Assistant Chief Counsel / Assistant Advocate
Help shape the future of small business regulation in America.
The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy), an independent office within the U.S. Small Business Administration, is seeking an Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Advocate to join our team in Washington, D.C. Advocacy examines the role and contributions of small businesses in the U.S. economy and advocates for small businesses in policymaking to federal agencies, Congress, the White House, and the public.
The Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Advocate works in the Office of Interagency Affairs, with a team of attorneys and policy experts dedicated to ensuring that federal policies do not disproportionally harm small entities. The Assistant Chief Counsel or Assistant Advocate reviews and analyzes existing and proposed health care and food safety laws, regulations, policies, and federal activities that affect small entities.
Portfolio: Healthcare and Food Safety
Work Style: In-Office
Location: Washington, D.C.
Apply by: Open until filled
Snapshot
Employment Type: Full-time, Excepted Service (GS Scale)
Preferred: Law degree (J.D.)
Experience: Healthcare and Food Safety
Salary: Commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience
Reports to: Director, Office of Interagency Affairs
Your Impact
In this role, you will:
- Serve as advisor to the Director of the Office of Interagency Affairs on federal policies, programs, and activities on health care and food safety policy and propose advocacy initiatives and objectives related to these activities.
- Represent the Chief Counsel at the direction of the Director of the Office of Interagency Affairs on interagency regulatory reviews, task forces, and committees during the development of the U.S. Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations.
- Review draft regulations under applicable health care and food safety statutes, including the Affordable Care Act, the Food Safety Modernization Act, the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Controlled Substances Act, the 21st Century Cures Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspections Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and other statutes as appropriate.
- Organize findings into draft policy positions, proposals, memorandums, comment letters, and reports, identifying key issues and policies impacting small businesses on behalf of the Chief Counsel.
- Maintain close liaison with relevant agency personnel and Administration officials to exchange information about matters affecting small businesses.
- Conduct outreach to, and maintain close liaison with, small entities and their representatives to ensure the timely identification of federal programs and policies affecting small business and the impacts of such programs and policies, including hosting roundtables to discuss relevant issues.
- Oversee federal agency compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
- Analyze and review scientific and technical supporting documents such as regulatory impact analyses, risk assessments, and evaluations.
- Participate in interagency groups as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Experience with applicable health care and food safety statutes, including the Affordable Care Act, the Food Safety Modernization Act, the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Controlled Substances Act, the 21st Century Cures Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspections Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and other statutes as appropriate.
- Experience in administrative law, regulatory affairs, and the federal rulemaking process, including drafting and submitting comment letters.
- Strong legal research and writing skills.
- Interest in public policy and small business issues.
Education
For Assistant Chief Counsel: J.D. with relevant professional experience covering health care and food safety regulations and policies.
How to Apply
Submit the following to advocacysocialmedia@sba.gov:
- Cover letter
- Résumé
- Short writing sample
Salary
Advocacy offers a competitive salary commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience.
This is a federal civilian job in the excepted service (Public Law employment). Office of Advocacy employees are paid on the GS scale and receive federal leave, health benefits, and retirement contributions. Advocacy employees work on contracts, subject to renewal by the office head. The employee reports to the Director of Interagency Affairs.
Eligibility Requirements
- United States citizenship.
- Ability to pass a background check.
- Availability to work at the U.S. Small Business Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Need assistance?
If you need assistance navigating the application or interview process due to a qualifying disability or medical condition, please email the Office of Advocacy, and someone from our team will contact you directly.
About Us
At Advocacy, we are dedicated to advocating for small businesses in the U.S. and fostering a favorable regulatory environment. As an independent office, we play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions affecting small entities, working closely with federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
Our team supports small businesses by providing expertise, conducting research, and representing their interests during regulatory processes. Advocacy is a great place to build a meaningful career, offering opportunities for professionals to contribute to the growth and success of small businesses across the nation. Explore current openings and join the mission to make a significant impact on the U.S. economy.
Work Culture & Benefits
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- FERS + TSP retirement plans
- Paid leave plus 11+ holidays
- SmarTrip commuter subsidy
We offer competitive compensation and outstanding federal benefits to its employees. Positions are classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with salaries commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. Advocacy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits, including medical and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and student loan repayment and forgiveness. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have—whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary, or intermittent employee.
Location
You’ll work full-time from our D.C. office at the U.S. Small Business Administration headquarters located at 409 3rd Street SW, Washington, D.C., just steps away from the Federal Center SW Metro stop.
The Office of Advocacy offers SmartTrip commuter subsidy benefits.
EEO Statement
We’re committed to inclusive, accessible hiring. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, let us know.