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Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Identified by Members of Congress for Selected Positions

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Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Identified by Members of Congress for Selected Positions

March 10, 2020 (R46262)
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Summary

Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and April 23, 2021 Skills Identified by Members of Congress for R. Eric Petersen Selected Positions Specialist in American National Government The roles, duties, and activities of congressional staff are matters of ongoing interest to Members of Congress, congressional staff, and observers of Congress. Members of the House and Senate establish their own employment policies and practices for their personal offices. It is arguably the case that within Member offices, a common group of activities is executed for which staff are necessary. Accordingly, a group of job advertisements for those positions from a number of different offices can shed light on the expectations Members have for position duties, as well wel as staff skills, skil s, characteristics, experience, and other expectations. This report provides a set of 3941 widely expected job duties, applicant skillsskil s, characteristics, prior experiences, and other expectations based on a sample of ads placed by Members of Congress between approximately December 2014 and September 2019March 2021 seeking staff in their offices for 3335 position titles: Caseworker District, Field, or Regional Representative Press Secretary Caseworker/Field Representative Executive Assistant Press Secretary/Digital Director Chief Of Staff Executive Assistant/Scheduler Regional Director Communications Director Legislative Aide Scheduler Constituent Service Representative Legislative Assistant Scheduler/Office Manager Correspondence Manager Legislative Correspondent Senior Legislative Assistant Deputy Press Secretary Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant Speechwriter Deputy Scheduler Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant Staff Assistant Deputy Scheduler/ Legislative Counsel Staff Assistant/Driver Assistant to Chief of Staff Digital Director Legislative Director Staff Assistant/Press Assistant Digital Director/Press Assistant Military Legislative Assistant Systems Administrator District Director Press Assistant position titles:

Caseworker

Executive Assistant

Press Assistant

Communications Director

Executive Assistant/Scheduler

Press Secretary

Constituent Services Representative

Field Representative/Caseworker

Regional Coordinator

Correspondence Manager

Legislative Aide

Scheduler

Deputy Press Secretary

Legislative Assistant

Scheduler/Office Manager

Deputy Scheduler

Legislative Correspondent

Senior Legislative Assistant

Deputy Scheduler/Assistant to Chief of Staff

Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant

Speechwriter

Digital Director/Press Assistant

Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant

Staff Assistant

Digital Media Director

Legislative Counsel

Staff Assistant/Driver

District Director

Legislative Director

Staff Assistant/Press Assistant

District, Field, or Regional Representative

Military Legislative Assistant

Systems Administrator

Sample position expectations might assist Congress from multiple perspectives, including assessment of staffing needs in Member offices; guidance in setting position expectations, qualifications, and experience when offices need to hire staff; and informing current and potential congressional employees of position expectations. At the same time, categorizing congressional staff positions by position title relies on an assumption that similarly titled positions in House and Senate personal offices carry out the same tasks under essentiallyessential y similar circumstances. Although personal offices may carry out similar activities, the assumption might be questionable given the differences in staff resources in House and Senate offices, as well wel as potential differences among offices of each chamber, particularly the Senate. GeneralizationsGeneralizations about staff roles and duties may also be limited in some ways due to the broad discretion Members have with regard to running their office activities. Variations from office to office, which might include differences in job duties, work schedules, office emphases, and other factors, may limit the extent to which sample position expectations might match operational practices in all practic es in al congressional offices.

This is one of several CRS products on congressional staff. To access those products, see CRS Report R44688, Congressional Staff: CRS Products on Size, Pay, and Job Tenure.

CJob Tenure, and Duties. Congressional Research Service link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 8 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 12 link to page 13 link to page 14 link to page 15 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 18 link to page 19 link to page 20 link to page 21 link to page 22 link to page 23 link to page 24 link to page 25 link to page 26 link to page 27 link to page 28 link to page 29 link to page 30 link to page 31 link to page 32 link to page 33 link to page 34 link to page 35 link to page 36 link to page 37 link to page 38 link to page 39 link to page 40 link to page 41 link to page 42 link to page 43 link to page 44 link to page 45 link to page 46 link to page 47 link to page 48 link to page 49 link to page 50 link to page 51 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Contents Identifying Job Advertisements for Congressional Staff Positions ........................................... 2 Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements ...................................................................... 2 Concluding Observations ................................................................................................. 4 Sample Position Expectations ........................................................................................... 7 Caseworker .............................................................................................................. 7 Caseworker/Field Representative ................................................................................. 8 Chief of Staff ............................................................................................................ 9 Communications Director ......................................................................................... 10 Communications Director, “Senior Level” or “Not Entry Level” ..................................... 11 Constituent Services Representative ........................................................................... 12 Correspondence Manager ......................................................................................... 13 Deputy Press Secretary ............................................................................................. 14 Deputy Scheduler .................................................................................................... 15 Deputy Scheduler/Assistant to Chief of Staff ............................................................... 16 Digital Director/Press Assistant.................................................................................. 17 Digital Director ....................................................................................................... 18 District Director ...................................................................................................... 19 Executive Assistant .................................................................................................. 20 Executive Assistant/Scheduler ................................................................................... 21 Executive Assistant/Scheduler, “Not Entry Level” ........................................................ 22 Field, District, or Regional Representative................................................................... 23 Legislative Aide ...................................................................................................... 24 Legislative Assistant ................................................................................................ 25 Legislative Assistant, “Not Entry Level” ..................................................................... 26 Legislative Correspondent......................................................................................... 27 Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant ................................................................... 28 Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant.................................................................... 29 Legislative Counsel ................................................................................................. 30 Legislative Director, House ....................................................................................... 31 Legislative Director “Senior Level,” or “Not Entry Level” ............................................. 32 Legislative Director, Senate....................................................................................... 33 Military Legislative Assistant .................................................................................... 34 Press Assistant ........................................................................................................ 35 Press Secretary ........................................................................................................ 36 Press Secretary/Digital Director ................................................................................. 37 Regional Director .................................................................................................... 38 Scheduler ............................................................................................................... 39 Scheduler, “Not Entry Level” .................................................................................... 40 Scheduler/Office Manager ........................................................................................ 41 Senior Legislative Assistant ...................................................................................... 42 Speechwriter........................................................................................................... 43 Staff Assistant ......................................................................................................... 44 Staff Assistant/Driver ............................................................................................... 45 Staff Assistant/Press Assistant ................................................................................... 46 Systems Administrator ............................................................................................. 47 Congressional Research Service link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 52 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Tables Table 1. Distribution of Job Advertisements Analyzed, by Category and Chamber..................... 5 Table 2. Acronyms Used in This Report .............................................................................. 6 Contacts Author Information ....................................................................................................... 48 Congressional Research Service link to page 9 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills ongressional employees are retained to perform public duties that include assisting Members in official responsibilities in personal, committee, leadership, or administrative C office settings. The roles, duties, and activities of congressional staff are matters of ongoing interest to Members of Congress, congressional staff,1 groups,21 groups,2 and individuals,3 3 including those who raise concerns about congressional operations. Most observers recognize that Congress does not function without staff,44 but there is little5little5 systematic attention to what staff do, or what Members expect of them.

In congressional offices, there may be interest in identifying Member expectations of congressional staff duties by position from multiple perspectives, including assessment of staffing needs in Member offices; guidance in setting position expectations, qualifications, and experience when offices choose to hire staff; and informing current and potential congressional employees of position expectations. Members of the House and Senate generallygeneral y establish their own employment policies and practices for their personal offices.66 It is arguably the case that within Member offices, a common group of activities is executed for which staff with relevant skillsets skil sets and other qualifications are necessary. A body of publicly available job advertisements for staff positions from a number of different offices can shed light on the expectations Members have for position duties, as well wel as staff skillsskil s, characteristics, experience, and other expectations.

For 33needs. For 35 commonly used congressional staff position titles, this report describes the most frequently listedprovides a set of 41 sample position descriptions including widely expected job duties, applicant skillsskil s, characteristics, prior experiences, and other expectations based on information found in a sample of job advertisements placed by Members of Congress between approximately December 2014 and September 2019March 2021 seeking staff in their offices. Table 1 lists the position titles and the frequency with which advertisements for them appeared in the sample.

1 U.S. House of Representatives, Chief Administrative Officer, 2019 House of Representatives Compensation and Diversity Study Report: House Overall Results, 2019, at https://www.house.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/2019_house_compdiversitystudy_executivesummary.pdf. 2 See Democracy Fund, “ Principled Leadership & Effective Governance,” https://www.democracyfund.org/priorities; and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, “Madison Initiative,” https://hewlett.org/strategy/madison-initiative/. 3 Alexander C. Furnas, “Legislative staff are spending an increasing amount of time on constituent services,” LegBranch, April 11, 2018, https://www.legbranch.org/2018-4-11-legislative-staff-are-spending-an-increasing-amount-of-time-on-constituent-services/; Jacob M. Montgomery and Brendan Nyhan, “ T he Effects of Congressional Staff Networks,” Journal of Politics, vol. 79, no. 3 (July 2017), pp. 745-761; Brian Alexander, “A framework for congressional staffing: a few thoughts from management consulting,” LegBranch, June 28, 2016, https://www.legbranch.org/2016-6-28-a-framework-for-congressional-staffing-a-few-thoughts-from-management-consulting/; and Anthony J. Madonna and Ian Ostrander, ”Getting the Congress You Pay For: Legislative Staffing and Organizational Capacity,” Paper prepared for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association, Washington, DC, August 28-September 1, 2014. 4 See, e.g., Josh McCrain, “Convincing evidence that congressional staff do, in fact, matter,” LegBranch, January 23, 2018, https://www.legbranch.org/2018-1-16-convincing-evidence-that-congressional-staff-do-in-fact-matter/; David E. Price, The Congressional Experience, 3rd ed. (Cambridge, MA: Westview Press, 2004), pp. 66 -69; and Michael J. Malbin, Unelected Representatives: Congressional Staff and the Future of Representative Governm ent (New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1980), pp. 3-7. 5 See Jesse M. Crosson, Alexander Furnas, and T imothy LaPira, Congress and Its Experts, Dataset Codebook, electronic dataset, University of Michigan, https://jessemcrossoncom.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/staff_data_codebook.pdf. 6 Members who hire staff in committee or leadership settings also have broad discretion regarding establishing and overseeing staff roles and duties. T hese are beyond the scope of this report. Congressional Research Service 1 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Identifying Job Advertisements for Congressional Staff Positions

