Become an Attorney Advisor at the National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) serves as the official arts organization for the United States government, working tirelessly to support artistic excellence and cultural accessibility. We are currently searching for a dedicated Attorney Advisor to join our Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C. This role is a unique opportunity for a legal professional to influence how the federal government sustains the creative sector.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney Advisor, you will be a subject-matter expert on federal financial assistance. Your daily work will involve:

Advising agency leadership on grants, cooperative agreements, and federal funding oversight.
Ensuring program activities comply with statutory authority and federal appropriations.
Reviewing public-facing materials, including solicitation guidelines and award conditions.
Managing complex legal issues such as subawards, budget revisions, and intellectual property.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: A Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB from an ABA-accredited law school.
Licensure: You must be an active member in good standing with the Bar of a state, D.C., or a U.S. territory.
Experience: You must demonstrate specific post-Bar experience in federal grant programs or similar financial assistance frameworks.

Salary and Grade Overview

Candidates may qualify for the GS-13 or GS-14 level depending on their years of professional experience.

Grade Level	Minimum Years Experience	Starting Salary
GS-13	1.5 Years	$121,785
GS-14	2.5 Years	$143,913

Benefits

Employees of the National Endowment for the Arts enjoy a robust benefits package, including access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), comprehensive health insurance, and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Focus on Specificity: When writing your resume, describe your specific experience with financial assistance. Vague descriptions lead to lower qualification ratings.
Formatting: Stick to a 2-page limit and use a standard, legible font. Avoid creative layouts that might interfere with automated parsing.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure your application package includes transcripts and, if applicable, veterans' preference documentation (DD-214).

If you are a lawyer passionate about the arts and federal policy, this role offers an unparalleled chance to serve your country while supporting the creative vibrancy of the nation. Apply by November 5, 2026, to join the NEA team.

Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters

Protect the arts and shape the future of federal creative investment as an Attorney Advisor at the National Endowment for the Arts.

Attorney Advisor Job Overview

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is seeking a skilled Attorney Advisor to join the Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C. In this vital role, you will serve as the primary legal authority for federal financial assistance programs, ensuring that the agency's mission to enrich American culture is supported by sound legal judgment, regulatory compliance, and expert policy development.

Requirements for Attorney Advisor

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Hold a Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Current good standing with the Bar of any state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
Must meet specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 or GS-14 level.
Ability to undergo and maintain a federal background investigation.
Selective Service registration if applicable.
Must participate in direct deposit for salary payments.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor

Experience providing legal counsel for grants, cooperative agreements, or financial assistance programs.
Expertise in interpreting the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act and OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
Proven ability to counsel agency leadership on policy development, program enforcement, and statutory interpretation.
Background in reviewing intellectual property provisions and award administration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Flexible spending accounts and life insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
Prepare a resume that explicitly documents 1.5 to 2.5 years of post-Bar professional experience, highlighting relevant specialized duties.
Gather necessary documentation: Bar certification, law school transcripts, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application through the online portal by the deadline of November 5, 2026.
Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire integrated into the application process.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes the month, date, and year for every position held to prove your qualifying experience.
Keep your resume concise; USAJOBS limits uploads to two pages for this position.
Use standard, readable fonts like Arial or Calibri with at least 0.5-inch margins.
Be specific about your work on grants or federal financial assistance in your bullet points.
Don't forget to submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 if you are claiming veterans' preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The position is graded as GS-13 or GS-14, with a starting salary range of $121,785 up to $187,093 per year, depending on qualifications.

Can I submit a cover letter?

Yes, a cover letter is optional but permitted as part of your application package.

Do I need to submit official transcripts?

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, provided they clearly list your courses, grades, and semester information.

Is there remote work flexibility?

This position does not currently list remote or telework options as a primary feature; however, applicants are encouraged to reach out to the agency contact for the most current policy updates.

What is the selection process?

Once the application period closes, qualified candidates are ranked in categories. The best-qualified applicants are referred to the hiring manager for potential interviews.

Job from National Endowment For The Arts

The NEA is an independent federal agency committed to ensuring that the arts enrich the lives of all Americans. By facilitating grants and financial assistance, the Endowment fosters innovation and community development across every state and territory in the nation.