Public Policy Specialist
National Industries for the Blind
Posted: 10/5/2009
Job Type: Professional
Alexandria, Virginia
Expiration Date:12/20/2009
Helping people help themselves…. Incorporated as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) enhances the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB operates under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act, a mandatory federal purchasing program, enabling people who are blind to work and provide products and services to federal and commercial customers. By harnessing the demand and purchasing power of the federal government, NIB and its associated agencies supply federal markets with a selection of more than 3,000 quality products and services under the trade name SKILCRAFT®— manufactured and provided by people who are blind at more than 80 associated agencies, across the nation. Currently, NIB is in search of a Public Policy Specialist to lead NIB’s endeavors to protect, support and grow the AbilityOne program. They will provide leadership in cultivating understanding and support for NIB and the AbilityOne Program from Congress, Federal Executive Branch Agencies, Consumer and/or other organizations also concerned with disability employment policy. This position reports to the Director, Public Policy and is expected to accomplish routine tasks with little supervision according to priorities established by supervisor. EDUCATION REQUIRED Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or related fields. TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED 1. In depth understanding of the arenas of legislation and regulation. Experience working with Members of Congress or other policy makers helpful but not necessary. 2. Familiarity with the Congressional Record, Federal Register and other sources of information on federal procurement and disability employment; Internet and web-based research and monitoring tools. 3. Excellent written and oral communication skills 4. Strong presentation skills EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience and/or at least 2 years of relevant public policy experience. Experience working in agencies serving people who are blind with the AbilityOne Program is a plus. Someone who is blind is strongly preferred. TRAVEL REQUIRED The position requires (20) percent travel within the U.S. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES • Manage and continue to grow the congressional AbilityOne Champion Program by working closely with associated agencies in their development of relationships with members of Congress. • Work with the Director, Public Policy to develop and enhance relationships with key committee staff and or personal office staff in the House and Senate overseeing federal programs and legislation of concern to NIB. • Monitor and provide analysis of issues pertaining to the AbilityOne program, including but not limited to legislative activities in disability employment, vocational rehabilitation, small business, and AbilityOne Program modernization. • Monitor and influence relevant evolving legislative initiatives by participating in and articulating NIB’s positions at meetings, conferences and Task Forces and analyzing communications of other organizations including the Government Executive Magazine, Roll Call, Federal Contracts Report, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Blinded Veterans Association, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, National Federation of the Blind, Blind Merchants Division, NISH, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, and federal government agencies including such as the Committee for Purchase from People who are blind or Severely Disabled, the Department of Labor, Department of Education, Social Security Administration, and Department of Health and Human Services. • Write position papers, legislative alerts and periodic updates for approval of the Vice- President, External and Public Affairs and dissemination according to organizational procedures. BENEFITS AND HOW TO APPLY NIB has an excellent benefit plan which includes major medical, dental, life, short and long term disability, pension, 403b, flexible work schedule for some positions, metro access, workout facility access, a generous vacation/sick plan and the best group of individuals to work with. If you are interested in working for an organization that is changing lives, apply today through NIB’s online application process with your resume and 2 writing samples. NIB is an equal opportunity employer. Those who are blind are encouraged to apply. For more information about NIB and what we do, please visit our website at www.nib.org
Contact Name: Ann Walling
Contact Phone
(703) 310-0638
Contact Fax
(703) 310-0485
Contact E-mail Address: hr@nib.org
Job URL: www.nib.org