Data used in developing sample position expectations were taken from several publicly available sources, including the following, over the periods specified:

  • The House Employment Bulletin, published weekly by the House Vacancy Announcement and Placement Service (HVAPS) in the Human Resources Office of the House Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).77 Data were collected from ads published between approximately January 2015 and September 2019.
  • March 2021.  The Employment Bulletin, published online by the Senate "“as a service to Senate offices choosing to advertise staff vacancies."8”8 Data were collectedcol ected from ads, which were not dated, appearing from approximately July 2016 to July 2019.
  • March 2021.  The House GOP Job and Resume Bank, which posts ads on behalf of the House Republican Conference on Facebook.99 Ads were collected between approximately January and June 2017. Other ads were collected2017 and what appears to be its most recent posting in November 2020. Other ads were col ected from the period between approximately December 2014 and January 2017 from the House GOP Job Bank web page on the website of Representative Virginia Foxx during part of her tenure as the House Republican Conference Secretary.
  • The Job Announcements Board hosted by Representative Steny Hoyer during part of his tenure as House Minority Whip.10 parts of his tenures as House majority leader and as House minority whip.10 Data were collected from ads posted between approximately December 2020 and March 2021, and January 2016 and December 2017.

Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements

More than 1,800950 ads were collected from all sourcesal sources. While they represent a substantial number of ads posted by the sources consulted, these ads do not represent an exhaustive collection of public congressional employment solicitations. Duplicate ads resulting from posts to more than one source, and ads that appear to have been frequently reposted,1111 were removed, as were ads for positions in congressional settings other than personal offices,1212 yielding 880931 ads for positions in Member personal offices. SubstantiallySubstantial y similar position titles (e.g., deputy scheduler and state deputy scheduler) for which there were five or more ads were identified and grouped together, as were related job titles (e.g., positions designated as district, field, or regional representative that had essential yhad essentially similar job duties and expectations) for which there were five or more substantiallysubstantial y similar ads, yielding a total of 704763 ads. Ads for the 3335 identified position titles were further categorized if there were five13 or more ads that specified the advertised position as "“not 7 See U.S. House of Representatives, “Employment Information,” at https://www.house.gov/employment. 8 See U.S. Senate, “Employment Bulletin,” at https://www.senate.gov/employment/po/positions.htm. 9 See “House GOP Job and Resume Bank” at https://www.facebook.com/GopJobBank/. 10 Rep. Hoyer continues to host a job announcements board at https://www.majorityleader.gov/jobs. 11 Frequently reposted ads include those that appeared in sequential editions of the House Employment Bulletin, and ads for the same position posted by identifiable offices more than once over a period of six months. 12 Other congressional settings for which ads were collected include committee, leadership, officer, official, shared Member and committee, party conferences and caucuses, and House congressional member organizations. Congressional Research Service 2 link to page 9 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills not entry level"” or other signifier of presumptive advanced status. The 704763 ads were coded against a variety of variables within eight categories, including ad tracking information; ad details; position responsibilities and responsibility areas; expected job skillsskil s, qualifications, and credentials; application materials; and office type.1413 The distribution of ads by job title and level is provided in in Table 1.

Solicitations of applicants for congressional staff appear to originate in a highly decentralized manner. Means of identifying appropriate candidates might potentially potential y include reassigning staff within offices, placing ads in services that make them available by subscription,1514 word of mouth, and other nonpublic means of identifying potential applicants for congressional staff positions. Consequently, it cannot be determined whether the dataset of ads analyzed in this report is representative of all al congressional employment solicitations. In addition, the process by which candidates for some Member office senior staff positions16positions15 are identified may not be public-facing.

facing. Based on information specified within the ads, most position titles were identified by one of the following fourfive primary responsibility areas (some positions were identified by up to three responsibility areas):

  • Legislative, Policy, and Oversight,
  • Media, Messaging, and Speeches,
  • Constituent Communications, Outreach, and Service, and
  • Office Administration and Support.

, and  Staff Leadership. For each position, at least one sample position description was created based on the coded data. Information includes the most frequently occurring of the following:

  • primary responsibility areas;
  • widely expected duties, typicallytypical y up to six of the most frequently occurring duties specified in all al ads for that position;
  • other potential duties, typicallytypical y up to six other duties mentioned in more than one ad;
  • applicant information, including
  • characteristics,
  • skills, and
  • knowledge and prior experience; and
  • other expectations.

ad;  applicant information, including  characteristics,  skil s, and  knowledge and prior experience; and  other expectations. 13 A codebook and detailed explanation of the coding process are available to congressional offices upon request. 14 See, for example, Daybook, https://www.daybook.com/listings, or Indeed.com, https://www.indeed.com/q-Congressional-Assistant -l-Washington,-DC-jobs.html, among others. 15 For example, the ad sources used did not contain analyzable numbers of ads for Administrative Director or State Director positions in the Senate. Congressional Research Service 3 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Concluding Observations Concluding Observations

Categorizing congressional staff positions by position title17title16 relies on an assumption that similarly titled positions in House and Senate personal offices carry out the same tasks under essentially similar circumstances. While personal offices may carry out similar activities, the assumption might be questionable given the differences in staff resources in House and Senate offices, as well as potential differences within offices of each chamber.

Generalizations about staff roles and duties may also be limited in some ways due to the broad discretion Members have with regard to running their office activities. Variations from office to office, which might include differences in job duties, work schedules, office emphases, and other factors, may limit essential y similar circumstances. The sample position descriptions provided in this report might provide some insight into Member expectations of staff in their personal offices. At the same time, some of the findings might suggest that tasks and duties are aggregated in diverse ways within some similarly titled positions. This may be due to operational differences among offices seeking staff, or differences in the expectations of an employee in that position.17 Some other titles suggest that congressional employing offices might assign a number of titles to substantial y similar groups of position expectations, duties, knowledge and skil s.18 Consequently, assumptions about job titles as a singular organizing concept might be questionable. Some explanation for the differences within or similarities among job titles might be explained in part by the range of approaches individual Members of Congress pursue in carrying out their official duties. This can result in variable employment practices from office to office. Other insight might come from differences in the scale and extent of activities due to the resources made available to operate the personal offices of Members of the House and Senators.19 These and other explanations may limit the extent to which sample position expectations the extent to which sample position expectations provided here match operational practices in all al congressional offices. 16 A Senator may establish position titles in his or her office by written notification to the disbursing office of the Senate, 2 U.S.C. 4575(d)(1)(C)(2). No similar explicit authority for a Member of the House was identified. 17 For examples, see differences in expectations between some positions and identically titled positions designated as “Not Entry Level” or “Senior,” and House and Senate Legislative Directors, or similarities between Legislative Assistant and Military Legislative Assistant, or Legislativ e Aide, Legislative Assistant, and Legislative Correspondent. 18 See, e.g., Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant and Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant, or Digital Director, Press Secretary, and Press Secretary/Digital Director, among others. 19 T he smallest Senate personal office typically has twice the number of staff as the maximum staffing levels authorized for House Member offices, which is higher than the actual level of staffing in that chamber. For further discussion see CRS Report RL30064, Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief, by Ida A. Brudnick; CRS Report R43946, Senate Staff Levels in Mem ber, Com m ittee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977-2020, by R. Eric Petersen; and CRS Report R43947, House of Representatives Staff Levels in Mem ber, Com m ittee, Leadership, and Other Offices, 1977 -2016, by R. Eric Petersen and Amber Hope Wilhelm. Congressional Research Service 4 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Table 1. Distribution of Job Advertisements Analyzed, by Category and Chamber Legislative, Policy, and Oversight Media, Messaging, and Speeches Ads H S Ads H S Legislative Aide 12 6 6 Communications Director 54 50 4 Communications Director Legislative Assistant (LA) 107 77 30 “Senior Level,” “Not Entry Level” 18 18 0 LA, “Not Entry Level” 26 20 6 Deputy Press Secretary 8 0 8 Legislative Counsel 6 4 2 Digital Director/Press Assistant 5 3 2 Legislative Director (LD), House 24 24 0 Digital Director 12 2 10 LD, “Senior Level,” “Not Entry Level” 6 6 0 Press Assistant 18 10 8 LD, Senate 5 0 5 Press Secretary 37 31 6 Military Legislative Assistant (MLA) 12 9 3 Press Secretary/Digital Director 5 5 0 Senior Legislative Assistant (SLA) 13 12 1 Speechwriter 10 0 10 Legislative Correspondent (LC) 54 34 20 LC/Press Assistant 7 7 0 LC/Press Assistant 7 7 0 Staff Assistant/Press Assistant 5 5 0 LC/Staff Assistant 15 14 1 Constituent Communications, Outreach, and Service Office Administration and Support Ads H S Ads H S Caseworker 12 10 2 Deputy Scheduler 7 0 7 Deputy Scheduler/ Caseworker/Field Representative 8 8 0 Assistant to Chief of Staff 7 0 7 Constituent Services Representative 6 5 1 Executive Assistant 7 5 2 Correspondence Manager 11 0 11 Executive Assistant/Scheduler 15 14 1 District Director 7 7 0 Executive Assistant/Scheduler 9 9 0 “Not Entry Level” Field, District, or Regional Representative 14 11 3 Scheduler 48 42 6 Regional Director 5 0 5 Scheduler, “Not Entry Level” 8 7 1 LC 54 34 20 Scheduler/Office Manager 11 11 0 LC/Staff Assistant 15 14 1 Staff Assistant/Driver 7 3 4 Staff Assistant 84 67 16 Systems Administrator 10 0 10 Staff Assistant/Press Assistant 5 5 0 LC/Staff Assistant 15 14 1 Staff Assistant 84 67 16 Staff Assistant/Press Assistant 5 5 0 Staff Leadership Ads H S Ads H S Chief of Staff 10 8 2 LD, Senate 5 0 5 Congressional Research Service 5 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Source: CRS analysis of selected ads seeking congressional staff, various sources, December 2014 -March 2021. Positions with more than one area of responsibility are shown in italics. congressional offices.

