Legislative Associate

TITLE: Legislative Associate

ORGANIZATION: Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO)

OPENING DATE: November 2025

CLOSING DATE: When filled

SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Legislative Director

NATURE OF POSITION

Under the leadership of the Executive Director and Legislative Director, and in close coordination with the Policy team, the Legislative Associate plays a key support role in advancing the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) policy agenda.

This position focuses on the execution of crucial support functions, including daily policy tracking, member communications, resource development, and event logistics. The Associate assists the Legislative Director and other staff in ensuring AMPO members are cognizant of key legislative, regulatory, and policy issues related to transportation planning and federal transportation funding. This role is highly collaborative, working with AMPO partners such as the United States Department of Transportation, Federal resource agencies, Congressional offices, and various transportation industry associations.

The Legislative Associate is an integral part of the Policy team, providing essential support for policy goals, promotion of AMPO’s services, and coordination of activities and programs with appropriate stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The new staff member will be responsible for taking on key support responsibilities, including:

• Member Communication Management: Writing, editing, and managing the weekly National Beat newsletter, ensuring timely dissemination of key policy updates and analysis to the membership.
• Policy Research and Analysis: Providing general policy research and analysis support to the Legislative Director and Policy Committee, including analyzing federal legislation, regulations, and programs.
• Committee and Group Logistics: Assisting with the coordination and management of the Intergovernmental Affairs Group and Policy Committee logistics, including scheduling, developing agendas, preparing meeting materials, and drafting minutes.
• Resource Development: Maintaining and updating key policy resources, such as the MPO engagement toolkit, issue one-pagers, and the NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) tracker, to ensure members have current and accessible information.
• Data and Survey Support: Supporting data collection and surveying work among members to inform AMPO’s policy positions and engagement efforts.
• Event and Outreach Materials: Helping create materials, presentations, and background documents for policy-focused events (e.g., Washington D.C. fly-ins, national conferences, committee meetings, interest group meetings, and webinars).
• External Engagement: At the direction of the Legislative Director, assisting in promoting AMPO’s policy priorities, drafting responses to requests from federal agencies, and maintaining positive relations with external stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

(An equivalent amount of training, education, and experience will be considered)

A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree is required, preferably in public policy, public administration, transportation planning, urban planning, or a related field. A minimum of 1-3 years of professional experience is required, preferably with trade and membership associations or Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Previous experience or coursework in transportation policy is desirable.

PREFFERED SKILLS

• Excellent written communication, editing, and verbal presentation skills, with a specific capacity for clear and concise policy writing (e.g., newsletters, one-pagers).
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines, and work independently to achieve results.
• Familiarity with the US transportation system, surface transportation policy, regulations, and state of the practice at federal, state, and metropolitan level is preferred.
• Proficiency in software tools required for communication and data analysis (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, survey design platforms like SurveyMonkey or similar).
• Ability to be a strong contributor in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

BENEFITS AND HOW TO APPLY

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with a starting annual salary range of $55,000 – $60,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. AMPO offers a competitive benefits package including healthcare and a retirement plan.

Travel: This position will require travel to the AMPO Annual Conference, the AMPO Planning Tools & Training Symposium, and other events as needed.

Hybrid Work: This position is eligible for hybrid work, but the candidate is required to reside within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to resumes@ampo.org .

Please reach out to Katie Economou, AMPO Legislative Director, at keconomou@ampo.org with any questions.