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At Optica, you will work with some of the brightest minds in the industry and make a real impact. We empower visionaries! Join a team dedicated to extending the boundaries of possibility in optics.

With an inclusive culture built on collaboration and creativity, you will thrive in a supportive environment. Our commitment to innovation and excellence means that you will be challenged and supported in your professional growth and development.

The Specialist, Government Relations (GR) is part of the Global Policy & Affairs team responsible for Optica’s public policy activities in the US and around the world. This role focuses on US federal government relations (Congress and Executive).

This position reports to the Senior Director, Global Policy and Affairs. The Specialist has considerable external contact with government staff, Optica volunteers, and internal and external nonprofit and industry staff.

This position requires strong project management, organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills; knowledge of US federal policymaking processes; and experience working in or with Congress and/or the Executive branch. The candidate must be a collaborative, creative, and reliable colleague.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the Congressional Fellowship program, including its marketing, publicity, and selection process.
• Manages the Public Affairs Council, to include drafting agendas, collecting meeting materials, organizing in-person and virtual meetings, and communicating with volunteer council members.
• Organizes Capitol Hill visits days for volunteers, including training, logistics, setting meetings, scheduling, and leading Hill meetings.
• Organizes visits by members of Congress and the Administration to places relevant to optics and photonics.
• Tracks relevant legislation and policies and seeks opportunities to promote optics and photonics to government audiences.
• Attends and reports back on committee and coalition meetings.
• Manages online content and develops compelling external communications.
• Generally supports the Global Policy & Affairs and other internal teams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• College degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ATTRIBUTES

• Understanding of Congress and the Administration.
• Familiarity with public policies relevant to the US research and development ecosystem and advanced technology industries.
• Logistical, administrative, writing, and verbal skills
• Long-term planning skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Comfortable working as staff to volunteers and/or committees.
• Flexible and creative collaborator.
• Capable of executing unguided research tasks.
• Detail oriented.
• Possesses high ethical standards.

 Join us in making a difference:

Optica offers competitive salaries and great benefits, including performance bonuses, health, vision, dental, life insurance, flexible spending, short- and long-term disability, wellness benefits, 403(b) retirement plans with 10% employer contribution, pet benefits, PTO, paid holidays, and paid year-end break between 25 December through 1 January.

Our office is conveniently located across from Dupont Circle metro station. We offer a hybrid work schedule and remote work for certain positions. To learn more about Optica and the open positions visit us at: https://www.optica.org/about/

optics (äp-tiks) noun. The branch of physics concerned with the behavior and property of light, including interactions of light with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect light.

photonics (f-tä-niks) noun. The engineering and technology of generating and controlling light. Photonics underpins the technologies of daily life, from smartphones to laptops, medical instruments, light technology, and even the Internet. The 21st century will depend as much on photonics as the 20^th century depended on electronics.

Apply now and help transform the future through optics and photonics.

Send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.

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