Table 1. Distribution of Job Advertisements Analyzed, by Category and Chamber

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

 

Ads

H

S

  

Ads

H

S

Legislative Aide

9

3

6

Communications Director

54

50

4

Legislative Assistant (LA)

107

77

30

Communications Director
"Senior Level," "Not Entry Level"

18

18

0

LA, "Not Entry Level"

26

20

6

Deputy Press Secretary

6

0

6

Legislative Counsel

5

3

2

Digital Director/Press Assistant

5

3

2

Legislative Director (LD), House

24

24

0

Digital Media Director

5

0

5

LD, Senate

4

0

4

Press Assistant

16

10

6

LD, "Senior Level," "Not Entry Level"

6

6

0

Press Secretary

39

33

6

Military Legislative Assistant (MLA)

10

8

2

Speechwriter

17

3

14

Senior Legislative Assistant (SLA)

11

10

1

LC/Press Assistant

7

7

0

Legislative Correspondent (LC)

54

34

20

Staff Assistant/Press Assistant

5

5

0

LC/Press Assistant

7

7

0

  

 

 

 

LC/Staff Assistant

15

14

1

  

 

 

 

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Office Administration and Support
 

Ads

H

S

  

Ads

H

S

Caseworker

11

9

2

Deputy Scheduler

6

0

6

Constituent Services Representative

7

5

2

Deputy Scheduler/
Assistant to Chief of Staff

6

0

6

Correspondence Manager

8

0

8

Executive Assistant

7

5

2

District Director

7

7

0

Executive Assistant/Scheduler

15

14

1

Field, District, or Regional Representative

13

10

3

Executive Assistant/Scheduler
"Not Entry Level"

9

9

0

Field Representative/Caseworker

7

7

0

Scheduler

49

43

6

Regional Coordinator

6

0

6

Scheduler, "Not Entry Level"

8

7

1

LC

54

34

20

Scheduler/Office Manager

10

10

0

LC/Staff Assistant

15

14

1

Staff Assistant/Driver

5

2

3

Staff Assistant

77

62

15

Systems Administrator

10

0

10

Staff Assistant/Press Assistant

5

5

0

LC/Staff Assistant

15

14

1
 

 

 

 

Staff Assistant

77

62

15
 

 

 

 

Staff Assistant/Press Assistant

5

5

0

Source: CRS analysis of selected ads seeking congressional staff, various sources, December 2014-September 2019. Positions with more than one area of responsibility are shown in italics.

Table 2. Acronyms Used in This Report

Acronym

Term

CAO

Table 2. Acronyms Used in This Report Acronym Term CAO Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives

CMS

CMS Correspondence Management System (e.g., ComputerWorks, Fireside21, Housecal , iConstituent, Leidos) HTML HyperText Markup Language HVAPS House Vacancy Announcement and Placement Service IT Information technology LA Legislative Assistant LC Legislative Correspondent LD Legislative Director MLA Military Legislative Assistant MRA Members’ Representational Al owance MS Microsoft, typical y office productivity software and apps SLA Senior Legislative Assistant Source: CRS. Congressional Research Service 6 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Sample Position Expectations Caseworker20 Constituent Communications, Outreach, Fireside21, Housecall, iConstituent, Leidos)

HTML

HyperText Markup Language

HVAPS

House Vacancy Announcement and Placement Service

IT

Information technology

LA

Legislative Assistant

LC

Legislative Correspondent

LD

Legislative Director

MLA

Military Legislative Assistant

MRA

Members' Representational Allowance

MS

Microsoft, typically office productivity software and apps

SLA

Senior Legislative Assistant

Source: CRS.

Sample Position Expectations

Caseworker18

Constituent Communications, Outreach,
and Service

Ads
 

11 (9 and Service Ads 12 (10 House, 2 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Assist constituents to resolve issues House, 2 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Assist constituents to resolve issues with public agencies

with public agencies Update Member and district director on local issues Handle constituent casework involving 1-4 agencies

Answer Learn federal agency casework procedures Answer casework correspondence

Communicate with constituents, government agencies

Act as community representative for Member

Assess casework, community activities for legislative action Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Patience Manage multiple tasks Motivation Interpersonal skil s, friendly, community activities for legislative action

Update Member and district director on local issues

Learn federal agency casework procedures

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Patience

Motivation

Sense of humor

Manage multiple tasks

Interpersonal skills, friendly, personable, pleasant

Work independently

personable, pleasant Sense of humor Work independently Think broadly about potential case resolutions

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Casework

Other Expectations Casework Strong written and verbal communications skil s Experience related to casework type (immigration, tax,
Bilingual, typical y Spanish financial sector, healthcare, military, veterans' veterans’ issues, etc.) Access to car, driving Federal, etc.)

Federal, state, or local government

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Bilingual, typically Spanish

Access to car, driving

Ties to state or district

Long hours, nights, weekends

Work environment typicallystate, or local government Ties to state or district Long hours, nights, weekends Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 20 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 7 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Caseworker/Field Representative21 Constituent Communications, Ads Outreach, and Service 8 (8 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Assist constituents with problems, concerns Staff Member at events, appearances Work with staff on casework and outreach efforts Provide administrative assistance Represent Member at meetings, events, appearances Answer phones Monitor activities, concerns, issues in district Drive, travel throughout district Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic Work wel with others Outgoing Thorough Assertive Organized Mature Exercise discretion, tact Motivated Work independently Sense of humor Handle stress Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations State, local, and national government, agencies Strong written and verbal communications skil s Event planning Have car and driver’s license Social work Bilingual Flexible hours including nights and weekends Ties to/broad knowledge of district Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 21 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 8 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Chief of Staff22 Staff Leadership Ads 10 (8 House, 2 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Serve as Member’s most senior aide or advisor Coordinate Member activities with congressional Advise Member on strategic priorities and policy decisions leadership and committee offices Develop and implement al policy objectives, strategies, and Act as liaison between Member and constituents, operating plans for the office, in consultation with relevant the Administration, and external stakeholders legislative, communications, constituent service, support, Mentor staff and other staff Manage Member’s offices and operations Manage senior staff, monitor DC and state staff (Senate ads only) Supervise up to 18 ful -time staffers in DC and district offices (House ads only) Oversee al personnel matters: staff reviews; salary decisions; and hiring (House ads only) Manage the MRA and office budget (House ads only) Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Strong political instincts Strategic thinking Hard worker Balance multiple tasks Energetic, enthusiastic Organized Creativity Attention to detail, accuracy Sense of humor Work wel with others Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Senior congressional staff role Strong, clear written and verbal communications Management experience skil s Hil or other political experience Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative Thorough knowledge of legislative process and chamber rules Work hours typical y include long hours, weekends Up to 5 years relevant experience State or district ties general y preferred but not required 22 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 9 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Communications Director23 Media, Mass Communications Messaging, and Speeches Ads 54 (50 House, 4 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Craft and implement overal communications strategy Outreach to media organizations, reporters Write in numerous formats including press releases, op- Pitch stories eds, talking points, newsletters, speeches, social media Provide messaging guidance to staff Act as spokesperson, local and national media contact Monitor news of interest team-based, collaborative

Communications Director19

Media, Mass Communications
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

54 (50 House, 4 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Craft and implement overall communications strategy

Write in numerous formats including press releases, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, speeches, social media

Act as spokesperson, local and national media contact

Prepare/brief Member for interviews

Manage office website, social media, other digital content

Organize media events

Outreach to media organizations, reporters

Pitch stories

Provide messaging guidance to staff

Monitor news of interest to the office

to the office Prepare/brief Member for interviews Handle portfolio of 1-4 issues Manage office website, social media, other digital content Organize media events Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Strong political instincts Organized Creativity Strategic thinking Sense of humor Balance multiple tasks Energetic, enthusiastic Attention to detail, accuracy Hard worker Work wel of 1-4 issues

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Strong political instincts

Creativity

Sense of humor

Energetic, enthusiastic

Hard worker

Organized

Strategic thinking

Balance multiple tasks

Attention to detail, accuracy

Work well with others

with others Digital media skil s Applicant Digital media skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Communications, journalism, Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Communications, journalism, public relations public relations

Strong written and verbal communications skills

skil s Knowledge of legislative process

process Media contacts

Familiarity with computer software, e.g., MS applications, social media platforms

State or district ties

May supervise Press Secretary, Press Assistant

Assistant Submission of various writing samples

Work environment typically Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 23 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 10 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills team-based, collaborative

Communications Director, "“Senior Level"” or "“Not Entry Level”24 Not Entry Level"20

Media, Mass Communications
Messaging, and Speeches Ads 18 (18 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Craft and implement overal communications strategy Pitch stories Write in numerous formats including press releases, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, speeches, social media Act as spokesperson, Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

18 (18 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Craft and implement overall communications strategy

Write in numerous formats including press releases, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, speeches, social media

Act as spokesperson, local and national media contact

local and national media contact Prepare/brief Member for interviews

Manage office website, social media, other digital content

Organize media events Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Creativity Attention to detail, accuracy Energetic, enthusiastic Organized Strong political instincts Balance multiple tasks Sense of humor Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations On-the-record experience, 1-2 years Strong written and verbal communications skil s Hil experience, 2-5 years Organize media events

Pitch stories

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Creativity

Energetic, enthusiastic

Strong political instincts

Sense of humor

Attention to detail, accuracy

Organized

Balance multiple tasks

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

On-the-record experience, 1-2 years

Hill experience, 2-5 years

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Media contacts

Media contacts May supervise Communications Staff, Press Assistant, Press Secretary, Social Media Assistant

Submission of various writing samples

Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 24 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 11 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Constituent Services Representative25 Constituent Communications, Outreach, team-based, collaborative

Constituent Services Representative21

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Ads
 

7and Service Ads 6 (5 House, 21 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Handle casework and related cal s, correspondence Plan and execute outreach events Work with federal or state entities to resolve Represent Member casework Support Member events Provide office support, sort mail, Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Handle casework and related calls, correspondence

