Independent Contractor Political Science Jobs in Virginia

General Information 

• Job Code: PRO-PR-04T
• Location:Client/Arlington, VA
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular 
• Telework: Partial
• Citizenship: US Citizenship Required
• Salary Range: $92,565.62 - $106,450.00

Are you passionate about advancing national cybersecurity and infrastructure security priorities through clear, strategic, and analytically driven communications?

Ripple Effect is seeking an experienced Policy/Legislative Specialist to support the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This role supports CISA's mission by analyzing and tracking legislation, supporting congressional reporting and correspondence, and executing strategic communications and media coordination related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Legislative Affairs Support: Support CISA's Legislative Affairs efforts by tracking, monitoring, and analyzing legislation related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security. Assess the potential impact of legislative proposals and assist in preparing congressional correspondence, briefings, reports, and responses in support of agency priorities.

Strategic Communications Execution: Independently execute advanced strategic communications projects with minimal supervision. Conduct thorough research and analysis-including stakeholder perspectives, audience insights, and external environment assessments-to inform messaging approaches and communication strategies.

Issue Analysis & Policy Support: Lead complex issue analysis related to cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and DHS operational priorities. Develop datadriven insights and recommendations to inform leadership decisionmaking and legislative or strategic communications efforts.

Data Analysis & Measurement: Lead analytical efforts by collecting, interpreting, and synthesizing relevant data-such as engagement metrics, legislative trends, stakeholder activity, and external indicators-to forecast interest, measure effectiveness, and refine strategic approaches.

Documentation & Reporting: Prepare clear, comprehensive documentation and reports summarizing analyses, findings, and outcomes. Maintain organized records of legislative tracking, communications products, and analytical inputs to support continuity and institutional knowledge.

Regulatory & Contractual Compliance: Ensure all activities and materials comply with applicable laws, regulations, contractual requirements, and DHS policies, including privacy, ethics, and communication standards. Complete all required compliance training and follow established procedures.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, International Relations, Homeland Security, or a related field; Master's (MA or MBA) degree preferred
• Minimum of 6 years of demonstrated professional experience supporting legislative analysis, strategic communications, policy analysis, or government affairs
• Experience reviewing legislation, regulations, or policy proposals and assessing potential organizational or operational impacts
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Fitness Determination

Basic Requirements

• Proven ability to summarize legislative content clearly and accurately for nontechnical or executive audiences
• Experience supporting the development of written responses, briefing materials, talking points, or correspondence related to legislative or policy matters
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and identify risks, implications, and opportunities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to accuracy, clarity, and consistency
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience working in or supporting federal agencies, government contractors, or highly regulated environments
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
• Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this role

Skills That Set You Apart

• Experience supporting DHS, CISA, or other national security or homeland security organizations
• Advanced experience assessing the operational, technical, or policy impacts of legislation related to cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, or technology
• Strong political acumen and understanding of congressional processes and executivebranch governance
• Experience preparing seniorlevel briefings or materials for leadership or external stakeholders
• Ability to translate legislative or policy developments into actionable insights and recommendations
• Intermediate experience with AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support project management tasks. 

Benefits

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences. 

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at HR@rippleeffect.com or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.