Legislative Advocate

California Nurses Association / National Nurses Organizing Committee / National Nurses United•Chicago, IL

13d•$111,544 - $135,932•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legislative Advocate advances CNA/NNOC/NNU’s objectives through its Illinois state-level legislative program, under the direction of the Government Relations Director. The role supports the union’s work on progressive labor and social justice policies, including safe nurse-to-patient ratios, single-payer health care, health and safety protections for health care workers, regulation of AI and other algorithmic technologies, progressive taxation, environmental justice and climate change, and stronger labor laws. The position is based in the Government Relations department and may be appointed in Chicago or Springfield, Illinois. It is hybrid and may occasionally support legislative and regulatory campaigns in other NNOC/NNU states. The role requires extensive travel and flexibility to respond to campaigns, shifting priorities, and support needs, including nights and weekends. CNA/NNOC/NNU is a union building the collective power of working people and advancing workplace, community, health care, economic, and social justice. It welcomes applicants from labor, community organizing, nonprofit, advocacy, student movement, political campaign, and other mission-driven backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement. Employees must complete a background check, and application materials must be the applicant’s direct, original work; generative AI tools may not be used to write application materials.

Requirements

At least 3 years of professional experience in a union or social justice advocacy organization, or in a legislative advocacy position in Illinois or another state.
Demonstrated ability to independently execute state-level legislative or advocacy campaigns.
In-depth knowledge of governmental relations and related issues.
Ability to develop, build, and maintain professional relationships with government leaders, staff, coalition partners, and potential allies.
Highly developed communication and verbal advocacy skills.
Highly developed written and analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with allied organizations and labor unions.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team.
Effective time-management skills, including the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
Ability to travel extensively and a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of labor, nursing workforce, or health policy issues.
Five or more years of successful experience in union or other social justice advocacy.
Three to five or more years of political, legislative, or issue campaign experience.
Bachelor’s degree or relevant advanced degree.
Experience in labor or health policy issues.

Responsibilities

Lobby members of the Illinois legislature and regulatory agencies to advance the union’s priority legislation and other policy measures.
Develop and write position letters, testimony, talking points, and other advocacy materials on legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities.
Monitor and review legislation and government agency regulations in support of the union’s policy priorities.
Provide verbal comments and testimony on behalf of the union.
Support nurse-member involvement in legislative and policy advocacy.
Build alliances with other organizations to advance the union’s legislative and policy agenda.
On occasion, support legislative and regulatory campaigns in other NNOC/NNU states.
Perform administrative tasks related to state and local legislative and regulatory tracking as needed.