Special Assistant to the Chief Policy Officer and President, Center for Best Practices

TITLE: Special Assistant to the Chief Policy Officer and President, Center for Best Practices

ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association

LOCATION: Washington, DC (onsite)

DURATION: Full Time

POSITION STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate

REPORTS TO: Chief Policy Officer and President, Center for Best Practices

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s State-Federal Affairs group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF POLICY OFFICER

The Special Assistant to the CPO provides high-level administrative, operational, and policy support to the Chief Policy Officer, serving as a critical link in the execution of NGA's policy agenda. Working across the Center for Best Practices, state-federal affairs, and Chairs' initiative portfolios, the Special Assistant ensures the Office of the CPO operates with discipline, responsiveness, and strategic focus. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment and demonstrate exceptional discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail. This team member will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC.

Key responsibilities of the Special Assistant include:

Office of the CPO Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the CPO in the performance of their functions;
• Anticipate the CPO's needs and proactively bring together appropriate people and resources to support the CPO in addressing issues;
• Manage and maintain the CPO's calendar and agenda, prioritizing competing demands;
• Coordinate and prepare briefing materials, background information, and talking points for meetings, calls, events, and engagements, conducting research as needed;
• Collaborate with senior policy staff on key deliverables and ensure timely follow-up to the CPO's directives;
• Prepare draft and final agendas for policy team and senior staff meetings for approval;
• Draft and finalize general correspondence, including communications to staff, Governors, Governor staff, and external partners;
• Assist in follow-up to meetings, including the preparation of relevant notes, letters, and briefings to staff or Governors, as appropriate;
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion; organize and maintain executive files and records;
• Provide other administrative and operational tasks, including but not limited to arranging logistics for the CPO's visitors, travel arrangements, and expense reports;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA's mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the CPO.
  
  

State-Federal Affairs Support

• Support outreach and relationship management with Governor State/Federal Representatives;
• Support the state-federal affairs portfolio by tracking legislative developments, executive actions, and regulatory changes that affect Governors and state governments;
• Assist in the preparation of policy briefs, memos, and analyses on key state-federal issues for the CPO and Governor audiences;
• Help coordinate engagement with federal agency officials, congressional staff, and intergovernmental partners on behalf of the CPO;
• Monitor and summarize relevant federal policy activity, ensuring the CPO and senior staff are current on emerging issues.
  
  

Chairs' Initiative Support

• Provide logistical and substantive support for the NGA Chairs' initiative, including scheduling, briefings, and coordination with the Chair's Governor office;
• Assist in the development and execution of the Chair's policy agenda, including research, drafting, and stakeholder coordination;
• Help plan and execute initiative-related events, convenings, and meetings, including preparation of agendas, materials, and follow-up;
• Serve as a liaison between the CPO's office and internal teams — including Communications, Development, State-Federal Affairs, Government Relations, and the Center for Best Practices — to ensure alignment on Chairs' initiative priorities;
• Track deliverables, timelines, and commitments associated with the Chairs' initiative and ensure timely execution.
  
  

Qualifications

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience). Three to five plus years of experience with increasing responsibility, preferably in a policy, government affairs, or executive support capacity.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Exhibit excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong analytical and research capabilities;
• Have knowledge of federal and state policy processes, intergovernmental affairs, and the legislative and executive branch landscape;
• Take initiative, think proactively, and exercise sound judgment in a high-visibility environment;
• Have strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously;
• Work in a dynamic, productive team environment across multiple departments and portfolios;
• Exhibit a high degree of integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive information;
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and relevant research and database tools;
• Work on a bipartisan basis to support NGA's mission and goals;
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of constituencies, including Governor Present a professional appearance and demeanor at all times;
• Thrive in a fast-paced work environment with frequent tight deadlines;
• Work extended hours and/or weekends when necessary for special programs and events; and
• Travel, as needed.
  
  

How To Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company, and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)
  
  

Compensation

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annually. The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for the role at this time. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants considered for employment.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors daily, and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a?comprehensive, competitive benefits package, to include healthcare and more, designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.?