Congressional Staff

Staff Leadership
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Serve as Member’s most senior aide or advisor
Advise Member on strategic priorities and policy decisions
Develop and implement all policy objectives, strategies, and operating plans for the office, in consultation with relevant  legislative, communications, constituent service, support, and other staff
Manage Member’s offices and operations
Manage senior staff, monitor DC and state staff (Senate ads only)
Supervise up to 18 full-time staffers in DC and district offices (House ads only)
Oversee all personnel matters: staff reviews; salary decisions; and hiring (House ads only)
Manage the Member Representational Allowance and office budget (House ads only)
Coordinate Member activities with congressional leadership, committee, and other offices
Act as liaison between Member and constituents, the Administration, and external stakeholders
Mentor staff
Building, managing, and mentoring teams (Senate ads only)
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Strong political instincts
Hard worker
Energetic, enthusiastic
Creativity
Sense of humor
Strategic thinking
Balance multiple tasks
Organized
Attention to detail, accuracy
Work well with others
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Senior congressional staff role
Management experience
Hill or other political experience
Thorough knowledge of legislative process and chamber rules
Up to 5 years relevant experience
Strong, clear written and verbal communications skills
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Work hours typically include long hours, weekends
State or district ties generally preferred but not required
Based on CRS analysis of 15 ads (13 House, 2 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

​Media, Mass Communications Messaging, and Speeches
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Media monitoring, press and video clippings
Draft, edit media advisories, press releases
Create social media content
Draft Member talking points
Draft constituent mail
Manage press interns
Website management
Produce graphic and video content
Photography, shooting video
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
None stated Multitasking Organized
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Up to four years press, digital, or communications experience
Previous congressional or campaign experience
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Long hours, evening and weekend work
Bilingual, typically Spanish
Based on CRS analysis of 12 ads (11 House, 1 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Constituent Communications, Outreach, and Service
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Serve as liaison between constituents and federal agencies
Represent Member in district meetings and events
Identify local problems that might be solved by federal action
Outreach to stakeholder groups
Handle constituent casework involving up to 5 agencies
Update Member and district director on local issues
Learn federal agency casework procedures
Process mail
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Enthusiasm
Optimistic
Sense of humor Attention to detail
Deal effectively with different personalities
Time management
Exercise political judgment
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Familiarity with federal agencies and programs
Previous casework, advocacy, legal, or social work   experience
Customer service experience
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Bilingual, typically Spanish
Access to car, driving
Ties to, or knowledge of, state or district
Based on CRS analysis of 7 ads (4 House, 3 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Office Administration and Support
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
Coordinate meetings travel, training, events
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Assertive
Good work ethic
Energetic, outgoing
Adaptable
Patience
Poise
Discretion
Detail oriented
Great 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 software, Correspondence Management
Systems packages
Knowledge of legislative process, calendar
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 9 ads (5 House, 4 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Follow issue portfolio of 3-9 policy areas
Develop and advance legislation
Monitor legislative developments
Advise on committee policy and oversight matters
Supervise legislative correspondent
Advise on floor procedure
Draft memos and talking points
Advise on nominations (Senate only)
Provide guidance on internal office matters
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Proactive Enthusiastic Strategic thinking
Can work independently
Can work within a team
Manage multiple projects
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Experience advising a Member
Experience advancing policy proposals
Law degree generally required
0-5 years policy experience, various issues
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Admission to a bar preferred
State ties or familiarity preferred, not required
Based on CRS analysis of 14 ads (1 House, 13 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Digital Director/Press Assistant
Media, Mass Communications, Messaging, and Speeches
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Create audio, graphic, and video content
Draft newsletters, social media, press releases, op-eds, talking points, speeches
Manage social media strategy, office accounts, website
Compile daily news clips
Monitor social media data, analytics
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Creative
Poise
Sound judgement Work 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
Knowledge of chamber operations, procedures
Experience designing audio, graphic, video content
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Communications background
Experience with online organizing
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 7 ads (5 House, 2 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

