Senior Legislative Assistant / Legislative Assistant

The office of Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), a member of the Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity, is seeking candidates to apply for an open Senior Legislative Assistant or Legislative Assistant position to handle a portfolio of issues, including financial services, housing, business, and economic issues, among others. This position will report to the Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. This position will also serve as the principal staffer for the member’s work on the Financial Services Committee.

The position will be based in DC and occasionally travel to San Diego, as needed. Qualified candidates will be independent self-starters with a demonstrated ability to generate new ideas and work well as part of a team. They will also have strong writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills. A strong candidate for the “Legislative Assistant” role will have at least two years of policy experience. This policy position will be responsible for:

• advancing the Member’s priorities in the assigned issue areas;
• monitoring pending legislation and current events in assigned issue areas;
• drafting amendments, bills, oversight letters, talking points, and speeches within assigned issue areas;
• reviewing requests for the Member to cosign letters, cosponsor legislation, or attend events;
• recommending and executing legislative strategies within assigned issue areas and identifying leadership opportunities for the Member;
• meeting with constituents and outside groups on behalf of the Member;
• preparing briefing materials and talking points for the Member;
• staffing the member at events and meetings on topics within the assigned issue areas;
• reviewing materials prepared by the communications team on topics within assigned issue areas, including constituent letters, social media posts, and press releases;
• working with the intern coordinator to develop assignments for interns and fellows within assigned issue areas;
• assisting with administrative responsibilities as needed, including staffing the front office and responding to constituent outreach;
• supporting the appropriations process, including drafting letters, reviewing proposals, and inputting requests

Competitive candidates for a “Senior Legislative Assistant” position should have significant policy experience in a relevant issue area--ideally financial policy--and more than five years of relevant experience. Someone hired as a “Senior Legislative Assistant” will additionally be responsible for:

• helping to manage the policy team, including by mentoring and supporting junior staff;
• supporting the Legislative Director with preparing vote recommendations;
• developing strategies for achieving the congressman’s priorities through policy; and
• filling in as needed as a member of the management team

The office is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants with congressional experience, Southern California ties, or Spanish proficiency are especially encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: ca52applications@gmail.com with “Senior Legislative Assistant or Legislative Assistant - [NAME]” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The last day to submit an application is June 21, 2026. The salary range for this position is between $60,000-$80,000, based on experience.