Legislative Specialist

Company: Aclu Wa
Location: Seattle
Posted on: November 8, 2024

Job Description:

Position Open Until FilledFirst Review of Applicants Scheduled for October 14, 2024Legislative SpecialistThe ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) advances liberty and justice in the courts, in the legislatures, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in belief in a future where everyone in Washington, particularly those who have been historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties, are finally free to do so without barriers. Defending and advancing these fundamental rights and core values relies on the contributions of exceptional staff. Learn more about the ACLU-WA.The ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) is seeking a Legislative Specialist. This role provides administrative and project management support to cross-departmental teams working on advancement of ACLU-WA's legislative and electoral programs. The position works with the Legislative Director and other team members to implement and refine systems and structures to ensure that all staff working on the legislative and electoral programs have critical information in a timely fashion. The position operates in a fast-paced environment requiring frequent judgment calls, strong and clear communication skills and a high level of attention to quickly evolving details. The Legislative Specialist reports to the Legislative Director.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESRace Equity

• Participation in ACLU-WA's race equity work. This may include utilizing ACLU-WA race equity tools, adopting ACLU-WA race equity practices, etc.Legislative & Electoral Program Project Management and Administration
  • During the interim and legislative sessions, use software and online tools (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Excel and Word; Asana; Miro Boards; and the Washington State Legislature website) to track a high volume of bills and ensure that all team members have information about the legislative process and the ACLU-WA's positions necessary to effectively advocate in a fast-moving, quickly changing, high-pressure environment.
  • Manage the bill review process. Facilitate assignment of bill reviews to various staff, follow up to ensure timely completion, ensure staff are immediately aware of scheduled hearings, proposed amendments and committee and floor voting schedules, and ensure consistent sharing of relevant documents and information.
  • Annually review and work with the Legislative Director, Policy Advocacy Department Director and other ACLU-WA staff to recommend process improvements for bill tracking, assignment, and review. Own finalization and updating of bill review tracking process manual.
  • Train staff who provide backup coverage for bill tracking, assignment and review process. Ensure that the bill tracking, assignment, and review process is transparent, clear, and can be applied consistently by multiple staff.
  • Create templates for campaign plans, power maps, Teams, and other tools used to facilitate cross-departmental collaboration on legislative strategy development projects and campaigns to advance bills in the state legislature.
  • Create templates for electoral program plans, power maps, Teams and other tools used to facilitate cross-departmental collaboration on electoral program strategy and related organizing campaigns.
  • During interim, provide logistical and coordination support to grassroots and coalition organizing projects.
  • Make travel arrangements, handle conference registrations, hotel and ground transportation reservations as assigned.
  • Track campaign Public Disclosure Commission filings for elected officials, candidates and/or ballot initiatives, referenda or measures, as assigned.External Collaboration
    • Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with legislative aides, key committee staff and executive support staff to promote timely and effective scheduling of meetings with decision makers, executive agency staff, and good will toward ACLU-WA staff.
    • Schedule meetings for team members with lawmakers and other elected officials and legislative and agency staff.
    • With Legislative Director and Integrated Advocacy Department Leadership Team, develop and maintain transparent system for sharing information about lawmaker, staff, and agency meetings with the legislative team.Internal Collaboration
      • Own planning and execution of the officewide end-of-session celebration and provide administrative support for annual legislative debrief cycles.
      • Own coordination of post-session archiving of critical legislative advocacy materials.
      • Coordinate onsite meetings with external participants, including video- and/or telephonic conferencing; take notes, prepare background materials, order meals and/or refreshments; ensure clarity about ownership of follow-up actions.
      • Own and help on other events and projects as assigned.EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
        • Minimum of 2 years of high-level administrative support or project management experience.
        • Demonstrated experience implementing systems to manage workflow across large teams and share high volumes of information. Experience maintaining and improving systems.
        • Proficiency with online research, word processing, and the MS Office Suite; enthusiasm for learning new online tools for legislative research, videoconferencing, scheduling, and relationship management.
        • Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate significant amounts of information across teams.
        • Demonstrated ability to manage projects; judgment to engage others and elevate issues as necessary.
        • Ideal candidates will have an awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias.
        • Excellent organizational and project management skills required. The ability to take ownership of system implementation, refine and adjust systems, handle multiple projects, and see them through. Strong attention to detail and follow-through is a must.
        • Demonstrated ability to resourcefully solve problems and follow through on implementing solutions.
        • The ability to work cooperatively with others in a constantly moving and evolving environment; flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and different people's needs.
        • Demonstrated ability to track multiple tasks, identify follow-up needs, and check progress against deadlines.
        • Attention to detail and the ability to effectively compose and proofread written communications.
        • Proficiency with online research and Asana, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word; enthusiasm for learning new online tools for legislative research, videoconferencing, scheduling, and relationship management.
        • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to effectively communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.
        • Familiarity with the legislative process and electoral process a plus.
        • A personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL
          • Be committed to advancing the mission, vision and values of the ACLU-WA;
          • Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives; and
          • Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.LOCATION:Seattle, WashingtonCLASSIFICATION:This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. The ACLU-WA reserves the right to change the content of this posting at any time without advance notice. This position is approved up to one (1) fulltime equivalent (FTE) and is "exempt" under the Fair Labor Standards Act.MENTAL DEMAND:Decision-making, high emotional intelligence, giving and receiving feedback and building trusting relationships. The nature of this work can be emotionally demanding and requires thoughtful and clear communication and resilience.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The ACLU-WA observes a hybrid workstyle, with some staff working primarily remotely while others work in the office several days a week. Our office is generally open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is located in downtown Seattle. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
            • Ability to type on a keyboard for long periods of time.
            • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
            • Ability to view a computer screen for long periods of time.
            • Ability to work outside of 9-5 hours during legislative session.TOTAL COMPENSATION:The ACLU-WA seeks to provide equitable and competitive compensation for attracting and retaining staff with the skill, judgment, and perseverance to confront challenges to civil rights and civil liberties and build a state where all people live with dignity and equity, enjoying freedoms unimpeded by racial and economic injustice and other forms of oppression. We provide a mix of compensation for staff that is intended to address today's needs and allow planning for tomorrow and into retirement. As such, the ACLU-WA has adopted a salary scale for measuring how to best compensate its employees.The salary for this position is $75,195 - $90,064. A range indicates the intention to accommodate those with varying years of relevant experience, as determined by the salary scale.BENEFITS:Generous benefits include three weeks of vacation, thirteen sick days with an additional ten days given in 2024, fifteen holidays, employer-paid professional development, fully paid employee medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, an employer contributed retirement plan, student loan reimbursement, family care and adoption assistance, life insurance, and an ORCA card, the regional transportation pass.ACLU-WA provides laptops, home office supplies, certain equipment, and technology support. You will need an effective Wi-Fi connection and a way to communicate by phone. This position is eligible for either a work phone or phone stipend, as well as an additional $150 stipend each month to help cover any additional costs while working from home.APPLICATION PROCEDURE:To apply, please submit a cover letter and r--sum-- on our job portal. In your cover letter, please explain the ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite applicants to include in their letter information about how their background and/or experience could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and work.HIRING TIMELINE:This position is open until filled with the first review of candidate applications scheduled for October 14, 2024. We will schedule interviews with qualified candidates after the first review of candidates.REFERENCES:Please submit with your application three (3) professional references who can provide feedback about and have direct knowledge of your work experience. Note that there may be outreach to other references that fall outside of your designated list. We will extend a conditional offer of employment is extended before conducting reference checks.The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
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Keywords: Aclu Wa, Kent , Legislative Specialist, Other , Seattle, Washington