Work with federal or state entities to resolve casework

Provide office support, sort mail, order supplies

Plan and execute outreach events

Represent Member

Support Member events

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Good political instincts, judgement

Energetic

Self-starter

Adaptable

Hard worker

Motivated

Sense of humor

Discretion

Organized

Work well with others

Able to balance multiple tasks

Attention to detail

Reliability

Work independently

Applicant order supplies Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Good political instincts, judgement Discretion Energetic Organized Self-starter Work wel with others Adaptable Able to balance multiple tasks Hard worker Attention to detail Motivated Reliability Sense of humor Work independently Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Casework, public service, customer service, Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Casework, public service, customer service, 0-5 years

Bachelor's degree

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Work 0-5 years Strong written and verbal communications skil s Bachelor’s degree Work flexible schedule, long days, weekends

Ties to state or district

Work environment typically Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 25 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 12 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Correspondence Manager26 Constituent Communications, Outreach, and Service Ads 11 (0 House, 11team-based, collaborative

Correspondence Manager22

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Ads
 

8 (0 House, 8 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Coordinate with office leadership, LCs to produce, deliver substantive, timely written responses to constituent inquiries

Draft, edit outgoing correspondence

Oversee drafting and approval of condolence and congratulatory letters

Provide CMS reports, system maintenance

Train interns, LCs, and Staff Assistants in correspondence processes

Manage constituent contact lists

Maintain correspondence records

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Proactive, takes initiative

Time management skills

Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Coordinate with office leadership, LCs to produce, Provide CMS reports, system maintenance deliver substantive, timely written responses to Train interns, LCs, and Staff Assistants in constituent inquiries correspondence processes Draft, edit outgoing correspondence Manage constituent contact lists Oversee drafting and approval of condolence and Maintain correspondence records congratulatory letters Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Proactive, takes initiative Time management skil s Highly organized Highly organized

Ability to work independently

Ability to work independently Handle multiple tasks, projects Applicant tasks, projects

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Experience with constituent management software (CMS) systems, Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Experience with constituent management software Strong written and verbal communications skil s (CMS) systems, e.g., IQ, InterTrac, VOICE, etc. Demonstrated ability to use technology to streamline Hil e.g., IQ, InterTrac, VOICE, etc.

Hill correspondence experience, up to 3 years administrative processes Computer skil s General y up to 3 years

Computer skills

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Demonstrated ability to use technology to streamline administrative processes

Generally a position for experienced staff

"a position for experienced staff “Self-described perfectionists are strongly encouraged to apply.” Work apply."

Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 26 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 13 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Deputy Press Secretary27 Media, Mass Communications, team-based, collaborative

Deputy Press Secretary23

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

6 (0 House, 6Messaging, and Speeches Ads 8 (0 House, 8 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Writing in numerous formats including press releases, Maintain office website
op-eds, talking points, newsletters, speeches, social media Staff Senator at events Maintain social media content Compile press clips and media mentions Schedule media interviews with Senator Compile, social media

Maintain social media content

Schedule media interviews with Senator

Maintain office website

Staff Senator at events

Compile press clips and media mentions

Compile, maintain media contact lists

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Motivated

Ambitious

Hard worker

Willing to learn, add responsibilities

Accuracy, attention to detail

Manage multiple tasks

Resourceful

Operate quickly, efficiently

Applicant maintain media contact lists Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Motivated Accuracy, attention to detail Ambitious Manage multiple tasks Hard worker Resourceful Wil ing to learn, add responsibilities Operate quickly, efficiently Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Work with office productivity software, social media Strong written and verbal communications skil s platforms State or regional ties Communications, media, 2-5 years Work environment typical y described as high Campaign media experience pressure, team-based, col aborative 27 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 14 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Deputy Scheduler28 Office Administration and Support Ads 7 (0 House, 7 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Sort, track, and respond to Senator’Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Work with office productivity software, social media
platforms

Communications, media, 2-5 years

Campaign media experience

Strong written and verbal communications skills

State or regional ties

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative

Deputy Scheduler24

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

6 (0 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Sort, track, and respond to Senator's state invitations

Assist other staff to execute Senator's daily schedule

Maintain Senator's contact data

Arrange, book travel for Senator

Greet Senator's meeting attendees

Maintain historical record of Senator's schedule

Schedule rooms, facilities

Organize constituent events

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic

Motivated

Adaptable

Sound judgement

Attention to detail

Highly organized

Exercise discretion

Personable, courteous

Trustworthy

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Hill experience preferred

Knowledge of Senate operations, schedules

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Flexible hours

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative

Deputy Scheduler/Assistant to Chief of Staff25

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

6 (0 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Provide administrative s state invitations Greet Senator’s meeting attendees Assist other staff to execute Senator’s daily schedule Maintain historical record of Senator’s schedule Maintain Senator’s contact data Schedule rooms, facilities Arrange, book travel for Senator Organize constituent events Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic Attention to detail Motivated Highly organized Adaptable Exercise discretion Sound judgement Personable, courteous Trustworthy Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Hil experience preferred Strong written and verbal communications skil s Knowledge of Senate operations, schedules Flexible hours Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 28 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 15 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Deputy Scheduler/Assistant to Chief of Staff29 Office Administration and Support Ads 7 (0 House, 7 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Provide administrative and staffing support to Scheduler Handle Chief of Staff correspondence and staffing support to Scheduler

Plan, maintain Chief of Staff'’s calendar Prepare correspondence for signature Drive Senator on occasion Provide executive secretarial support s calendar

Drive Senator on occasion

Organize, vet, respond to invitations

Facilitate projects of the Senator or office Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Adaptable Detail oriented, thorough Proactive Highly organized Energetic Strong sense of discretion Sound judgement, instincts Personable, Facilitate projects of the Senator or office

Handle Chief of Staff correspondence

Prepare correspondence for signature

Provide executive secretarial support

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Adaptable

Proactive

Energetic

Sound judgement, instincts

Detail oriented, thorough

Highly organized

Strong sense of discretion

Personable, pleasant, courteous

pleasant, courteous Balance multiple tasks, projects Applicant tasks, projects

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Scheduling, 1-2 years Scheduling, 1-2 years

Strong written and verbal communications skills

skil s Maintain confidentiality

Ability to exercise discretion at all times

al times Own an American-made car

car State ties

Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 29 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 16 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Digital Director/Press Assistant30 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 5 (3 House, 2 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Create audio, graphic, and video content Compile daily news clips Draft newsletters, social media, press releases, op-eds, Monitor social media data, analytics team-based, collaborative

Digital Director/Press Assistant26

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

5 (3 House, 2 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Create audio, graphic, and video content

Draft newsletters, social media, press releases, op-eds,
talking points, speeches

talking points, speeches Manage social media strategy, office accounts, website Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Creative Work wel with others Poise Attention to details Sound judgement Design skil s Digital media skil s Research skil s Applicant media strategy, office accounts, website

Compile daily news clips

Monitor social media data, analytics

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Creative

Poise

Sound judgement

Works well with others

Attention to details

Design skills

Digital media skills

Research skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Experience with various social media platforms, HTML

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Experience with various social media platforms, HTML Strong written and verbal communications skil s Knowledge of chamber operations, procedures

Communications background Experience designing audio, graphic, video content

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Communications background

Experience with online organizing

Work environment typically Experience with online organizing Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 30 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 17 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Digital Director31 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 12 (2 House, 10team-based, collaborative

Digital Media Director27

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

5 (0 House, 5 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Manage office social media accounts

Create social media content, written, graphic, and video

Maintain office websites

Plan and execute media events

Track and analyze various media platform metrics

Grow office social media audience

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic, outgoing

Sound judgement

Digital media skills

Well organized

Quick thinking

Resourceful

Problem Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Manage office social media accounts Plan and execute media events Create social media content, written, graphic, and video Track and analyze various media platform metrics Maintain office websites Grow office social media audience Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic, outgoing Digital media skil s Sound judgement Wel organized Quick thinking Resourceful Problem solving abilities Applicant solving abilities

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Broadcast communications, journalism, public relations Strong written and verbal communications skil s Knowledge of Senate rules, procedures Position is general y not entry level, up to 3 years’ Experience with photography; creating audio, graphic, experience expected and video content; and related software Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 31 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 18 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills District Director32 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 7 (7 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Oversee district office operations Oversee district office budget Develop outreach and constituent service strategies Manage Member schedule with district scheduler public relations

Knowledge of Senate rules, procedures

Experience with photography; creating audio, graphic, and
video content; and related software

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Position is generally not entry level, up to 3 years' experience expected

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative

District Director28

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

7 (7 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Oversee district office operations

Develop outreach and constituent service strategies

Represent Member in meetings and events

Represent Member in meetings and events Supervise district staff, plan and assign work Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Strong work ethic Management, leadership skil s Political instincts Manage multiple tasks Enthusiastic, outgoing Supervise district staff, plan and assign work

Oversee district office budget

Manage Member schedule with district scheduler

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Strong work ethic

Political instincts

Enthusiastic, outgoing

Management, leadership skills

Manage multiple tasks

Attention to detail

Attention to detail Interpersonal skil s Applicant Interpersonal skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Management, supervisory experience

Strategic planning

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Management, supervisory experience Strong written and verbal communications skil s Strategic planning May supervise district staff May supervise district staff

Connections to the district

Work environment typically Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 32 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 19 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Executive Assistant33 Ads Office Administration and Support 7 (5 House, 2 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Develop, manage Member’s schedule Staff or drive Member Track meeting team-based, collaborative

Executive Assistant29

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

7 (5 House, 2 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Develop, manage Member's schedule

Track meeting and event invitations

Oversee office budget with Chief of Staff

Compose correspondence for Member

Staff or drive Member

Assist Scheduler with meeting, event invitations

and event invitations Assist Scheduler with meeting, event invitations Oversee office budget with Chief of Staff Coordinate meetings travel, training, events Compose correspondence for Member Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Assertive Discretion Good work ethic Detail oriented Energetic, outgoing Excel ent organizational skil s Adaptable Personable, friendly, professional manner Patience Flexibility Poise Able to prioritize Applicant training, events

