IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
 

Government Affairs Specialists

Based in Washington, DC

 

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is seeking Government Affairs Specialists to join the Government Affairs Department in its Washington, D.C., headquarters. Looking for experienced lobbyists to cover the Construction Branch, Labor Law, Safety and Health, specific Congressional committees, and administrative entities that regulate and affect the IBEW.

The ideal candidates must represent all facets of IBEW interests by coordinating with appropriate IBEW branch directors and lobbyists, the State & Local Policy Consortium, and allied Organizations. These individuals will work directly with the Legislative and Administrative Policy Departmental Team. The successful candidates will report to the Director of the Government Affairs Department.

Representative Major Duties:

• Identifies adverse and advantageous policy and regulatory proposals developed by others (Congress, policy groups, etc.).
• Attends allied organization policy meetings to provide IBEW context and stay abreast of others’ work.
• Develop IBEW policy positions and articulately express positions through written product – including position letters in the International President’s voice and IBEW-specific legislative and regulatory language.
• Has deep knowledge of congressional and administrative branch structure and parliamentary procedure and can utilize it strategically to support the IBEW legislative agenda.
• Understands executive branch regulatory rulemaking and can work with appropriate authoritative bodies to guarantee the expression of IBEW expert opinions.
• Understand the relevance and power of the IBEW grassroots program in effectuating results for a legislative agenda that creates Institutional Advantage for the IBEW.
• Engage with Congressional and federal agency staff having relevant jurisdiction on policy development.
• Coordinate with the departmental resources team to draft policy and write reports, briefing documents, and op-eds.
• Attend state & local policy consortium meetings and serve as the branch-specific subject matter expert, provide assistance to members, and collaboratively develop IBEW policy.
• Coordinate the development and programming of conferences, workshops, briefings, and other activities conducted by the state & local policy consortium.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing legislative, lobbying, and political strategies.
• Strong analytical skills to assess legislation, identify potential impacts on the organization and develop effective advocacy strategies.
• Capacity to negotiate and persuade others to support the organization's positions and objectives.
• Adherence to ethical standards and compliance with lobbying regulations and disclosure requirements.
• The ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaboration with colleagues within the organization and with external partners, including lobbyists from other organizations, trade associations, and advocacy coalitions.
• Must be able to independently manage their assigned portfolio.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C.; the candidate must have the flexibility to travel occasionally.

Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, defined benefit pension, railroad retirement, flexible spending, life insurance, legal insurance, commuter benefits, etc.

Successful applicants will be required to register as federal lobbyists.

To Apply
Submit résumé and cover letter to: GovernmentAffairs@ibew.org. Applications will be evaluated as they are received.

About the IBEW
The IBEW represents approximately 820,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads, and government. The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations. The IBEW collectively bargains with employers over wages, benefits, and rights.