Manager, Policy, Federal Practice

Organization: Results for America  

Role: Manager, Policy, Federal Practice

Location: Within the US; Greater Washington, D.C. region strongly preferred  

Organization Overview

Results for America (RFA) is the leading, national nonprofit organization helping policymakers at all levels of government harness the power of evidence and data to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that, one day, all government leaders use rigorous evidence and quality data to inform important policy and funding decisions. We believe that data-driven and evidence-based policy decisions could significantly increase the impact of the over $2 trillion that governments spend annually to advance economic mobility and racial equity. 

Founded in 2012, RFA spent its first three years partnering with policy innovators to build the credibility of evidence-based policymaking, securing early and important wins in education, expanding its work to multiple levels of government, and driving awareness and demand through carefully orchestrated education and communication campaigns. During its second phase, RFA worked to demonstrate the power of evidence-based policymaking in ways that resonate with an even broader universe of elected officials and policymakers. Now in its third phase of work, RFA intends to demonstrate that governments at all levels can make faster, more lasting progress in accelerating economic mobility for residents when they use evidence and data in decision-making. By creating specific issue-area wins, RFA will further cement support for evidence-based policymaking among all policymakers as the “new normal.” 

Team Overview

RFA has organized a “practice” at every level of government: federal, state, and local. Among numerous efforts, the Federal Practice sets a Standard of Excellence that defines how federal agencies should use data and evidence in policy, practice, grant-making and management decisions. The team also offers technical support and coaching for federal government leaders to advance and promote best practices as defined by the Standard of Excellence and shifts public resources to evidence-based practices. Finally, the l team provides policy research and analysis on and advocacy for evidence-based policy.  Aligned with RFA’s growth trajectory, the Federal practice is dedicated to helping RFA usher in a new generation of evidence-based policy with equity at its core, and enhance state and local implementation of national programs, such as the American Rescue Plan, to produce real results for residents across the country.

Position Overview 

This Manager will work to grow and manage RFA’s What Works Caucus, which is a group of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives focused on advancing evidence-based legislation. This position will interface with Congressional staff, track bills and congressional hearings, provide technical assistance on legislation, and otherwise work to advance evidence-based policy throughout the legislative process.

Travel up to 10% annually may be required.

This is a full time, exempt position, based in a home office anywhere within the U.S., with a strong preference for those living in/near Washington, DC.

Position Reporting Relationship 

The Manager, Policy, Federal Practice will report to the Director, Federal Practice.

Position Responsibilities 

Duties for this position will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Caucus Management and Recruitment [50%]

• Support development and implementation of processes to identify and recruit What Works Caucus members.
• Track legislation, hearings, and markups in order to provide updates to RFA staff and caucus members on evidence-based policy.
• Develop an inventory of evidence-based legislation for caucus members to consider co-sponsoring.
• Develop needs collateral, help schedule meetings and provide timely and effective follow-up to help build relationships with congressional offices with the goal of socializing and advancing evidence-based policymaking
• Track press and social media of Caucus Members and potential members
• Manage the day-to-day administrative functions of the Caucus, including scheduling,  developing meetings agendas, and outreach tracking 

Legislative Analysis and Technical Assistance [30%]

• Read briefs and other materials to stay current on education and workforce policy.
• Provide technical assistance to congressional staff across a broad range of issues, including with understanding and using the Federal Evidence-Based Spending Guide and redlining legislation.
• Draft talking points, hearing questions, comment letters and other collateral materials across a broad range of policy issues for a congressional audience.

Administration [20%]

• Maintain day-to-day management of Salesforce and other databases to ensure accurate contacts, meeting notes, program records, and impact metrics and
• Provide program-specific project management support, including, but not limited to, developing presentations, memos, and other materials.
• Pull data to support the development of grant reports and deliverables

All RFA employees are expected to participate in the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Experience, Competencies, and Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, as well as an alignment with Results for America’s mission and organizational values:

Qualifications 

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and 6-8 years of relevant work experience;
• Demonstrated experience working in or with Congress, with a strong preference for federal or state legislative experience;
• Demonstrated experience drafting memos and/or providing technical assistance to Members of Congress, congressional staff and/or state legislative staff
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in synthesizing complex concepts and technical documents for a Capitol Hill audience.
• Experience analyzing legislation, federal regulations, and/or federal Notice of Funding Opportunities.
• Experience with education and workforce issues is preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project completion with measurable results, navigating ambiguous environments, taking initiative to solve problems, and cultivating strong mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in contributing to the design and implementation of complex initiatives and multi-partnership networks. 

Competencies

• Strong commitment to Results for America’s mission and advancing economic mobility
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to prioritize work, and experience running multiple, multi-step processes dependent on each other. 
• Strong attention to detail and an ability and willingness to manage administrative tasks with minimal oversight.
• Meet goals independently & self-manages deadlines. 
• Self-starter with a high level of adaptability and flexibility within ambiguous, changing environments to identify gaps in processes and procedures and recommend solutions 
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous, changing environment 
• Excellent presentation, communication (oral & written) skills and ability to articulate clear, compelling messages to diverse audiences 
• Collegial team player with the ability to and interest in working with and through others to get meaningful work done 

Salary and Benefits 

Results for America offers a compensation package that includes:   

• A competitive base salary commensurate with relevant work experience; and
• A benefits package that includes choice in medical plans; dental/vision coverage; paid time off; a 403b retirement plan with employer contribution. 

The salary range for this position is $81,576 - $92,906.

New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.  

How to Apply 

To apply for this position, complete and submit all information in the application below.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include their pronouns in their cover letter.

RFA is an equal opportunity employer that values/celebrates diversity and that follows a policy of making all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, partnership status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses or stalking, military status, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state or local law.