Legislative Advocate

ABOUT CSEA

The California School Employees Association represents over 250,000 school employees who work in 750 school districts in California. They provide support services to school children as para-educators, administrators, food service, bus drivers, nurses, and skilled employees in grounds, maintenance and operations. CSEA is the largest classified school employee union in the AFL-CIO. If you are passionate about serving our communities, schools and members, then CSEA may be the place for you!

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of advanced level professional duties involved in representing the Association as a lobbyist and legislative advocate to State Legislature and Executive agencies of the State Government; to participate in legislative and political campaigns and grassroots programs as directed; and to represent the Association’s legislative and political interests before organizations, the media, and school personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direction from the Director, Governmental Relations and the Assistant Director, Governmental Relations.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop 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.
• Analyze state education budgets; identify and develop budget issues affecting classified employees; interpret the impact of budget and other legislation on classified employees.
• Research, analyze, draft and lobby 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.
• Negotiate 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 and Assistant Director, Governmental Relations as required on Association Governmental Relations matters; keep Director, Governmental Relations and the Assistant 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 and Assistant 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations including funding formulas, revenue sources and general purpose.
• FPPC lobbyist ethics and the legislatures’ lobbyist code of conduct.
• Current and pending legislation and court decisions relating to the rights and obligations of Association members, leaders and staff.
• Principles and procedures of the legislative process including committee structure, roles and procedures.
• Principles, procedures and techniques of legislative advocacy.
• Theories, principles, and practices of collective bargaining and dispute resolution.
• Negotiating theory, tactics and alternative styles and processes for reaching agreement in interest disputes.
• Current and historical trends in the administration of institutions of primary, secondary and post-secondary public education.
• School district budgeting principles.
• History, mission, functions, and goals of the Association and of the American Labor Movement.
• Principles, procedures and techniques of research and investigation.
• English usage, style, vocabulary and syntax.
• Principles of mathematical and statistical computations.
• Political organizing and campaigning.

Ability to:

• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity and exercise independent judgment in the performance of duties.
• Remain calm and think clearly under pressure.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate information.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Evaluate the political situation quickly and accurately.
• Effectively negotiate with legislators.
• Develop and prepare effective legislation for the Association.
• Operate effectively as a legislative advocate for the Association.
• Provide leadership and guidance in the development and execution of the Association’s legislative program and political activities.
• Apply knowledge of public employee labor relations law, the legislative process, and school finance effectively in a variety of situations.
• Present, represent and interpret Association policy, procedures, and programs to the legislature, member-ship and staff.
• Recruit, train and motivate volunteers and coordinate election campaign tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• May be required to register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

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

The salary range for the Legislative Advocate is $85,217 – $123,964. Starting salaries are typically at the first step on our salary range. Consideration may be given for exceptional qualifications and experience. We offer 18 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation to start and 5 weeks after 7 years, medical benefits for you and your family, life insurance coverage and a pension plan.

To Apply

Go to www.csea.com/careers, upload your resume and write a cover letter that tells us why this ad caught your eye and why we should hire you as our next Legislative Advocate! Only applications on our website will be considered.

Job description goes here.

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