Our client, American Astronomical Society, a prestigious scientific association in DC whose mission is “to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community”, has an immediate opening for a Deputy Director of Public Policy. This is a great opportunity to work with a progressive company with fantastic benefits and culture.

The position is based out of AAS’s DC office on K Street with responsibilities on Capitol Hill and other travel as needed. Vaccination is required. Salary is $150k.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Deputy Director of Public Policy will work directly with the Director of Public Policy to promote and enhance the role of Astronomy within the public sector. The Deputy Director will be the voice of Astronomy to political leaders, working to promote the field overall. The Deputy Director will:

• Interact with, answering questions from and providing expert referrals to policy makers, members and others,
• Oversee the work of the John Bahcall Public Policy Fellow,
• Coordinate the day-to-day public policy activities of the Society in consultation with the Director of Public Policy, including interacting with the Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy as necessary,
• Serve as a key point of contact for Public Policy including maintaining approved coalition memberships in concert with the Bahcall Fellow,
• Support the work of all policy-relevant Committees and Working Groups, including LPRISD
• Provide advice and guidance to the Divisions of the AAS regarding Public Policy, including advising Division leadership on possible policy actions,
• Support the Director of Public Policy in responding to direction of the Executive Officer and/or Board of Trustees,
• Write public policy materials as necessary,
• Coordinate the development of Society advocacy materials as necessary,
• Develop projects or programs as necessary to further the policy goals of the Society,
• In cooperation with the Bahcall Fellow, successfully train and utilize volunteers to make advocacy visits, including the annual Congressional Visits Day program and direct visits by Division leadership and volunteers,

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Graduate degree in astronomy or closely related science required.
• Five years or more experience in public policy, including experience in the non-profit sector, Congress, the administration or other directly relevant occupation.
• Ability to present oral reports to groups of experts as well as speak to mixed audiences on technical subjects. Experience making advocacy visits to policy makers is required.
• Knowledge of the federal science policy system, including Congressional details and Administration activities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required, including demonstrated editing experience, production of advocacy materials and letters to policy makers.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills required.
• Ability to execute responsibilities with minimal supervision required and supervise the Bahcall Fellow effectively, in consultation with the Director of Public Policy.
• Expert user knowledge of basic office software and ability to learn new systems as needed required.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE OUR CLIENT

American Astronomical Society offers a competitive salary plus an exceptional benefits package, including ten percent of salary added to a company pension after one year of service, generous sick and vacation time, 14 paid holidays, comprehensive medical with a choice of three plans, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability, parking and commuter benefits, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.

Their goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our communities. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, people of all ages, and veterans to apply. We are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

EEO Employer