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Assertive

Good work ethic

Energetic, outgoing

Adaptable

Patience

Poise

Discretion

Detail oriented

Excellent organizational skills

Personable, friendly, professional manner

Flexibility

Able to prioritize

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Scheduling

Administrative, executive support

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Knowledge of MS software, Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Scheduling Strong written and verbal communications skil s Administrative, executive support Knowledge of MS software, CMS packages CMS packages

Knowledge of legislative process, calendar Work environment typical yprocess, calendar

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 33 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 20 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Executive Assistant/Scheduler34 Ads Office Administration and Support 15 (14 House, 1 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Coordinate and maintain Member’s daily schedule Assist in managing office budget Greet constituents and other visitors Compile briefing materials Maintain Member’s calendar Drive the Member—have access to a car Monitor daily and longer-term office schedules Make travel arrangements for Member, other staff Perform office management duties Staff the Member during the work day Recommend invitations to accept or decline Write recommendations and other correspondence Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic, enthusiastic Interpersonal skil s, friendly, personable, pleasant Poise Organized Sound political instincts, judgement Professional manner Patience Work independently Assertive Work wel with others, col aboratively, cooperatively Self-starter, proactive, take initiative Time management skil s Adaptable, flexible Attention to detail Hard Worker Applicant team-based, collaborative

Executive Assistant/Scheduler30

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

15 (14 House, 1 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Coordinate and maintain Member's daily schedule

Greet constituents and other visitors

Maintain Member's calendar

Monitor daily and longer-term office schedules

Perform office management duties

Recommend invitations to accept or decline

Assist in managing office budget

Compile briefing materials

Drive the Member—have access to a car

Make travel arrangements for Member, other staff

Staff the Member during the work day

Write recommendations and other correspondence

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic, enthusiastic

Poise

Sound political instincts, judgement

Patience

Assertive

Self-starter, proactive, take initiative

Adaptable, flexible

Hard Worker

Interpersonal skills, friendly, personable, pleasant

Organized

Professional manner

Work independently

Work well with others, collaboratively, cooperatively

Time management skills

Attention to detail

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

None stated

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations None stated Strong written and verbal communications skills

skil s Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 34 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 21 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills team-based, collaborative

Executive Assistant/Scheduler, "“Not Entry Level”35 Ads Not Entry Level"31

Office Administration and Support 9 (9 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Coordinate and maintain Member’s daily schedule Evaluate invitations to accept or decline Make travel arrangements for Member Maintain office records Maintain Member’s calendar Manage Member’s correspondence Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Professional manner Organized Interpersonal Skil s, friendly, personable, pleasant Discretion Sound political and Support

Ads
 

9 (9 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Coordinate and maintain Member's daily schedule

Make travel arrangements for Member

Maintain Member's calendar

Evaluate invitations to accept or decline

Maintain office records

Manage Member's correspondence

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Professional manner

Interpersonal Skills, friendly, personable, pleasant

Sound political instincts, judgement

Sense of humor

Organized

Discretion

Detail oriented

Manage multiple tasks

Applicant instincts, judgement Detail oriented Sense of humor Manage multiple tasks Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Hil experience Strong written and verbal communications skil s At least 1 year of scheduling experience State or district ties Ful -time Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Hill experience

At least 1 year of scheduling experience

Full-time executive assistant experience

Strong written and verbal communications skills

State or district ties

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative

Field, District, or Regional Representative32

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Ads
 

13 (10executive assistant experience Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 35 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 22 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Field, District, or Regional Representative36 Constituent Communications, Ads Outreach, and Service 14 (11 House, 3 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Represent Member before constituents, local groups, Draft casework, other correspondence businesses, civic organizations, and agencies Plan and execute community outreach projects, House, 3 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Represent Member before constituents, local groups,
businesses, civic organizations, and agencies

Attend meetings and events throughout assigned areas

events Act as liaison to local and state government

Monitor issues, Provide logistical support for district events, meetings Monitor issues, opinions, and concerns in assigned areas Staff Member for events, appearances in assigned area Brief Member about events and issues Provide casework opinions, and concerns in assigned areas

Brief Member about events and issues

Draft casework, other correspondence

Plan and execute community outreach projects, events

Provide logistical support for district events, meetings

Staff Member for events, appearances in assigned area

Provide casework intake, support, resolution

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Flexibility

Motivation

Strong work ethic

Friendly, outgoing

Patience

Sense of humor

Manage multiple intake, support, resolution Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Flexibility Manage multiple tasks, projects Motivation Good organizational skil s Strong work ethic Work independently Friendly, outgoing Problem-solving abilities Patience Discreet, tactful Sense of humor Learn quickly Applicant tasks, projects

Good organizational skills

Work independently

Problem-solving abilities

Discreet, tactful

Learn quickly

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Knowledge of jurisdiction (state, region, district)

Strong written and verbal communications skil s Knowledge of congressional practices, operations Long, irregular hours, nights, weekends, holidays Advocacy, community development, nonprofit, or May supervise interns government work Awareness of issues practices, operations

Advocacy, community development, nonprofit, or
government work

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Long, irregular hours, nights, weekends, holidays

May supervise interns

Awareness of issues of interest to the Member

of interest to the Member Ties to the state or district

Driving the Member

Work environment typically Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 36 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 23 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Aide37 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 12 (6team-based, collaborative

Field Representative/Caseworker33

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Ads
 

7 (7 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Assist constituents with problems, concerns

Work with staff on casework and outreach efforts

Represent Member at meetings, events, appearances

Monitor activities, concerns, issues in district

Drive, travel throughout district

Staff Member at events, appearances

Provide administrative assistance

Answer phones

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic

Outgoing

Assertive

Mature

Motivated

Sense of humor

Work well with others

Thorough

Organized

Exercise discretion, tact

Work independently

Handle stress

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

State, local, and national government, agencies

Event planning

Social work

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Have car and driver's license

Bilingual

Flexible hours including nights and weekends

Ties to/broad knowledge of district

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative

Legislative Aide34

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

9 (3 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Draft constituent correspondence legislation, memos

House, 6 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Draft constituent correspondence legislation, memos Oversee office mail program Meet with constituents, agency staff, other stakeholders Maintain policy portfolio other stakeholders

Assist with preparations for hearings and meetings

Oversee office mail program

Maintain policy portfolio of 1-3 issues

Conduct research and analysis

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic

Enthusiastic

Ability to prioritize

of 1-3 issues Assist with preparations for hearings and meetings Conduct research and analysis Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic Ability to prioritize Enthusiastic Attention to detail, accuracy Attention to detail, accuracy

Balance multiple projects, tasks Organizational skil s Research skil s Applicant projects, tasks

Organizational skills

Research skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Hill experience, Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Hil experience, up to 3 years Strong written and verbal communications skil s Issue area-specific experience as noted Work environment typical yup to 3 years

Issue area-specific experience as noted

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 37 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 24 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Assistant38 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 107 (77 House, 30 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Handle portfolio team-based, collaborative

Legislative Assistant35

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

107 (77 House, 30 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Handle portfolio of 1-9 issues

Draft bills of 1-9 issues Monitor legislation in issue area(s) Draft bil s and amendments Write memos, and amendments

Write memos, floor statements, talking points

Write constituent mail

Meet with constituency and advocacy groups

Represent Member in congressional and public settings Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Proactive, takes initiative Work wel with others Sense of humor Fast, strategic thinking Enthusiastic Organized Motivated Balance multiple tasks Sound judgement Attention to detail Strong work ethic Operate quickly, efficiently Creative Interpersonal skil s Appropriate attitude Research skil s Adaptable Problem-solving abilities Applicant Represent Member in congressional and public settings

Monitor legislation in issue area(s)

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Proactive, takes initiative

Sense of humor

Enthusiastic

Motivated

Sound judgement

Strong work ethic

Creative

Appropriate attitude

Adaptable

Work well with others

Fast, strategic thinking

Organized

Balance multiple tasks

Attention to detail

Operate quickly, efficiently

Interpersonal skills

Research skills

Problem-solving abilities

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge or experience with legislative process

Relevant Hill experience, 0-2 years

Knowledge of assigned issue area(s)

Experience as an LA or LC

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Bachelor's, Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Knowledge or experience with legislative process Strong written and verbal communications skil s Relevant Hil experience, 0-2 years Bachelor’s, graduate, or law degree may be required Knowledge of assigned issue area(s) Familiarity with computer software, e.g., MS Experience as an LA or LC graduate, or law degree may be required

Familiarity with computer software, e.g., MS applications, CMS

applications, CMS Translate policy into accessible terms

Work terms Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 38 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 25 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills team-based, collaborative

Legislative Assistant, "“Not Entry Level”39 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 26 (20 House, 6 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Draft bil s and amendments Draft constituent correspondence, hearing questions Write memos, floor statements, talking points, Advocate for legislation, policy priorities of Member speeches Legislative research Handle portfolio Not Entry Level"36

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

26 (20 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Draft bills and amendments

Write memos, floor statements, talking points, speeches

Handle portfolio of 1-7 issues

of 1-7 issues Meet with constituency and advocacy groups

Identify and advance policy proposals

Represent Member in congressional and public settings

Monitor legislation in issue area(s) Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Self-starter, proactive Work wel with others Sense of humor Analytic thinking Motivated Organizational skil s Energetic Interpersonal skil s Political instincts Research skil s Hard worker Problem-solving abilities Strong ideas Time management Appropriate attitude Flexible, nimble Applicant in issue area(s)

Draft constituent correspondence, hearing questions

Advocate for legislation, policy priorities of Member

Legislative research

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Self-starter, proactive

Sense of humor

Motivated

Energetic

Political instincts

Hard worker

Strong ideas

Appropriate attitude

Flexible, nimble

Work well with others

Analytic thinking

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Research skills

Problem-solving abilities

Time management

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Prior experience in a congressional office Strong written and verbal communications skil s Detailed knowledge of assigned issue area(s) Demonstrate substantial legislative experience in a congressional office

Detailed knowledge of assigned issue area(s)

