Ascendant is recruiting qualified candidates for a full-time Congressional & Public Affairs Analyst position linked to a five-year contract that we hold with the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA). The Analyst will perform substantive research, analytical, and administrative support functions for USTDA's Office of Congressional and Public Affairs.

This position is based in Arlington, VA and is metro accessible (Rosslyn). Hybrid telework options are available, with two (2) days per week in office / up to three (3) days per week telework.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years professional experience in public outreach, congressional affairs, and communications
• Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred
• Ideal candidates will have education backgrounds and interests in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, International Development, International Trade, or other related fields of study
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office Tools including Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Experience with social media, graphic design, and/or website production applications is a plus (e.g. GovDelivery, Sprout, Drupal, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Clean energy, digital infrastructure, and/or transportation sector knowledge and/or experience is a plus
• Must have strong writing skills to draft and edit reports, briefing materials, memos, letters, social media and website content
• Must be detail-oriented and be able to format professional-grade documents for public dissemination
• Ability to operate independently to complete tasks and succeed in a fast-paced environment
• High degree of organization and time-management skills
• Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility and the ability to multitask
• Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance with the U.S. Government (see OPM SF86). A public trust background check with U.S. Government must be completed prior to starting work (see OPM SF85P)