Position: Legislative Director
Type: Regular, Exempt, Full Time Position
Location: Based in Sacramento, CA, Hybrid work schedule
Deadline: Applications are considered on a rolling basis until filled
The Opportunity
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (ALC) seeks a full-time legislative director to lead its legislative, budget and administrative advocacy in the State Capitol on progressive, social justice issues impacting the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities, including AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian) communities. The Legislative Director is responsible for the development and execution of ALC’s statewide legislative priorities, and plays an integral role in developing, implementing and coordinating state government affairs strategies, initiatives and engagement to advance our advocacy agenda. We are pursuing candidates who are critical thinkers, take initiative, and thrive in a work environment that is both collaborative and fast-paced. She/he/they will work closely with internal and external leaders in California, including elected officials, policymakers, and coalition partners to advance ALC’s priorities, campaigns and organizational goals.
The Legislative Director should bring a leadership style that is grounded in principles of equity and inclusion and can partner with ALC’s leadership and staff to build connectivity and cohesion across the organization. This is a new position, and will report to the Policy Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as a key strategic member of the policy team and work with ALC’s Policy Director and program teams to develop a policy advocacy agenda, including legislative, administrative and budget priorities and implement strategies, to promote ALC’s advocacy priorities in Sacramento
- Build, maintain, and leverage effective working relationships with state policymakers and their staff
- Lead and manage coordinated coalition lobbying efforts, including meetings, talking points, and the development of materials
- Identify opportunities to advance ALC’s priorities and implement strategies to generate support for ALC’s positions on proposed legislation or regulation
- Respond to inquiries on proposed legislation and regulation, and represent ALC before state legislative and regulatory bodies
- Identify, monitor, analyze and influence legislation, administrative policy, and budgetary proposals and processes related to ALC’s policy goals
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key allies, advocates and coalition partners
- Monitor legislative and budget hearings and make policy recommendations to the Policy Director and ALC’s leadership
- Prepare and deliver testimony at legislative and administrative hearings
- Provide guidance and analysis and work with staff to develop policy reports, fact sheets, action alerts, and briefing papers to support advocacy priorities
- Draft letters advancing the position of ALC on legislation, administrative policies, and budgetary proposals
- Coordinate legislative and community policy briefings on legislative, administrative, and budgetary issues
Desired Qualifications
- A successful candidate will be team oriented and possess both the strategic and management acumen required to navigate complicated relationships and work in diverse coalitions.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Government Affairs, Public Policy, or related field, preferably on civil rights, economic justice or immigrant rights issues, preferably in California
- Experience in the policymaking and the state legislative/political process in California
- Critical thinking skills - Quickly grasps the subtleties of complex issues
- Knowledge of current issues impacting low-income API & AMEMSA communities, including key organizations, elected offices, and agencies
- Commitment to advancing racial, social and economic justice and demonstrated commitment to building power for and with grassroots communities
- A proven track recording of producing positive outcomes in a complex political environment
- Strong analytical and research skills and ability to think strategically about public policy agendas
- Ability to work well both independently and in collaboration with diverse staff, organizational leaders, and community allies
- A trusted colleague who works effectively within a nonprofit management team towards organizational goals and objectives
- Excellent verbal, analytical, writing, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexible hours and respond promptly to urgent requests and fast-moving developments in legislative advocacy
- Ability and willingness to travel to occasional meetings, including in San Francisco or Oakland
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a regular, full-time, exempt position. The annual compensation depends on years of relevant experience; the range, starting at three (3) years of experience, is $132,613 - $167,990.
ALC’s comprehensive benefits package includes the following: generous vacation and paid holidays; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage (ALC pays 100% of premiums for employees and 75% for qualified dependents); a flexible spending account (FSA); and 401K retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
- Resume
- Writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
- Three professional references
Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including HIV, cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, reproductive health decision-making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions) gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim and survivor status, political affiliation, height, weight, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.