Legislative Advocate

CWDA is recruiting for a Legislative Advocate. The Legislative Advocate will help advance the policies and mission of the County Welfare Directors Association, representing all 58 counties’ human services agencies. Reporting to the Managing Director, Government Relations & Public Affairs, and the Director of Legislative Advocacy, the Legislative Advocate will track, research, and analyze legislation impacting county human services agencies and their programs. The position will play a key role in developing policy positions, and developing and implementing legislative strategies, representing CWDA’s positions to the legislature and agencies, and our county partners. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, including public speaking, and advocacy skills with an emphasis in bringing stakeholders to consensus on complex issues.

POSITION DUTIES:

Under the supervision of the Managing Director, Government Relations & Public Affairs and the Director of Legislative Advocacy, the comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities of the Legislative Advocate include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee a portfolio of legislative bills to track, analyze, and lobby the legislature, administrative departments, or Governor’s office as needed. This includes writing support or opposition letters on legislation, convening stakeholder meetings, meetings with legislative staff and Legislators, and meeting with county staff.
• Develop and staff CWDA sponsored legislation through the legislative process.
• Strategize and create media opportunities related to CWDA sponsored legislation. • Testify in legislative hearings as needed on legislation or relevant issue areas.
• Testify on budget related items as needed.
• Communicate effectively, work with stakeholders collaboratively, and represent CWDA on a broad swath of issues.
• Help coordinate logistics for CWDA organizational lobbying events, including preparing materials, scheduling, and training.
• Jointly staff the CWDA Legislative Committee, including preparing agenda items and bill lists for review, communicating effectively with committee members, Committee Chairs, and Board of Directors, scheduling committee meetings, and other administrative duties as needed.
• Work with members of the association (i.e., county human services directors and their staff) to understand impacts of proposed legislation on program operations and develop proposed response and recommendations for review and approval by senior staff.
• Attend and participate in CWDA Board of Directors meetings and as appropriate, present information and updates to CWDA members and stakeholders regarding legislation or other policy initiatives. This position reports to the CWDA Directorate, composed of the Executive Director and Operations Manager.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional and personable demeanor; ability to work independently.
• Self-starter; ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, fast-paced work environment
• 3-5 years of legislative experience, with knowledge of human services related issues areas including child welfare, adult services, IHSS, CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal.
• Experience working in the legislature or lobbying the legislature for at least 3 years.
• Knowledge of the legislative budget process, with preference given to candidates who have staffed or lobbied on budget related issues.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong writing skills, with writing sample to be provided.
• Comfortable speaking in public on a regular basis.
• Experience with meeting logistics and planning, including agenda development and minutes.
• Knowledge of Capitol Track preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite required, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Candidate must be based in the Sacramento area. Some travel required for CWDA organizational meetings and conferences.
• Ability to work after business hours as needed during peak State Budget (May Revision) and Legislative Deadlines (Policy committee, House of Origin, End of Session).

Benefits include health, dental, and vision. We offer an

employer-sponsored 401(a) retirement plan, which provides pension like benefits, health and

dependent care savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Proficient in English