ years of direct experience in the career field of legislative affairs.
  • A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience managing complex communication initiatives and advising senior executives
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with a proven ability to weigh the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and identify the most appropriate solution
  • Highly developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to effectively and professionally interact with a diverse set of stakeholders (from peers to end-users to executive management)
  • Ability to work independently and synthesize complex information into clear, understandable written formats; attention to detail, with minimal technical and content errors in deliverables provided to the government; and an understanding of the defense and intelligence budget cycles and related oversight
  • In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and experience working with congressional staff.
  • Ability to develop and execute sophisticated, multi-faceted communication plans that align with organizational objectives.

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