Legislative & Member Advocacy Specialist

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Posting Period:

April 05, 2024 - Until Filled

Employee Type:

NEASO NEA Staff Organization

Position Type:

Regular

Salary Range:

$94,380.00 - $148,378.00

Rank:

NEASO Rank 7

Position Details:

Position Emphasis: This position supports the NEA strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion and defense of public education by providing program coordination and specialized online support around federal issue advocacy initiatives, helping to advance the NEA Legislative Program in the Government Relations department of the Center for Advocacy and Political Action, and coordinating activities related to NEA's political endorsement process.

Position Summary:

• The primary functions of this position include promoting involvement of members in online advocacy, maintaining and translating content materials and e-mail communication into a web-based format for members and activists in an effort to garner support for NEA issues, positions, and priorities.

• Plan, develop and implement, in coordination with Communications department, strategies to advance and expand NEA's online advocacy program, including the promotion of the legislative/political objectives of NEA using the internet and e-mail.

• Serve as the Department Editor and Site Publisher for the NEA Action Center and Government Relations section of InsideNEA sub site and workspaces.

• Use programming languages to create, edit and maintain NEA's Action Center web site, evaluate the effectiveness of the digital advocacy program, and maintain a current knowledge of internet trends/developments.

• Prepare, plan and be on-site for physical and virtual NEA Action Center presence at annual Representative Assembly conference.

• Communicate, advocate, and build effective relationships with internal NEA audiences (e.g., affiliates and constituency groups), and make formal and informal presentations in advancement of NEA priorities.

• Respond to inquiries and requests for assistance from members, and legislators; and maintain awareness of public policy issues and federal legislative activities for impact analysis and strategy development.

• Work in collaboration with colleagues in the Government Relations team and internal policy experts to advocate, coordinate, and support NEA's position on federal policies, including research, analysis, and evaluation of federal issues, legislation and rules and regulations.

• Serve as primary liaison for member engagement around federal policy initiatives including supporting member fly-ins and coordinating Congressional briefings in coordination with lobbyists.

• Provide assistance in the development, planning and execution of programs that advance NEA's legislative agenda; establish and maintain effective communications systems; coordinate with federal lobbyists to establish action priorities; and plans and coordinates the annual calendar of activities.

• Lead development and coordination of annual Congressional Report Card, including regular contact with primary consultant which provides data collection/platform and with department management and staff to ensure accuracy of information collected.

• To carry out responsibilities, the incumbent uses a personal computer and/or laptop and associated software, other office technologies and travels occasionally.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Education, Political Science or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired. Minimum Qualifications: Five years of professional experience involving program and policy analysis. Five years professional experience writing or editing. Experience should include demonstration of appropriate messaging for audience and ability to write for multiple mediums (i.e. print, digital, etc.). Other Requirements: Samples of work products may be requested. Some travel required.

Selection Criteria: Tier 1 (Essential): Extensive working knowledge and experience with cyber advocacy and developing/maintaining web sites. Experience researching and synthesizing federal issues and legislation. Experience with state or federal policy issues, preferably those pertaining to public education. Proven federal legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated high-level and effective interpersonal skills, and proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams. Proven project management skills with flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions. Tier 2 (Significant): Knowledge of federal legislative process and demonstrated advocacy skills. Demonstrated ability of reaching out and strategically utilizing grassroots membership to advance a policy agenda. Proven awareness of current political environment and on-going strategic implications that affect NEA's legislative and political activities. Tier 3 (Desirable): Knowledge of Government Relations' mission and strategic objectives.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. To apply for this position or to search for other openings, please go to our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com)

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