JOB TITLE: Senior Federal Policy Advisor (Budget, Tax and Financial Services)

PROGRAM: Federal Affairs

SALARY: $112,620 annually

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.-Hybrid

STATUS: Full-time 

ABOUT NCSL: 

Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission. NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four consecutive days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Senior Federal Policy Advisor leads NCSL’s work on an assigned portfolio of federal policy issues with direct implications for states. The position tracks federal developments, evaluates their effect on states, and provides legislators and legislative staff with timely information, analysis, and technical assistance.

Working closely with legislators, the senior federal policy advisor helps develop policy positions and carries out advocacy strategies to advance those positions before Congress, federal agencies, and other national organizations. The position also oversees committee work within the assigned portfolio and serves as a primary contact for policymakers, partner organizations, and subject matter experts.

The senior federal policy advisor works independently on day-to-day responsibilities while consulting with senior staff and NCSL leadership on policy direction, advocacy strategy, and emerging or sensitive issues. This individual is required to protect confidential and sensitive information.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Demonstrating and maintaining expertise in federal budgets, tax policy, banking and financial services
• Translating complex legislative and regulatory developments into practical information for legislators and legislative staff 
• Evaluating the policy, programmatic, and intergovernmental effects of proposed and enacted federal actions 
• Responding to research and technical assistance requests from legislators and legislative staff 
• Preparing clear, nonpartisan analyses of federal legislation, regulations, programs, and administrative actions 
• Connecting legislators with members of Congress and congressional staff, federal agency officials, and other experts as appropriate 
• Working with legislators on NCSL standing committees to identify priorities and develop policy positions 
• Developing and carrying out federal advocacy strategies 
• Representing NCSL’s policy positions and the state legislative perspective in meetings with Congress, federal agencies, national organizations, and other stakeholders 
• Participating in coalitions and collaborative efforts that support state legislative interests 
• Providing federal officials and national partners with information about the effect of federal proposals and actions on states 
• Upholding and maintaining political neutrality and accurately represent adopted positions established during NCSL business meetings 
• Preparing materials for member D.C. fly-ins, advocacy visits, committee meetings, task force meetings, and educational programs 
• Delivering briefings and presentations, to include testimony before state legislatures, to members of NCSL
• Planning and managing committee programs and activities related to assigned policy portfolio 
• Guiding committee policy processes and help legislators establish policy priorities 
• Supporting the development, review, and communication of committee policy positions including development of agendas, educational sessions, policy discussions, and other related materials 
• Building and maintaining relationships with state legislators, state legislative staff, congressional staff, federal agency officials, policy experts, public interest organizations, private sector organizations, funders, and other stakeholders 
• Coordinating with colleagues whose programs intersect with the assigned policy portfolio 
• Identifying opportunities for new policy initiatives, publications, services, and partnerships
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position is a supervisory role. When assigned supervisor responsibility, the position sets work priorities, provides guidance and feedback, reviews work, supports employee development and carries out performance management responsibilities in accordance with NCSL policies 

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This full-time position is mostly performed in an office environment, on or off-site, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. NCSL provides a unique hybrid remote work policy with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. Employees routinely use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, scanners, copy machines, and smartphones. Occasional travel by airplane, including overnights and weekends, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS: 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least 8 years of work experience with state legislatures, state and/or federal government, public policy or other relevant field. 
• Federal agency or Congressional experience is desired. 
• Knowledge relevant to assigned area.
• Proficient writing and presentation skills and the ability to clearly and credibly communicate information to a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude at working both collaboratively with others and independently.   
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, national experts, funders and others, under the guidance or mentorship of supervisor(s).
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner and maintain confidentiality when required. 
• Strong research and analysis skills, including accessing and assessing a variety of resources and research; synthesizing data and legislation; and analyzing and summarizing policy options and legislative activities.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under the guidance of supervisor(s). Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload.
•  Progressive responsibilities for independently overseeing and managing significant tasks, and/or supervising staff.
• Proficient knowledge of state and federal legislative and political processes and the balance of powers as prescribed by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  
• Ability to travel by air up to 5 times per year, with most trips being 1-3 nights, as well as work extended hours, possibly evenings and weekends, usually associated with events/travel. 

YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE:  

NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development. We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Our outstanding benefits include low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, generous time off plans and paid family leave, floating holidays, identity theft protection, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, paid time off to volunteer, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

HOW TO JOIN OUR TEAM:

If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get – submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59 PM MT, November 3, 2026 for best consideration. Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting our careers page: https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/ncsl-careers.aspx. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.