Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs--Legal Services Corporation

Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs
Position:
Director of Government Relations and
Public Affairs
Posting Number: #1242
Date Posted: 01/19/12
Employment Status: Regular Full-Time - Exempt
Location: Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs
Legal Services Corporation
3333 K Street, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, D.C. 20007-3552
Classification: Band 4/Managerial
Position Remains Open Until Filled
Overview:
Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is the country’s single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. LSC currently funds 135 independent, non-profit legal aid organizations with more than 900 offices throughout the nation. The Corporation’s mission is to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance. The Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs plays a central role in shaping and developing LSC’s strategy to accomplish these goals. The Director works with the President to communicate the mission and programs of LSC to the Congress and the public, and has primary responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing strategies for LSC’s external relations. The Director reports directly to the President.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages the Corporation’s outreach and working relationship with the Congress and the media.
Serves as a member of the President’s senior leadership team and assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the operation of the Corporation.
Maintains a regular and productive liaison with authorization and appropriation committees of the Congress and other Congressional committees and Members as appropriate.
Annually manages the development of the Corporation’s budget justification to the Congress and the advocacy strategy for the presentation to House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
Recommends and implements strategies for witness selection, testimony preparation, research, courtesy calls, and follow-up for all Congressional hearings.
Manages the Corporation’s relationship with the Government Accountability Office, including Congressional liaison, engagement preparation, internal liaison work, and post-report tracking.
Monitors legislative activities that affect LSC and recommends a response or an ongoing strategy for the Corporation.
Coordinates the Corporation’s responses to inquiries from Members of Congress, public officials, and the press.
Manages the Corporation’s public affairs program, including press outreach, lsc.gov website, social media, and corporate publications.
Recommends and implements external communications strategies for the Corporation, including branding and public awareness of LSC’s mission and programs.
Supervises and directs the staff of the Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs. Evaluates job performance of assigned staff, sets objectives for next evaluation period, and provides training where needed.
Promotes inclusiveness and diversity within LSC.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Sound judgment and discretion, high degree of flexibility, teamwork, self-management, and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities; understanding of organizational goals and priorities; ability to challenge and motivate others as well as develop and lead a high performance/high morale team; superior writing and editing skills and oral communication skills, including the ability to correspond and communicate effectively with Members of Congress and representatives of print, broadcast, and other media; ability to work with the LSC President, staff, members of the LSC Board, and others as appropriate to achieve legislative and public affairs goals; unimpeachable integrity and personal ethics.

Technical/Specialized Skills and Experience:
B.A. required; advanced degree preferred; at least 10 years of relevant experience (legal, legislative, managerial, communications) including experience on the Hill or as a lobbyist. Excellent working knowledge of Congress and the legislative process. Ability to understand complex legal, factual, legislative, and financial concepts relating to LSC and the delivery of legal assistance to the poor, and to express them succinctly and effectively to the Congress, the media, and the public. Ability to manage publishing projects, web content, social media, and public awareness campaigns.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary Range: $118,445 to $159,654 (including Locality Pay), depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Submit a résumé, cover letter, and salary history to:

Legal Services Corporation
Office of Human Resources
3333 K Street, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20007-3522
Fax: 202.337.6383
E-mail: jobs@lsc.gov

Note: Electronic applications are preferred. If applying by e-mail, please include the job title in the subject line. If reasonable accommodation in the application process is required, please notify OHR at 202-295-1571.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
LSC embraces diversity as a core value. We recognize that our success as a Corporation depends upon creating and maintaining a diverse team of talented professionals, and we are committed to a workplace that reflects and supports diverse individual backgrounds and perspectives. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination includes race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, disability and status as a veteran, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulation. We strive to have a workplace that is comfortable and welcoming for everyone.