​Legislative, Policy, and Oversight
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Draft constituent correspondence, legislation, memos
Meet with constituents, agency staff, other stakeholders
Assist with preparations for hearings and meetings
Handle 1-6 policy portfolios
Oversee office mail program
Conduct research and analysis
Write policy memos, talking points
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Hard working Ability to prioritize
Attention to detail, accuracy
Balance multiple projects, tasks
Organizational skills
Research skills
Manage tight deadlines
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Hill experience, up to 3 years
Issue area-specific experience as noted
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 27 ads (15 House, 12 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Legislative, Policy, and Oversight
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Handle Member’s work on Armed Services, Veterans’, Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, or Intelligence Committees, or Defense Appropriations Subcommittees
Handle a portfolio of 1-6 related issues
Advise member on related bills, hearings, and issues
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
Problem-solving abilities
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Legislative procedures and committee processes
Military service
Relevant committee work
Military legislative assistant, professional 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
Based on CRS analysis of 18 ads (14 House, 4 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Media, Mass Communications, Messaging, and Speeches
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Write and edit press releases, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, and franked communications
Develop and maintain effective relationships with
district, state, and national media
Work with office staff to identify news hooks and story pitches
Book, coordinate interviews with reporters
Plan, 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
Bilingual/language skills, typically Spanish
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 61 ads (49 House, 12 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Office Administration and Support
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Staff and drive Member
Handle Member’s personal and official correspondence
Work with office staff to provide necessary materials to Member for events
Coordinate with scheduler, others regarding scheduling and logistics
Brief member on upcoming events
Support Administrative Director
Support correspondence program
Assist with office interns
Assist staff with recordkeeping and other administrative tasks
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Discreet
Proactive
Appropriate temperament Multitasking
Problem solving
Prioritization of tasks
Effectively interact with staff, constituents
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Campaign or elected official support experience
Hill experience preferred
Experience with correspondence management systems (CRM)
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Spanish language proficiency
Interest in public service
Driver’s license; access to working car
State or district ties
Evening and weekend work
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 9 ads (4 House, 5 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Office Administration and Support
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/media clippings
Draft correspondence
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Motivated
Sense of humor
Energetic
Adaptable
Attention to detail
Balance multiple tasks, activities
Dependable
Good organizational skills
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
None stated Strong written and verbal communications skills
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 described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 9 ads (3 House, 6 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Senior Legislative Assistant
Legislative, Policy, and Oversight
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Support Member in committee activities
Manage Member 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
Thorough
Work well with others
Work independently
Balance multiple tasks, assignments
Organized
Attention to detail
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
“Significant” or “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
Based on CRS analysis of 25 ads (24 House, 1 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Office Administration and Support
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Oversee Member’s schedule in DC and state/district
Schedule, coordinate Member and staff travel, lodging
Organize and track invitations
Drive Member to and from events
Provide administrative 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
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 availability after working hours
May supervise junior operations staff (Senate)
Travel between Washington, DC, and state or district
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 85 ads (75 House, 10 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Constituent Communications, Outreach, and Service
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Monitor, update office on regional and local issues
Represent Senator at events, civic, community meetings
Act as liaison with federal, 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
Work independently
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
State and local government
Public policy issues
Outreach
Computer software used in office
Strong written and verbal communications skills
State or community ties
Team player
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 9 ads (1 House, 8 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”
Regional Representative
See “Field, District, Outreach, or Regional Representative”

Media, Mass Communications, Messaging, and Speeches
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Write social media, website content, emails, newsletters
Assist with media inquiries, press releases, interviews
Manage social media accounts
Compile daily clips and media mentions
Maintain Member website
Video creation, production
Draft talking points
Maintain media lists
Organize or support media events
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Motivated
Creative
Takes initiative Attention to detail
Balance multiple tasks
Cooperative, collaborative
Quick learner
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Content design, audio, graphic, video
Public relations, journalism
Knowledge of chamber procedures, activities
Software, graphic, and video production applications
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Generally an entry-level position
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 28 ads (16 House, 12 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Office Administration and Support
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Manage administrative functions of office
Prepare, oversee, implement office budget
Monitor office accounts
Main point of contact for chamber, legislative branch support offices
Point of contact with building management (state or district-based positions only)
Represent Member
Implement office handbook
Serve as office emergency coordinator
Supervise front office staff, interns
Order supplies
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
None stated Multitasking
Prioritizing
Strategic thinking
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Previous congressional administrative experience
Previous management experience
Casework experience
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Long hours, nights, weekends
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 5 ads (1 House, 4 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Legislative, Policy, & Oversight
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
Meet interest groups, constituents
Handle policy portfolio of 1-7 issues
Applicant Characteristics Applicant Skills
Sound political judgement Takes initiative Strong organizational skills
Detail oriented
Cooperative
Collaborative
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 success at advancing policy initiatives
State or district ties, connection
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 36 ads (36 House, 0 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

egislative Correspondent
Constituent Communications, Outreach, and Service
Legislative, Policy, and Oversight
Widely Expected Duties Other Potential Duties
Draft constituent correspondence
Manage Member’s constituent mail program
Support legislative and front-office activities
Research to formulate written replies
Meet with constituents and interest groups
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 with others
Interpersonal skills
Fast thinking
Applicant Knowledge and Prior Experience Other Expectations
Knowledge of House, Senate operations
Knowledge of correspondence management software (CMS)
Hill or other experience, up to 2 years
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Generally an entry-level position
State or district ties
Work environment typically described as high pressure, team-based, collaborative
Based on CRS analysis of 81 ads (50 House, 31 Senate) seeking congressional staff for the stated position, as described in “Categorizing and Coding.”

Volunteer aides assist with administrative tasks, communications, research, and constituent outreach. They may also assist with event planning, briefing lawmakers, and coordinating legislative initiatives. 

Specific duties may include:

• Administrative tasks:

  Answering phones, scheduling appointments, managing emails, and handling correspondence. 

• Constituent services:

  Responding to constituent inquiries, assisting with casework, and organizing meetings between constituents and the Member. 

• Legislative support:

  Researching bills, tracking legislative progress, and drafting correspondence related to legislation. 

• Communications:

  Writing press releases, managing social media, and assisting with communications outreach. 

• Event planning:

  Assisting with event planning for the Member, including organizing tours and visits to the office. 

• Research:

  Conducting research on legislative issues, analyzing data, and preparing reports for the Member. 

• Other tasks:

  Depending on the office and the volunteer's skills, they may also be assigned tasks such as delivering correspondence, preparing the chamber for sessions, or briefing lawmakers on legislation. 

• Long hours in a high pressure environment.