Legislative Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

18h•Remote

About The Position

The Legislative Specialist works under the direction of the Chief Legislative Liaison in the Division of Public Policy & Strategic Planning. The position collaborates with agency leadership, subject matter experts, external stakeholders, other state agencies, and the Governor’s Office to monitor, research, and analyze legislation and health policy affecting AHCCCS. It communicates agency legislative priorities, coordinates meetings and responses to inquiries, represents the agency in relevant meetings and hearings, and supports staff understanding of legislative needs. The role also coordinates statutorily mandated reports to the legislature and serves as a contact for stakeholders, legislators, the Governor’s Office, and legislative constituent case referrals. The position is based in Arizona and is eligible for full-time remote work, including a virtual office arrangement in Arizona. Travel may be required for State business. The role requires at least three years of qualifying recent experience, with a related master’s degree substituting for one year of that experience.

Requirements

At least three years of experience within the last five years in a staff, administrative, supervisory, and/or policymaking capacity in a field closely related to an agency’s programs, including assignments requiring preparation and presentation of information to agencies, lay groups, other groups, associations, or individuals.
A master’s degree in a field related to the work performed in the agency may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Must reside in Arizona.
Successfully complete E-Verify, applicable to newly hired State employees.
Successfully pass a fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications, and reference checks.
If driving on State business: meet applicable driver training and driving-record requirements, and maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration when using personal transportation.
Knowledge of Arizona state government structure, functions, operations, processes, and state budget development; Arizona legislative processes and parliamentary procedures; legislative drafting and interpretation; AHCCCS funding; the federal Medicaid program; the Affordable Care Act; AHCCCS mission, history, delivery system, population, partnerships, and stakeholders; and current health policy issues and challenges.
Superior interpersonal skills; advanced statutory and policy research skills; highly developed verbal communication and public speaking skills; critical listening; persuasion; advanced problem-solving; strong organization and planning; and coalition-building skills.
Ability to collaborate as part of a team; provide effective administrative and technical supervision over professional staff; think critically and strategically about complex systems and policies; write clearly and effectively about complex and sensitive subjects; evaluate the likely impacts of proposals; exercise sound judgment and discretion; adapt to changing information and priorities; thrive under pressure; and be highly reliable.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Public Administration, a health-related field, or a related legislative field.

Responsibilities

Communicate the agency’s legislative priorities to legislators, their staff, and stakeholders; arrange meetings; present to stakeholders and legislators; and serve as an agency point of contact.
Attend and monitor relevant committee hearings, floor sessions, and other legislative activities during the legislative session.
Represent the agency in committee hearings as needed, including testifying about the agency’s position on legislation.
Research and organize agency responses to complex policy and legislative issues, analyze legislation, and recommend positions or changes in coordination with the Chief Legislative Liaison, subject matter experts, and agency leadership.
Update and monitor the internal legislative tracking system to document and report the status of pending legislation.
Communicate with agency leadership, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and others to evaluate the impact of proposed legislative changes.
Represent the agency in workgroups, stakeholder meetings, and events, and build relationships with legislative members and staff, stakeholders, and other agency contacts.
Coordinate responses to information requests and inquiries and serve as the point of contact for legislative constituent case referrals to the agency.
Lead tracking and monitoring of timely submission of statutorily required reports to the legislature, coordinate with division staff, provide technical assistance, and update the internal report tracker.

Benefits

10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation and sick leave (13 and 12 days per year, respectively; accrual begins on the first day of employment and is prorated for part-time employees).
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child, through a pilot program.
Bereavement, civic duty, and military leave.
Retirement program with lifetime pension benefits through the Arizona State Retirement System.
Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, subject to qualifications.
RideShare and public transit subsidy.
Learning and career development opportunities.
Remote work options and flexible work arrangements, subject to management approval.
Voluntary tax-deferred retirement investments through the Deferred Retirement Compensation Program administered by Nationwide.