Senior Legislative Advocate

California School Employees Association•Sacramento, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Legislative Advocate supports and performs advanced-level professional duties representing the Association as a lobbyist and lead legislative advocate to the State Legislature and Executive agencies of the State Government. This role serves as lead on high-visibility bills, guides and mentors legislative advocates, assists with legislative and political campaigns and grassroots programs, and represents the Association's legislative and political interests before various organizations, the media, and school personnel. The position receives minimum supervision from the Director, Governmental Relations.

Requirements

Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations including funding formulas, revenue sources and general purpose.
Knowledge of FPPC lobbyist ethics and the legislatures’ lobbyist code of conduct.
Knowledge of current and pending legislation and court decisions relating to the rights and obligations of Association members, leaders and staff.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of the legislative process including committee structure, roles and procedures.
Knowledge of principles, procedures and techniques of legislative advocacy.
Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of collective bargaining and dispute resolution.
Knowledge of negotiating theory, tactics and alternative styles and processes for reaching agreement in interest disputes.
Knowledge of current and historical trends in the administration of institutions of primary, secondary and post-secondary public education.
Knowledge of school district budgeting principles.
Knowledge of history, mission, functions, and goals of the Association and of the American Labor Movement.
Knowledge of principles, procedures and techniques of research and investigation.
Knowledge of English usage, style, vocabulary and syntax.
Knowledge of principles of mathematical and statistical computations.
Knowledge of political organizing and campaigning.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage complex projects and reports.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, creativity and exercise independent judgment in the performance of duties.
Ability to remain calm and think clearly under pressure.
Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate information.
Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Ability to evaluate the political situation quickly and accurately.
Ability to effectively negotiate with legislators.
Ability to develop and prepare effective legislation for the Association in issues of high visibility.
Ability to operate effectively as a legislative advocate for the Association in difficult situations.
Ability to provide leadership and guidance to Legislative Advocates in the development and execution of the Association's legislative program and political activities.
Ability to apply knowledge of public employee labor relations law, the legislative process, and school finance effectively in a variety of situations.
Ability to present, represent and interpret Association policy, procedures, and programs to the legislature, membership and staff.
Ability to recruit, train and motivate volunteers and coordinate election campaign tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
May be required to register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State.

Nice To Haves

Four to six years of increasingly responsible experience as a lead legislative advocate before government entities at the state level, and representing public employees.
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, political science, law, public administration or related field.
Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Responsibilities

Perform all duties and responsibilities of the Legislative Advocate position.
Provide "hands on" assistance to Legislative Advocates in difficult situations, and advice and assistance in carrying out day-to-day job duties and responsibilities.
Assist with development of legislative posture on bills before the legislature; review bills before the legislature; recommend or reject bill for approval or rejection by the membership of the Association; provide testimony to legislative, budgetary and administrative hearings.
Lead analysis of state education budgets; identify and develop budget issues affecting classified employees; interpret the impact of budget and other legislation on classified employees.
Responsible for assigning bills to Legislative Advocates to ensure proper tracking.
Reviews all correspondence including but not limited to bill position forms, letters to the legislature, and public departments or agencies.
Works with the DGR to develop a policy agenda with legislative and budget priorities.
Leads the Department in CSEA’s Coordinated Campaign activities.
Staff Coordinator to CSEA’s Legislative Committee which recommends legislation sponsorship to the Board of Directors and resolution recommendations to the Association at Annual Conference.
Assist with research, analysis, drafting and lobbying for all Association sponsored legislation.
Participate in legislative and political campaigns and grassroots programs as directed.
Meet with Senate and Assembly committees, Senators, Assembly members, staff and with Governor's office to develop support or opposition to legislation.
Assist in negotiations with diverse special interest groups, legislative groups and administrative groups to reach compromises.
Attend and participate in press conferences, media events, rallies and related events as directed.
Represent the Association on various boards, committees, taskforces, and the like as directed.
Stay current with new trends, innovations, current events, and laws impacting the Association or its members.
Stay current with all proposed and introduced legislation, Executive Orders, state agency regulatory action, and the like affecting schools and/or school employees; notify field staff of current legislative issues/events.
Participate in the development of Association communications including governmental relations monthly report, legislative report, legislative alert, bulletins and action plans.
Interview, evaluate, and recommend Association endorsements for State Senate, State Assembly, State Constitutional Officers, and Congressional candidates as directed.
Assist in planning and conducting staff training.
Participate in the Association’s political campaigns.
Consult with Director, Governmental Relations as required on Association Governmental Relations matters; keep Director, Governmental Relations informed of the overall performance and results for the activities and matters of particular interest and importance.
Assist with Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) quarterly reporting requirements and ensure all advocacy activities comply with the law and FPPC regulations.
Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director, Governmental Relations; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attend fundraisers for Association endorsed candidates as needed.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.