Legislative Advocate

CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION•Sacramento, CA

11d

About The Position

The Legislative Advocate is part of the California Teachers Association’s Governmental Relations Department, which influences state legislation and agencies and coordinates with the National Education Association on federal advocacy. The position provides detailed information and expert analysis on complex issues affecting California’s public schools and CTA members, represents CTA in legislative and regulatory matters, and helps organize member participation in assessing and supporting CTA advocacy with state government. The role requires knowledge of union organizing campaigns, the ability to build support for CTA goals, and a strong commitment to the labor movement and public education. This position is in a bargaining unit represented by CSO. Salaries and step placement are established under the CTA/CSO collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
Understanding of and familiarity with the complexities of the legislative, budget, and regulatory process.
Deep understanding of issues facing public schools and the education profession.
Demonstrated support for racial, social, and economic justice; workers’ rights; and a well-funded public education system.
Adaptability and flexibility to respond effectively to changing factors and conditions affecting CTA campaigns, projects, and union programs.
Experience in fast-paced campaign situations, including contract campaigns, strikes, political campaigns, and/or legislative or regulatory campaigns.
Experience organizing and campaigning, with a drive to exceed campaign or program goals under pressure and address challenges in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to interpret complex data, develop summaries, and communicate the information to people less familiar with legislative and regulatory processes.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, exercise good judgment under stress, and maintain effective work for prolonged periods.
Computer proficiency and ability to learn and use the Association’s software programs to communicate legislative and regulatory information internally and externally.
Ability to work and travel regularly, including evenings and weekends.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Act as a legislative and regulatory representative for CTA.
Prepare supporting data, rationale, and testimony for appearances before legislative committees and governmental agencies or boards.
Interpret and build support for CTA’s legislative and regulatory program through oral and written communication with legislative committees, government agencies, individual legislators, CTA members, and lay and professional groups.
Work cooperatively with other organizations and their representatives to build support for CTA’s legislative and regulatory program.
Work with appropriate CTA Regions and Departments, CTA State Council committees, other committees, and CTA chapters as assigned.
Coordinate programs, including CTA’s liaison program regarding state agencies and boards, and other assigned governmental relations and CTA programs.
Build relationships among CTA, labor unions, lawmakers, community organizations, and other advocacy groups that support CTA’s objectives.
Stay informed about legislative priorities, economic forecasts, and policy changes that affect state budget negotiations.
Coordinate communications about department efforts with leaders and staff involved in assigned projects.
Coordinate training programs for CTA statewide and regional conferences, the member lobby program, and volunteers involved in assigned projects.
Maintain effective communications with interested parties regarding ongoing evaluation of assigned projects and programs.
Consolidate and prepare reports on assigned projects and programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Governmental Relations Associate Executive Director, the CTA State Executive Director, or their designee manager.