1-2 years of congressional staff work in legislative areas

Prior work areas Work environment typical y described as high Prior work as an LA or LC pressure, team-based, col aborative 39 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 26 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Correspondent40 Constituent Communications, Ads Outreach, as an LA or LC

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Demonstrate substantial legislative experience

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative

Legislative Correspondent37

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

and Service Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 54 (34 House, 20 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Draft constituent correspondence CMS management, coding, analysis Manage Member’s constituent mail program Oversee a portfolio of 1-8 policy issues (Senate only) Support legislative Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

54 (34 House, 20 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Draft constituent correspondence

Manage Member's constituent mail program

Support legislative and front-office activities

and front-office activities Research to formulate written replies

Meet with constituents and interest groups

Track legislation Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Self-starter Research Motivated Attention to detail, accuracy Strong work ethic Organized Desire to grow in position Operate quickly Adaptability Balance multiple Track legislation

CMS management, coding, analysis

Oversee a portfolio of 1-8 policy issues (Senate only)

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Self-starter

Motivated

Strong work ethic

Desire to grow in position

Adaptability

Research

Attention to detail, accuracy

Organized

Operate quickly

Balance multiple tasks, assignments

Work well tasks, assignments Work wel with others with others

Interpersonal skills

Fast thinking

Applicant Interpersonal skil s Fast thinking Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Knowledge of House, Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge of House, Senate operations

Knowledge of CMS

Hill or other experience, up to 1 year

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Generally an entry-level position

State or district ties

Work environment typicallySenate operations Strong written and verbal communications skil s Knowledge of CMS General y an entry-level position Hil or other experience, up to 1 year State or district ties Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 40 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 27 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant41 team-based, collaborative

Legislative Correspondent/Press Assistant38

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches 7 (7 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Assist with crafting of constituent correspondence None stated Draft op-eds, press releases, talking points, mass mail Sort and prioritize Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

7 (7 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Assist with crafting of constituent correspondence

Draft op-eds, press releases, talking points, mass mail

Sort and prioritize incoming correspondence

Assist incoming correspondence Assist Communications Director with social media,
graphic design, video production

Compile daily news clips, track media Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Creative Accuracy Motivated Attention to detail Interested in added responsibilities, skil development Organization skil s Sense of humor Research skil s Proactive, takes initiative Applicant daily news clips, track media

None stated

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Creative

Motivated

Interested in added responsibilities, skill development

Sense of humor

Proactive, takes initiative

Accuracy

Attention to detail

Organization skills

Research skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge of House rules, processes

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Knowledge of House rules, processes Strong written and verbal communications skil s Experience with social media platforms, CMS packages Ties to state or district Hil experience Work environment typical y described as high pressure, Design of audio, graphic, video content team-based, col aborative 41 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 28 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant42 CMS packages

Hill experience

Design of audio, graphic, video content

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Ties to state or district

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative


Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant39

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Constituent Legislative, Policy, and Oversight Constituent Communications, Ads Outreach, and Service Office Administration and Support 15 (14 House, 1 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Provide office support; greet visitors; Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

15 (14 House, 1 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Provide office support; greet visitors; answer phones;
Train and supervise interns process flag, tour requests

Coordinate and conduct Capitol tours

Support Member and Chief of Staff

Manage constituent correspondence program

Monitor, track mail, respond in a timely manner Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic, enthusiastic Accuracy, attention to detail Proactive, self-starter Organizational skil s Sense of humor Work wel with others Patience Balance multiple respond in a timely manner

Train and supervise interns

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic, enthusiastic

Proactive, self-starter

Sense of humor

Patience

Accuracy, attention to detail

Organizational skills

Work well with others

Balance multiple tasks, competing priorities

Research

Time management

Applicant tasks, competing priorities Research Time management Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Computer software, MS, CMS Strong written and verbal communications skil s Congressional operations, legislative process Submission of writing samples, references Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Computer software, MS, CMS

Congressional operations, legislative process

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Submission of writing samples, references

State or district ties

Work environment typicallyState or district ties Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 42 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 29 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Counsel43 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 6 (4team-based, collaborative


Legislative Counsel40

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

5 (3 House, 2 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Handle policy portfolio of 2-11 issues

Plan, execute legislative strategy

Support, staff Member's committee activities, preparation

Write memos, speeches, and talking points

Monitor legislative activity

Support communications team, district office

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

None stated

House, 2 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Handle policy portfolio of 2-11 issues Write memos, speeches, and talking points Plan, execute legislative strategy Monitor legislative activity Support, staff Member’s committee activities, Support communications team, district office preparation Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills None stated Conceptual, analytic thinking Conceptual, analytic thinking

Balance multiple tasks, projects

Strong interpersonal skills

skil s Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations House, Senate operations, committee functions Strong written and verbal communications skil s Law, legal research Law degree general y required Congressional investigations Work wel Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

House, Senate operations, committee functions

Law, legal research

Congressional investigations

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Law degree generally required

Work well under pressure

Work under pressure Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 43 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 30 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Director, House44 Ads Legislative, Policy, & Oversight 24 (24 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Lead legislative team in support of Member legislative Brief Member on al team-based, collaborative


Legislative Director, House41

Legislative, Policy, & Oversight

Ads
 

24 (24 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Lead legislative team in support of Member legislative goals

Supervise and mentor legislative staff

Advance Member policy proposals in committees, on floor

Brief Member on all policy matters

policy matters goals Meet interest groups, constituents Supervise and mentor legislative staff Handle policy portfolio of 1-7 issues Advance Member policy proposals in committees, on floor Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Sound political judgement Strong organizational skil s Takes initiative Detail oriented Work cooperatively and col aboratively groups, constituents

Handle policy portfolio of 1-7 issues

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Sound political judgement

Takes initiative

Strong organizational skills

Detail oriented

Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others

with others Leadership skil s Applicant Leadership skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Work as LD or LA

Management or supervisor experiences

Work in public policy, various fields, issues

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Thorough knowledge of House legislative procedure

Knowledge of committee activities, processes

Demonstrated Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Work as LD or LA Strong written and verbal communications skil s Management or supervisor experiences Thorough knowledge of House legislative procedure Work in public policy, various fields, issues Knowledge of committee activities, processes Demonstrated success at advancing policy initiatives success at advancing policy initiatives

State or district ties, connection

Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 44 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 31 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills team-based, collaborative


Legislative Director "“Senior Level,"” or "“Not Entry Level”45 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 6 (6 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Manage legislative Not Entry Level"42

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

6 (6 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Manage legislative team activity

Supervise legislative staff

Work with Member, team activity Legislative portfolio of 1-5 issues Supervise legislative staff Work with Member, Chief of Staff to develop
legislative program Support Member’s committee activities Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Proactive Attention to detail Good judgement Leadership legislative program

Support Member's committee activities

Legislative portfolio of 1-5 issues

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Proactive

Good judgement

Attention to detail

Leadership

Ability to delegate

Ability to delegate Creativity Applicant Creativity

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Hill or legislative experience, "strong," "substantial"
"at least 5 years"

[policy area designated in ad] experience

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Thorough knowledge of House legislative procedure

Demonstrated Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Hil or legislative experience, “strong,” “substantial” Strong written and verbal communications skil s “at least 5 years” Thorough knowledge of House legislative procedure [policy area designated in ad] experience Demonstrated success at advancing policy initiatives success at advancing policy initiatives

Advanced degree

Advanced degree State or district ties, connection

Work environment typicallytypical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 45 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 32 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Legislative Director, Senate46 Legislative, Policy, and Oversight Ads Staff Leadership 5 (0 House, 5team-based, collaborative


Legislative Director, Senate43

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

4 (0 House, 4 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Develop and implement Senator's legislative program

Manage legislative Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Develop and implement Senator’s legislative program Mentor staff Manage legislative staff of 12-18 staff of 12-18

Monitor floor activity

Oversee development Oversee development of vote recommendations

Support office outreach activities to various constituencies Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Sound political judgement to various constituencies

Mentor staff

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Sound political judgement

Ability to delegate

Ability to delegate Strong interpersonal skills

Highly organized

Work well skil s Highly organized Work wel with others with others

Attention to detail

Analytic skil s Management skil s Applicant Analytic skills

Management skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

3-8 years of Hill Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations 3-8 years of Hil experience (Senate preferred)

Senate LD, Senior LA, Strong written and verbal communications skil s Senate LD, Senior LA, Senior Policy Advisor, or Counsel Work environment typical yor Counsel

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 46 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 33 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Military Legislative Assistant47 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 12 (9 House, 3team-based, collaborative


Military Legislative Assistant44

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

10 (8 House, 2 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Handle Member's work on Armed Services, Veterans',
Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, or Intelligence Comm-
ittees, or Defense Appropriations Subcommittees

Handle a portfolio Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Handle Member’s work on Armed Services, Veterans’, Represent Member in committee and agency settings Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, or Intel igence Track military acquisition programs Committees, or Defense Appropriations Subcommittees Handle a portfolio of 1-6 related issues of 1-6 related issues

Advise member on related bills, bil s, hearings, and issues

Meet, interact with relevant agency staff Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Self-directed Work independently Strong ideas Operate quickly, efficiently Appropriate attitude Work wel Meet, interact with relevant agency staff

Represent Member in committee and agency settings

Track military acquisition programs

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Self-directed

Strong ideas

Appropriate attitude

Work independently

Operate quickly, efficiently

Work well with others

with others Problem-solving abilities Applicant Problem-solving abilities

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Legislative procedures and committee processes

Military service

Relevant committee work

Military legislative assistant, professional Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Legislative procedures and committee processes Strong written and verbal communications skil s Military service Active TOP SECRET clearance Relevant committee work Knowledge of defense authorizations, appropriations Military legislative assistant, professional staff member Coalition building 0-5 years related experience Military reserve service Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 47 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 34 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Press Assistant48 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 18 (10 House, 8 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Write social media, website content, emails, newsletters Maintain media lists Assist with media inquiries, press releases, interviews Organize or support media events Manage social staff member

