The Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs) assists with all aspects of AUL’s extensive law and policy program, embracing and fostering the pro-life mission of Americans United for Life with a primary focus on federal issues. Working independently and exercising good judgment, the Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs) is involved in legislative drafting and consulting; writing and delivering testimony on behalf of life-related legislation; working with pro-life allies to advance legislative priorities; representing AUL at conferences and events; and researching, drafting, and developing educational and media material. The Policy Associate/Counsel (Federal Affairs) works under the supervision of and reports to the Government Affairs Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effectively execute tasks essential to the position with a primary focus on federal issues, including legislative drafting and consulting, writing and delivering testimony on behalf of life-related legislation, working with pro-life allies to advance legislative priorities, representing AUL at conferences and events, and researching, drafting, and developing educational and media material and other tasks as assigned
  

• Consult with federal legislators, national policy groups, and allies on life-affirming legislation. These consultations include providing legal and policy advice; reviewing proposed legislation, drafting legislative language; and providing testimony, talking points, and support
  

• Work with allies on federal legislative issues including providing analysis and advice to AUL staff regarding the proper response to a wide range of federal life-related issues; communicate/meet with Hill staff; track and review legislation; draft letters in support of or in opposition to legislation or nominations; and write administrative or agency comment
  

• Track, analyze, and report on federal legislation related to life issues and publish an annual Federal Legislative Report
  

• Research and develop new model legislation, legislative policy guides, and other materials
  

• Assist in the development and production of legal-related components of the AUL web site, including DefendingLife, the Federal Spotlight, and other special and investigative AUL reports
  

• Contribute to the drafting of amicus briefs in support of life-affirming laws and policies or in opposition to anti-life laws and policies, especially in litigation that seeks to uphold AUL legislative policy approaches
  

•  Draft op-eds and represent AUL in the media, including in print, television, radio, and podcasts
  

• Remain up-to-date and current with all related legal activity, judicial opinions, and pertinent state and federal laws related to life issues
  

• Participate in conference calls and meetings and complete other projects as assigned.
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Interns and Externs as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience Preferred

§  Law degree from an accredited law school and bar membership OR equivalent federal policy work experience.

§  Minimum two years of experience in legal or policy position.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
  
• Ability to communicate complex issues both orally and in writing.
  
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  
• Effectively communicate with donors, clients, public and employees in a professional manner.
  
• Solid computer skills including internet communications, Excel and Word.    
  

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
  
• Ability to demonstrate project and time management skills.
  
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
  

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. 
  
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  
• Ability to see, read, and interpret written documents.
  
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
  
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting.  It is well-lighted and the noise level is moderate.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel is required. Use of a personal vehicle may be necessary. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance may be required.