Policy/Legislative Specialist
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_on3018, 10th Street North, Clarendon, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, 22201, United States
About the Role
Ripple Effect is seeking an experienced Policy/Legislative Specialist to support the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This role is designed for professionals passionate about advancing national cybersecurity and infrastructure security priorities through clear, strategic, and analytically driven communications.
In this position, you will serve as a critical bridge between complex legislative landscapes and agency strategic goals. You will analyze and track legislation, support congressional reporting and correspondence, and execute strategic communications and media coordination related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security initiatives. The role requires the ability to independently execute advanced strategic communications projects, conduct thorough research on stakeholder perspectives and external environments, and lead complex issue analysis to inform leadership decision-making.
About the Team
You will be working within a mission-critical environment supporting CISA's core objectives. The team focuses on assessing the potential impact of legislative proposals and preparing high-quality congressional correspondence, briefings, and reports. Success in this role involves synthesizing data-driven insights on legislative trends and stakeholder activity to forecast interest and refine strategic approaches, ensuring all activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and DHS policies.
Hiring Process & Application
To be eligible for this role, candidates must be U.S. citizens and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Fitness Determination. The hiring process includes a review of qualifications and a verification of eligibility using E-verify.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please contact the HR department at HR@rippleeffect.com or your recruiter.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Work location
Work model: Hybrid
3018, 10th Street North, Clarendon, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, 22201, United States
Arlington, Virginia
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleAssess potential impacts of legislative proposals and prepare congressional correspondence
- check_circleExecute advanced strategic communications projects with minimal supervision
- check_circleConduct research and analysis to inform messaging approaches and communication strategies
- check_circlePrepare clear documentation and reports summarizing analyses, findings, and outcomes
- check_circleEnsure all activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and DHS policies
- check_circleLead complex issue analysis to develop data-driven insights for leadership decision-making
- check_circleCollect, interpret, and synthesize data to forecast interest and measure effectiveness
- check_circleTrack, monitor, and analyze legislation related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security
Requirements
- verifiedUS Citizenship Required
- verifiedBachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, International Relations, Homeland Security, or related field
- verifiedMaster's degree preferred
- verifiedMinimum 6 years professional experience in legislative analysis, strategic communications, policy analysis, or government affairs
- verifiedAbility to obtain and maintain DHS Fitness Determination
- verifiedIntermediate experience with Microsoft Office, Teams, and SharePoint
- verifiedIntermediate experience with AI tools
Nice to Have
Master's degree (MA or MBA). Experience supporting DHS, CISA, or other national security or homeland security organizations. Experience preparing senior-level briefings or materials for leadership or external stakeholders. Intermediate experience with AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support project management tasks.