0-5 years related experience

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Active TOP SECRET clearance

Knowledge of defense authorizations, appropriations

Coalition building

Military reserve service

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative


Press Assistant45

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

16 (10 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Write social media, website content, emails, newsletters

Assist with media inquiries, press releases, interviews

Manage social media accounts

media accounts Compile daily clips and media mentions Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Motivated Attention to detail Creative Balance multiple tasks Takes initiative Cooperative, col aborative Operate quickly Applicant daily clips and media mentions

Maintain media lists

Organize or support media events

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Motivated

Creative

Takes initiative

Attention to detail

Balance multiple tasks

Cooperative, collaborative

Operate quickly

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Content design, audio, graphic, video

Public relations, journalism

Knowledge of chamber procedures, activities

Software, MS, graphic, and video production

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Generally an entry-level position

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative


Press Secretary46

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

39 (33Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Content design, audio, graphic, video Strong written and verbal communications skil s Public relations, journalism General y an entry-level position Knowledge of chamber procedures, activities Work environment typical y described as high Software, MS, graphic, and video production pressure, team-based, col aborative 48 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 35 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Press Secretary49 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 37 (31 House, 6 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Write and edit press releases, House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Write and edit press releases, op-eds, talking points,
newsletters, Oversee day-to-day press operations in DC, state, or newsletters, and franked communications district Develop and maintain effective relationships with Manage office website, social media district, state, and national media Prepare Member for media interactions Work and franked communications

Develop and maintain effective relationships with
district, state, and national media

Work with office staff to identify news hooks and
Write speeches story pitches

Book, coordinate interviews with reporters

Plan, organize, and staff media events Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Sound political instincts Balance multiple assignments, tasks Takes initiative Attention to detail, accuracy Hard worker Handle stress Sense of humor Work wel with others Motivated Efficient Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Media, journalism, public relations roles, experience Strong writing and speaking skil s Hil experience Submission of writing samples, including press releases, Content design, audio, graphics, video talking points, tweets On and off the record briefing experience Media contacts Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 49 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 36 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Press Secretary/Digital Director50 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 5 (5 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Draft statements, releases, and other materials Plan and execute press conferences, media events Create social media content, written, graphic, and video Manage media contact lists Manage office social media accounts and websites Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Takes initiative, motivated Digital media skil s Hard worker Balance multiple assignments, tasks Self-starter Attention to detail, accuracy Sense of humor Wel organized Work wel with others Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Communications Strong written and verbal communications skil s Media coordination Position is general y not entry level, up to 2 years’ Experience with photography; creating audio, graphic, experience expected and video content May work closely with Communications Director or Deputy Chief of Staff On the record briefing experience Work environment typical yPlan, organize, and staff media events

Oversee day-to-day press operations in DC, state, or district

Manage office website, social media

Prepare Member for media interactions

Write speeches

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Sound political instincts

Takes initiative

Hard worker

Sense of humor

Motivated

Balance multiple assignments, tasks

Attention to detail, accuracy

Handle stress

Work well with others

Efficient

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Media, journalism, public relations roles, experience

Hill experience

Content design, audio, graphics, video

Strong writing and speaking skills

Submission of writing samples, including press releases, talking points, tweets

On and off the record briefing experience

Media contacts

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 50 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 37 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Regional Director51 Constituent Communications, Ads Outreach, and Service 5 (0 House, 5team-based, collaborative


Regional Coordinator47

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Ads
 

6 (0 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Monitor, update office on regional and local issues

Process constituent casework requests Represent Senator at events, civic, community meetings

Travel throughout region, state Act as liaison with federal, state, and local officials, Oversee work of junior regional staff agencies, community organizations Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Enthusiastic Able to balance multiple state, and local officials,
agencies, community organizations

Process constituent casework requests

Travel throughout region, state

Oversee work of junior regional staff

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Enthusiastic

Outgoing

Motivated

Adaptable

Creative ideas

Self-starter

Able to balance multiple tasks and projects

Attention to detail

Highly organized

Work well with others

Reliable

Able to work independently

Applicant tasks and projects Outgoing Attention to detail Motivated Highly organized Adaptable Work wel with others Creative ideas Reliable Self-starter Able to work independently Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations State and local government Strong written and verbal communications skil s Public policy issues State or community ties Outreach Team player MS applications, CMS Work environment typical yKnowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

State and local government

Public policy issues

Outreach

MS applications, CMS

Strong written and verbal communications skills

State or community ties

Team player

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 51 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 38 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Scheduler52 Ads Office Administration and Support 48 (42team-based, collaborative


Scheduler48

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

49 (43 House, 6 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Oversee Member's schedule in DC and state/district

Schedule, coordinate Member and staff travel, lodging

House, 6 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Oversee Member’s schedule in DC and state/district Hire and manage interns Schedule, coordinate Member and staff travel, lodging Provide administrative support to Chief of Staff Organize and track invitations Drive Organize and track invitations

Drive Member to and from events

Provide administrative support to Member Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Energetic Accuracy, attention to details Sound political judgement Highly organized Appropriate attitude Able to balance multiple tasks Takes initiative Friendly, outgoing Adaptability Problem-solving abilities Work wel with others Applicant support to Member

Hire and manage interns

Provide administrative support to Chief of Staff

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Energetic

Sound political judgement

Appropriate attitude

Takes initiative

Adaptability

Accuracy, attention to details

Highly organized

Able to balance multiple tasks

Friendly, outgoing

Problem-solving abilities

Work well with others

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Work as Scheduler or Executive Assistant

House or Senate operations, procedures

Strong written and verbal communications skills

On-call Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Work as Scheduler or Executive Assistant Strong written and verbal communications skil s House or Senate operations, procedures On-cal availability after working hours availability after working hours

May supervise junior operations staff (Senate)

Travel between Washington, DC, and state or district

Work environment typically Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 52 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 39 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Scheduler, “Not Entry Level”53 Ads Office Administration and Support 8 (7 House, 1 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Col aboratively develop Member’s schedule Coordinate DC schedule with district Make Member travel arrangements Ensure Member team-based, collaborative


Scheduler, "Not Entry Level"49

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

8 (7 House, 1 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Collaboratively develop Member's schedule

Make Member travel arrangements

Handle Member's correspondence

Provide Member administrative support

Coordinate DC schedule with district

Ensure Member has briefing materials

Maintain contacts database

Maintain office records

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Excellent political instincts

Proactive

Discretion, has briefing materials Handle Member’s correspondence Maintain contacts database Provide Member administrative support Maintain office records Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Excel ent political instincts Discretion, maintain confidentiality Proactive maintain confidentiality

Close attention to detail

Organizational skil s Work wel with others Applicant Organizational skills

Work well with others

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Work as congressional Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Work as congressional scheduler, 1-2 years scheduler, 1-2 years

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Flexible schedule

Work environment typicallyskil s Flexible schedule Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 53 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 40 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Scheduler/Office Manager54 Ads Office Administration and Support 11 (11team-based, collaborative


Scheduler/Office Manager50

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

10 (10 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Manage Member's district and DC schedule

Facilitate Member's personal correspondence

Oversee front-office management

Collaborate with the Chief of Staff to manage the MRA and payroll

Administer House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Manage Member’s district and DC schedule Keep Member on schedule during the day Facilitate Member’s personal correspondence Supervise staff assistants, interns Oversee front-office management Drive the Member to events Col aborate with the Chief of Staff to manage the MRA and Arrange travel and meetings payrol Administer office finances, benefits, and procurement Work closely office finances, benefits, and procurement

Work closely with the Chief of Staff and District Director to
to ensure effective office operations Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Appropriate attitude Balance competing demands Flexibility Strong organizational skil s Sound political instincts ensure effective office operations

Keep Member on schedule during the day

Supervise staff assistants, interns

Drive the Member to events

Arrange travel and meetings

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Appropriate attitude

Flexibility

Sound political instincts

Balance competing demands

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Attention to detail Problem-solving abilities Applicant abilities

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Hill experience

Executive assistant

Congressional scheduling

Knowledge of House schedules, activities

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Assist the Member after regular Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Hil experience Strong written and verbal communications skil s Executive assistant Assist the Member after regular business hours Congressional scheduling Typical y not an entry-level position Knowledge of House schedules, activities Work environment typical ybusiness hours

Typically not an entry-level position

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 54 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 41 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Senior Legislative Assistant55 Ads Legislative, Policy, and Oversight 13 (12team-based, collaborative


Senior Legislative Assistant51

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight

Ads
 

11 (10 House, 1 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Support Member in committee activities

Manage Member House, 1 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Support Member in committee activities Build or expand Member policy priorities Manage Member work in assigned issue area(s) Represent Member in congressional and public settings Research bil s and other issues Advise Member Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Self-starter, work in assigned issue area(s)

Research bills and other issues

Advise Member

Build or expand Member policy priorities

Represent Member in congressional and public settings

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Self-starter, self-directed

Good political judgement, instincts

Sense of humor

Work well with others

Work independently

Able to balance multiple self-directed Work wel with others Good political judgement, instincts Work independently Sense of humor Able to balance multiple tasks, assignments Organized tasks, assignments

Organized

Attention to detail/thorough

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Substantial congressional experience Strong written and verbal communications skil s Substantial issue(s) experience Extensive knowledge of legislative, committee process 2-5 years of relevant experience Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 55 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 42 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Speechwriter56 Media, Mass Communications, Ads Messaging, and Speeches 10 (0 House, 10 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Draft and revise speeches, floor Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Substantial congressional experience

Substantial issue(s) experience

2-5 years of relevant experience

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Extensive knowledge of legislative, committee process

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative


Speechwriter52

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Ads
 

17 (3 House, 14 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Draft and revise speeches, floor and committee statements,
and committee Manage social media accounts statements, talking points, and scripts

Conduct supporting historical and policy research

Assist in drafting op-eds, press statements, web content Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Creative Strong writing and editing skil s Hard worker Ability to explain complex policy issues in an accessible, relatable manner web content

Manage social media accounts

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Creative

Hard worker

Strong writing and editing skills

Ability to explain complex policy issues in an accessible, relatable manner

Attention to detail, accuracy

Attention to detail, accuracy Balance multiple tasks and projects

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Hil or campaign experience Strong written and verbal communications skil s Speechwriting Work environment typical yKnowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Hill or campaign experience

