Dear NCIL Members and Colleagues:

The NCIL is seeking a full-time Policy Analyst.  We seek a qualified governmental affairs professional who is passionate about the independent living and disability rights movement and who is interested in assisting NCIL and our Independent Living Movement in furthering our policy and advocacy agenda in Washington, DC.  We are looking for applicants with particularly strong credentials in the analysis and drafting of legislation and regulations, legislative and legal research, advocacy, grassroots organizing, lobbying, public speaking, etc.  If you are interested and qualified, please apply.  A complete position description is attached.  Further information on NCIL can be obtained from the NCIL website: www.ncil.org.

The Policy Analyst will work out of NCIL's Washington, DC office and report to the NCIL Executive Director.  Salary is negotiable commensurate with the selected applicant's qualifications and experience and consistent with NCIL's existing salary structure and annual operating budget.  NCIL offers health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, and paid sick and annual leave.

Qualified applicants should submit a detailed professional resume, relevant writing sample, at least three professional references, and a cover letter.  The cover letter should be responsive to this posting and job description and amplify relevant qualifications and experiences.  It should also thoroughly explain the applicant's interest in disability rights and the Independent Living Movement.  

Applications must be submitted electronically, via email, to john@ncil.org no later than COB Monday, February 23, 2009.  Selection through NCIL committee review and interviews of top applicants will be completed as quickly as possible with the intent of having the selected applicant start work in early Spring 2009.

NCIL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, military veteran status, or political party affiliation.  Young professionals with disabilities who meet the requisite qualifications are particularly encouraged to apply.

Sincerely,

John A. Lancaster

Executive Director

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING

Job Vacancy Announcement

Title: Policy Analyst

Reports to: Director of Advocacy & Public Policy

As a membership organization representing Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), people with disabilities, and disability rights organizations, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy. NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.

Function:  The Policy Analyst assists the Executive Director/Director of Advocacy and Public Policy in implementing NCIL’s legislative and advocacy activities on a national level including monitoring laws, policies and regulations related to NCIL’s advocacy priorities and others that affect the lives of people with disabilities. Assist Executive Director/ Director of Advocacy and Public Policy in maintaining regular communication with the NCIL membership; providing updates on NCIL’s activities and obtaining feedback on grassroots initiatives.

DUTIES

1. Review and monitor various materials (received through print and via the internet) related to laws, policies, regulations and initiatives that impact or may impact NCIL’s advocacy priorities and other disability issues as assigned by the Executive Director.

2. Keep Executive Director and governance informed of impending legislative or regulatory proposals, or action taken on such proposals and provide other relevant information related to assigned advocacy areas.

3. Work with the Executive Director, Policy staff, and Legislative and Advocacy subcommittee chairs to develop informational and/or action alerts for dissemination to the membership.

4. Participate on the legislative and advocacy subcommittees as assigned.

5. Assist the Executive Director in maintaining regular communication with the NCIL membership about policy measures.

6. As directed by the Executive Director review and develop summaries of proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

7. Draft legislation and develop comments concerning proposed regulations.

8. Develop monthly advocacy updates for the membership, as well as other advocacy educational materials for Congress and others.

9. Participate in meetings with Congressional staff, Administration and federal agencies officials as assigned.

10. Participate in meetings with disability rights organizations and other coalitions, such as the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) as assigned.

11. Assist the Executive Director in providing technical assistance to the NCIL membership on the legislative process, grassroots coalition building and national advocacy activities. Conduct grassroots advocacy trainings for SILCs and CILs at regional IL conferences and via teleconference/webinars to promote NCIL federal advocacy activities.

12. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience in advocacy, grassroots coalition building and analyzing legislation and policy development. Personal experience with a disability preferred, as well as a strong knowledge of national disability policies and laws. Critical thinking and superior writing skills are a must.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge and understanding of the philosophy and goals of the independent living/disability rights movement; knowledge of general laws and regulations providing rights and benefits to persons with disabilities, including but not limited to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

2. Knowledge of the legislative process and federal rulemaking process and experience achieving goals through the legislative and regulatory processes.

3. Ability to analyze proposed legislation, regulations, policies and procedures for purposes of determining their affect on the lives of people with disabilities.

4. Ability to coordinate with other groups and team building.

5. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely through writing.

6. Knowledge and experience with personal computers and Internet databases such as Thomas.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and one short (2-4 pages) writing sample to:

John Lancaster
Executive Director
National Council on Independent Living
1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Email: John@ncil.org
Fax: (202)207-0341

Deadline: Close of Business Friday, February 20th.

The National Council on Independent Living is an equal opportunity employer and makes reasonable accommodations as appropriate for people with disabilities.