Job Description
Government Relations Director The Government Relations Director is responsible for planning and conducting the LAE government relations program and related activities. The director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Participate in membership recruitment activities through direct job responsibilities, responding to member needs and field recruitment
- Develop and propose a legislative agenda and draft proposed legislation with the Legislative Committee
- Develop a budget for submission to LAE-PAC and provide financial statements to the Executive Director and State President.
- Meet with Legislators to get legislation introduced, gain support for our legislation, and establish and promote a network for support of our legislation,
- Meet with other lobbyists and other interested parties to gain support for our legislation and establish a network to support our legislation.
- Plan and direct lobbying activities at the Capitol during the Legislative Session, including Lobby Days
- Plan and organize Lobby Days for LAE members during Spring Break
- Organize grassroots activities to accomplish our agenda.
- Maintain voting records of legislators for legislative agenda items and public education issues.
- Serve as the staff consultant to the Legislative Committee and Legislative Contact Teams.
- Promote/communicate NEA legislative agenda items affecting members.
- Promote/communicate NEA political engagement to members and staff.
- Conduct and interpret limited research and opinion surveys
- Develop a statewide public policy strategy; Ensure the drafting of legislation
- Research and monitor current state and national legislative trends
- Track legislation, provide weekly updates, and make recommendations to the President and Executive Director on any legislation which changes local or state PAC guidelines;
- Provide written communications to members and staff during the Legislative Session.
- Conduct legislative workshops/presentations and training for LAE state and local functions and LAE staff.
- Plan and direct ongoing Fund for Children and Public Education fundraising activities for members; Maintain current legislative, statewide, and congressional endorsement procedures and questionnaires
- File all political activity reports in compliance with the state, federal, and Board of Ethics regulations and deadlines.
- File all political activity reports in compliance with the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education regulations and deadlines
- Network and lobby legislators, committee chairpersons, and policymakers on a consistent and regular basis
- Maintain current LAE Fund for Children and Public Education guidelines and operational procedures
- Recommend LAE Fund for Children and Public Education activities and expenditures in compliance with LAE Fund for Children and Public Education Governing Board guidelines and LAE Board of Directors' policy
- Maintain up-to-date databases of members trained in legislative and political action.
- Maintain up-to-date databases of member legislative and political "activists."
- Work with division directors for cross-divisional initiatives
- Provide a pre-session summary of legislation for review and discussion; Provide a post-session summary of education-related and significant legislation
- Provide written legislative updates to the members of LAE through state and local leaders every week during the legislative session
- Attend Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meetings, have pre-and post-BESE meetings with the President and Executive Director, and provide a concise written summary
- Serve as staff liaison to the LAE Legislative Committee and LAE Political Action Committee
- Publish and mail a summary of all Louisiana legislative acts affecting education to all local presidents immediately after the session ends of each school year. The following information needs to be included in each summary:
- The Act Number;
- Representative(s)/Senator(s) sponsoring the act;
- A Summary of the Act; and
- How it affects education and school system employees.
- Attend and provide a GR report at the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting.
- The GR Director is expected to live in close proximity to the LAE headquarters and the Louisiana State Capitol.
- At the end of each legislative day, the GR Director will draft and submit to the Executive Director a summary of action on bills and amendments tracked by LAE in committees and legislative chambers. The format of this summary should allow the Executive Director to forward it to LAE officers, LAE presidents, members, and NEA Government Relations.
- Assume other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Executive Director.
Education and Experience: - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in political science, education, business administration, industrial relations, or a related field. Master's degree preferred
- Minimum three to five years of professional experience in actively writing testimony, drafting bills, position papers, and lobbying
- Minimum three to five years of experience working with a state legislature as a registered lobbyist
- Extensive knowledge of campaign databases and tools, including VAN or LAN, Mobilize, Every Action, Hustle, etc.
- Experience in campaign analytics
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite systems
- Extensive electoral campaign experience, including drafting, implementing campaign plans, and leading campaign field programs
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working in a local, state, or national union or community organization involving organizing, bargaining, and employee advocacy work
- Personal Attributes
- Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Manages a high volume of work efficiently: Has or can create a system for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without
sacrificing quality. Plans backward to make deadlines. Asks for help when needed.
- Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Strong sense of ownership and resilience: Plans ahead and finds alternative paths when needed to finish. Able to bounce back from setbacks and rejections. Holds a high bar even when things are hectic.
- Demonstrates sound work ethics, honesty, and integrity.
Supervision: The employee works under the Executive Director or designee's general direction and is expected to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Pay and Benefits: This position is a full‐time bargaining unit position. Compensation depends on experience per the collective bargaining agreement between LAE and LASSO.
DISCLAIMER : The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. LAE retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
Candidate must own a reliable vehicle and obtain a valid Louisiana driver's license, maintain insurance equal or above minimum standard set by Louisiana law, and live within fifty (50) miles of commute to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LAE: is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and provides a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and two writing samples to Interim Executive Director Karla Owens at kcarpenter@nea.org .
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Job Tags
Full time, Interim role, Local area, Immediate start,