Government Relations Strategist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
This is a professional position on the Association staff, working under the Director of Government Relations to implement CCAP’s lobbying and advocacy strategies, with primary responsibility for managing day-to-day operations of the CCAP government relations program. The position involves direct lobbying at the Capitol as well as with state agencies, as well as work with the CCAP members and CCAP affiliates to coordinate strategic grassroots advocacy activities and development of legislative messaging to CCAP’s various audiences. In addition, the position is responsible for coordination of policy development for assigned CCAP committees and other work groups as assigned.
This position is eligible for telework pursuant to CCAP’s telework policy, subject to exceptions noted below.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with the Director of Government Relations in the development and implementation of CCAP’s strategic plan and priorities
- Provides direct representation, advocacy and communications on CCAP positions with designated audiences, including the General Assembly, administration and state agencies, CCAP’s board, committees, members, affiliates and other stakeholders to implement and provide coordinated approaches to achieve policy goals and outcomes
- Monitors the legislative calendar, including new amendments and committee meetings, and assures appropriate scheduled coverage and communications for all matters of interest to the association and its affiliates for committee meetings and floor proceedings.
- Coordinates membership communications regarding legislation and policy
- Develop legislative and advocacy messaging for internal and external stakeholders to advance CCAP’s priorities and policy agenda.
- Serve as staff liaison to policy committees, task forces, work groups as assigned
Lobbying and Advocacy:
- Responsible for direct lobbying before the General Assembly and state agencies
- Primary responsibility to coordinate the CCAP grassroots program as part of the overall legislative strategy, in consultation with the Director of Government Relations, and maintains the CCAP grassroots lobbying database
- Develop knowledge of county human services and CCAP affiliates to communicate and coordinate internally on legislative matters
Communication:
- Prepare written analysis, draft legislation, amendments, communications to General Assembly and other audiences
- Provide articles and content for CCAP publications and communications, in coordination with the Director of Media and Public Relations
General:
- Oversee the work of the CCAP/Penn State Extension Fellow
- Provide conference and educational input as assigned
- Perform other assignments and routine business of the Association as assigned
Qualifications and Requirements:
Experience and Education:
- 3+ years of experience in a position providing support in the key functional areas of government relations-related lobbying, advocacy, and communications
- A demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the legislative process in Pennsylvania
- A four-year college degree in Political Science, Government, or a related field
- A proven history of professional development growth and a commitment to maintaining and expanding the knowledge required to perform in the position
- Experience and/or knowledge of county government preferred
An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered satisfactory for the position.
Required Skills and Knowledge:
- Demonstrates strong strategic thinking skills to formulate and execute long-term legislative and grassroots plans to achieve priorities and policy objectives
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including navigating difficult conversations and communications involving differing perspectives
- Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships among a wide variety of stakeholders and to facilitate conversations among multiple groups and individuals
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to work a legislative policy issue start to finish with members and legislators, while effectively incorporating appropriate input and feedback from all stakeholders, internal and external.
- Highly computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, databases and related business and communication tools
- Ability to analyze information and make sound decisions with excellent problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and the ability to accurately follow instructions with minimal oversight
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to deliver within established deadlines
- A committed focus to providing excellent customer service internally and externally
- The ability to conduct oneself professionally and represent the Association favorably
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- The standard office hours of the Association are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., but work outside of this window will be required depending on the legislative schedule
- Travel will be required, primarily within the state of Pennsylvania, but occasionally outside of the state and may include instances requiring overnight arrangements
- The position may require standing or sitting for extended periods of time and the ability to operate computer equipment essential to the completion of the position's responsibilities
- The ability to lift 25 pounds of equipment and supplies needed for the execution of the Association’s conferences, meetings and events may be required.
- Driving to work related activities may be required
FLSA: For purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act this position is a full-time exempt position
Interested candidates please send your resume to darnold@pacounties.org