Speechwriting

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 56 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 43 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Staff Assistant57 Constituent Communications, Ads Outreach, and Service 84 (67 House, 17 Senate) Office Administration and Support Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Assist with office management duties; sort mail, greet Drive Member to events, activities constituents, answer phones, monitor supplies Draft grant or commemorative letters Coordinate office internship program, team-based, collaborative


Staff Assistant53

Constituent Communications,
Outreach, and Service

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

77 (62 House, 15 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Assist with office management duties; sort mail, greet
constituents, answer phones, monitor supplies

Coordinate office internship program, supervise interns

supervise interns Handle flag, tour, and recognition requests

Provide tours Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Motivated High degree Provide tours

Drive Member to events, activities

Draft grant or commemorative letters

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Motivated

Outgoing, enthusiastic

Appropriate attitude

Hard worker

Sense of humor

Self-starter

Flexibility

High degree of organization

Attention to detail

Balance multiple tasks

Interpersonal skills

Professional manner

Reliable, trustworthy

Applicant of organization Outgoing, enthusiastic Attention to detail Appropriate attitude Balance multiple tasks Hard worker Interpersonal skil s Sense of humor Professional manner Self-starter Reliable, trustworthy Flexibility Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Knowledge of congressional schedules, operations Strong written and verbal communications skil s Computer skil s, experiences Typical y an entry-level position Hil internship Some col ege or a bachelor’s degree Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Knowledge of congressional schedules, operations

Computer skills, experiences

Hill internship

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Typically an entry-level position

Some college or a bachelor's degree

May supervise interns

District May supervise interns District or state ties Work environment typical yor state ties

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 57 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 44 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Staff Assistant/Driver58 Ads Office Administration and Support 7 (3 House, 4team-based, collaborative


Staff Assistant/Driver54

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

5 (2 House, 3 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Drive Member to and from meetings and events

Provide office support, answer phones, give tours,
greet visitors, process flag requests

Assist with press operation

Compile press clippings

Draft correspondence

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Motivated

Sense of humor

Energetic

Adaptable

Attention to detail

Balance multiple Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Drive Member to and from meetings and events Assist with press operation Provide office support, answer phones, give tours, Compile press clippings greet visitors, process flag requests Draft correspondence Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Motivated Attention to detail Sense of humor Balance multiple tasks, activities Energetic Dependable Adaptable Good organizational skil s Applicant tasks, activities

Dependable

Good organizational skills

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

None stated

Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations None stated Strong written and verbal communications skills

skil s May be based in Washington, DC, state, or district

" “A spotless driving record"

” Long, irregular, unscheduled hours

Appears to be an entry-level position

Work environment typically Work environment typical y described as high pressure, team-based, col aborative 58 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 45 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Staff Assistant/Press Assistant59 Media, Mass Communications, team-based, collaborative


Staff Assistant/Press Assistant55

Media, Mass Communications,
Messaging, and Speeches

Messaging, and Speeches Constituent Communications,
Ads Outreach, and Service

Office Administration and Support 5 (5 House, 0 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Manage office website, and Support

Ads
 

5 (5 House, 0 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Manage office website, social media posting

social media posting Compile press clips Support office: greet guests, answer phones, handle Assist Communications Director with press releases, mail, inquiries conduct tours, process flag requests Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Enthusiastic Balance multiple assignments Motivated Detail oriented Sense of humor Digital media Take initiative Handle stress Wil ing to learn, phones, handle mail,
conduct tours, process flag requests

Compile press clips

Assist Communications Director with press releases, inquiries

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Enthusiastic

Motivated

Sense of humor

Take initiative

Willing to learn, add responsibilities

Balance multiple assignments

Detail oriented

Digital media

Handle stress

add responsibilities Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Audio, graphic, or video experience Strong written and verbal communications skil s MS applications, social media platform use Work environment typical y described as high Communications, public relations, experience, pressure, team-based, col aborative education 59 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 46 link to page 6 link to page 6 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Systems Administrator60 Ads Office Administration Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Audio, graphic, or video experience

MS applications, social media platform use

Communications, public relations, experience, education

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative


Systems Administrator56

Office Administration and Support

Ads
 

10 (0 House, 10 Senate)

Widely Expected Duties

Other Potential Duties

Update, maintain DC and state office computer systems

Ensure network and email availability

Recommend and Support 10 (0 House, 10 Senate) Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties Update, maintain DC and state office computer systems Update office IT policies and procedures Ensure network and email availability Recommend purchases of IT hardware, software Instal service purchases of IT hardware, software

Install service packs, virus definition updates

Develop, maintain information management system

Provide user training and support Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills Motivated Highly organized Takes initiative Good interpersonal skil s Patience Provide user training and support

Update office IT policies and procedures

Applicant Characteristics

Applicant Skills

Motivated

Takes initiative

Patience

Highly organized

Good interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Attention to detail Able to balance multiple tasks, projects

Analytic thinking

Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations Work with office productivity software, CMS Strong written and verbal communications skil s Understanding of Senate IT assets, processes, policies Work environment typical y described as high pressure, Systems administrator, 0-5 years team-based, col aborative 60 Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in “ Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements.” Congressional Research Service 47 Congressional Staff: Duties, Qualifications, and Skills Author Information R. Eric Petersen Specialist in American National Government Acknowledgments Casey Burgat, formerly a Research Assistant, assisted in the development of variable categorization and provided extensive coding support. Disclaimer This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should n ot be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or otherwise use copyrighted material. Congressional Research Service R46262 · VERSION 3 · UPDATED 48 Knowledge and Prior Experience

Other Expectations

Work with office productivity software, CMS

Understanding of Senate IT assets, processes, policies

Systems administrator, 0-5 years

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative


Author Contact Information

R. Eric Petersen, Specialist in American National Government ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed])

Acknowledgments

Casey Burgat, formerly a Research Assistant, assisted in the development of variable categorization and provided extensive coding support.

Footnotes
1.

U.S. House of Representatives, Chief Administrative Officer, 2019 House of Representatives Compensation and Diversity Study Report: House Overall Results, 2019, at https://www.house.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/2019_house_compdiversitystudy_executivesummary.pdf.
2.

See Democracy Fund, "Principled Leadership & Effective Governance," https://www.democracyfund.org/priorities; and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, "Madison Initiative," https://hewlett.org/strategy/madison-initiative/.
3.

Alexander C. Furnas, "Legislative staff are spending an increasing amount of time on constituent services," LegBranch, April 11, 2018, https://www.legbranch.org/2018-4-11-legislative-staff-are-spending-an-increasing-amount-of-time-on-constituent-services/; Jacob M. Montgomery and Brendan Nyhan, "The Effects of Congressional Staff Networks," Journal of Politics, vol. 79, no. 3 (July 2017), pp. 745-761; Brian Alexander, "A framework for congressional staffing: a few thoughts from management consulting," LegBranch, June 28, 2016, https://www.legbranch.org/2016-6-28-a-framework-for-congressional-staffing-a-few-thoughts-from-management-consulting/; and Anthony J. Madonna and Ian Ostrander, "Getting the Congress You Pay For: Legislative Staffing and Organizational Capacity," Paper prepared for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association, Washington, DC, August 28-September 1, 2014.

4.

See, e.g., Josh McCrain, "Convincing evidence that congressional staff do, in fact, matter," LegBranch, January 23, 2018, https://www.legbranch.org/2018-1-16-convincing-evidence-that-congressional-staff-do-in-fact-matter/; David E. Price, The Congressional Experience, 3rd ed. (Cambridge, MA: Westview Press, 2004), pp. 66-69; and Michael J. Malbin, Unelected Representatives: Congressional Staff and the Future of Representative Government (New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1980), pp. 3-7.

5.

See Jesse M. Crosson, Alexander Furnas, and Timothy LaPira, Congress and Its Experts, Dataset Codebook, electronic dataset, University of Michigan, https://jessemcrossoncom.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/staff_data_codebook.pdf.
6.

Members who hire staff in committee or leadership settings also have broad discretion regarding establishing and overseeing staff roles and duties. These are beyond the scope of this report.
7.

See U.S. House of Representatives, "Employment Information," at https://www.house.gov/employment.
8.

See U.S. Senate, "Employment Bulletin," at https://www.senate.gov/employment/po/positions.htm.
9.

See "House GOP Job and Resume Bank" at https://www.facebook.com/GopJobBank/.
10.

Rep. Hoyer continues to host a job announcements board at https://www.majorityleader.gov/jobs.
11.

Frequently reposted ads include those that appeared in sequential editions of the House Employment Bulletin, and ads for the same position posted by identifiable offices more than once over a period of six months.
12.

Other congressional settings for which ads were collected include committee, leadership, officer, official, shared Member and committee, and caucus.
13.

An exception is Legislative Director in the Senate, for which four ads were identified, and which was included due to significant differences in position expectations from the descriptions developed for Legislative Director in the House and Legislative Director, "Senior Level" or "Not Entry Level."
14.

A codebook and detailed explanation of the coding process are available to congressional offices upon request.
15.

See, for example, Daybook, https://www.daybook.com/listings, or Indeed.com, https://www.indeed.com/q-Congressional-Assistant-l-Washington,-DC-jobs.html, among others.
16.

For example, the ad sources used did not contain analyzable numbers of ads for Chief of Staff in either chamber, or Administrative Director or State Director positions in the Senate.
17.

A Senator may establish position titles in his or her office by written notification to the disbursing office of the Senate, 2 U.S.C. 4575(d)(1)(C)(2). No similar explicit authority for a Member of the House was identified.
18.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
19.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
20.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
21.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
22.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
23.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
24.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
25.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
26.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
27.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
28.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
29.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
30.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
31.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
32.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
33.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
34.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
35.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
36.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
37.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
38.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
39.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
40.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
41.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
42.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
43.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
44.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
45.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
46.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
47.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
48.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
49.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
50.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
51.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
52.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
53.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
54.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
55.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."
56.

Based on CRS analysis of selected advertisements seeking congressional staff, as described in "Categorizing and Coding Job Advertisements."