Legislative Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$62,000 - $72,000•Remote

About The Position

The Legislative Specialist works under the direction of the Chief Legislative Liaison in AHCCCS’s Division of Public Policy & Strategic Planning. The role collaborates with agency leadership, subject matter experts, external stakeholders, other state agencies, and the Governor’s Office to monitor, research, track, and analyze laws and legislative activity affecting AHCCCS and health policy. The specialist communicates agency legislative priorities, coordinates meetings, researches and responds to legislative inquiries, and represents AHCCCS at meetings, committee hearings, and workgroups concerning legislative initiatives. The position also informs agency staff about legislative needs, coordinates statutorily mandated reports to the legislature, and serves as a point of contact for stakeholders, legislators, and the Governor’s Office. The role is based in Phoenix and is eligible for full-time remote work within Arizona; applicants must reside in Arizona. Travel may be required for state business.

Requirements

At least three years of experience within the last five years in a staff, administrative, supervisory, or policymaking capacity in a field closely related to agency programs, including assignments requiring preparation and presentation of information to agencies, lay groups, associations, or individuals. A related master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Must reside in Arizona.
Knowledge of Arizona state government structure, functions, operations, processes, and state budget development.
Knowledge of Arizona legislative processes and parliamentary procedures, legislative drafting and interpretation, AHCCCS funding, federal Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, AHCCCS programs and stakeholders, and current health policy issues and challenges.
Strong interpersonal, research, verbal communication, public speaking, critical listening, persuasion, problem-solving, organization, planning, and coalition-building skills.
Ability to collaborate, think critically and analytically, plan strategically, write clearly about complex and sensitive matters, evaluate policy impacts, exercise sound judgment and discretion, adapt to changing priorities, work under pressure, and maintain reliability.
Successfully complete required employment eligibility verification, fingerprint background check, prior employment verification, and reference checks.
If driving on state business, meet applicable driver-training and driving-record requirements; a valid license, insurance, and current Arizona vehicle registration may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Communicate AHCCCS legislative priorities to legislators, their staff, stakeholders, and other audiences; arrange meetings, present information, and serve as an agency point of contact.
Attend and monitor committee hearings, floor sessions, and other legislative activities, and testify on the agency’s position when needed.
Research and organize agency responses to complex policy and legislative issues; analyze legislation and coordinate agency positions or recommended changes.
Maintain and update the internal legislative tracking system and regularly communicate with agency leadership, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and others about the effects of proposed changes.
Represent AHCCCS in workgroups, stakeholder meetings, events, and other legislative settings, and build relationships with legislative members, staff, stakeholders, and other agencies.
Coordinate responses to information requests and inquiries, including legislative constituent case referrals.
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).
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year under 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.
Voluntary deferred retirement compensation program administered through Nationwide.