Smart Growth America is hiring for a Policy, Government Affairs and Outreach Fellow to contribute to our federal and local policy research and advocacy. This is an opportunity that features a great deal of responsibility, including work to move Smart Growth America's legislative priorities, direct work with our state and local coalition members as well as our coalition of smart growth real estate developers and investors, LOCUS, and a network of communities across the country doing comprehensive regional planning.
Position description
The ideal Policy, Government Affairs and Outreach Fellow has:
- Excellent writing skills;
- Excellent skills at research and policy analysis;
- Basic understanding of federal, state, and local policy affecting smart growth;
- Ability to communicate well with smart growth coalition members as well as developers and investors who are part of Smart Growth America's LOCUS coalition.
- All Fellows should be excellent team players who can perform regular duties while also offering new ideas for how to make our work even better.
Responsibilities
The Policy, Government Affairs and Outreach Fellow's primary responsibilities include:
- Aggregating news and writing newsletters about smart growth issues;
- Researching and writing policy briefs and case studies on smart growth policies;
- Developing supporting materials for Capitol Hill;
- Organizing and preparing for SGA's mulitiple coalition meetings and Hill days;
- Writing original content for our blog about local, state, and federal policy on smart growth;
- Monitoring and moderating a professional networking website for staff of regional planning projects around the country, and assisting in convening meetings of state and local elected officials.
Requirements
The Fellowship postion requires a self-motivated, detail-oriented person with excellent writing, oral communication, and organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Candidates should have a strong interest in smart growth, economic development, transportation, community growth or related areas.
In addition, the Policy, Government Affairs and Outreach fellow should have a basic understanding of federal, state, and local legislative processes; proficiency using content management systems; a willingness to learn about SGA's communications and outreach systems.
Candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree.
Timeframe and Location
The position is full-time, 40 hours a week. Minimum commitment of six months required. Potential to extend fellowship to 12 months is possible. All Fellowships are located in Washington, DC. The Fellowship begins in January.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Smart Growth America. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
How to apply
Interested applicants should send their cover letter, resume, and two short writing samples (no more than five pages) to
jobs smartgrowthamerica org. Please include "Policy, Government Affairs and Outreach Fellow" in the email subject line.