Political Action Organizer / Lobbyist – Level V : Washington

Washington Education Association
 

Political Action Organizer / Lobbyist
Level V

Based in Olympia, WA

The Washington Education Association is seeking applicants for the position of Political Action Organizer / Lobbyist – Level V. A job description is included below. This position is currently available to internal and external applicants.

To be considered for this position the following documents are required:

• Cover letter
• Updated résumé reflecting qualifications for this position
• Signed WEA application form
• A list of three professional references (w/contact information including relationship to applicant)

Washington Education Association application forms are required and may be obtained by selecting ‘Online Application‘ located at the end of this document. Applications may also be obtained at the Washington Education Association located at 32032 Weyerhaeuser Way South, Federal Way, WA 98001, or by calling Human Resources at 1-800-622-3393 extension 7002.

The deadline for receipt of cover letter, résumé, signed application and references is on or before 5:00 pm, January 10, 2020. If you do not submit your application and materials online (preferred method), please email, fax, or mail materials to:

Washington Education Association
Attn: Karen Knight, HR Generalist
PO Box 9100
Federal Way, WA 98063-9100
FAX (253) 946-4726
Phone: (253) 765-7002
kknight@washingtonea.org

The Washington Education Association is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the desire of the Washington Education Association to interview applicants from an applicant/interview pool that reflects the diversity of the greater community for each vacancy as it occurs.

Summary job description – Political Action Organizer / Lobbyist – Level V

Supervision:
The Political Action Organizer / Lobbyist will work within the Public Policy Center and will report to the Director of Governmental Relations.

Location:
Washington Education Association’s regional office in Olympia, Washington

Essential responsibilities

• Develops, recommends, and implements political and lobbying strategies that promote racial justice and other forms of equity
• Develops, recommends and implements political organizing strategies that result in the election of pro-education, pro-labor candidates, focusing on strategies that lead to more diverse representation in all levels of government
• Develops, recommends, and implements strategies for a comprehensive government relations and legislative advocacy program to inform, advocate and influence public policy at the state and local level, in areas of significant interest and concern to the members of the WEA; provides support of the organization’s mission and goals – including advocacy for racial and social justice
• Assists in the development and implementation of a process to engage members in significant public policy issues in coordination with other WEA staff and leaders
• Proactively monitors the legislative, regulatory, policy and political landscape to identify opportunities to advocate for the organization’s position on priority issues; develop recommendations on policy initiatives, provide feedback about new laws and regulations, and provide information and analysis to internal stakeholders to facilitate strategic and tactical planning
• Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with key legislative and regulatory officials and staff – including both elected and appointed officials
• Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with other key education and labor stakeholders and organizations
• Develops and recommends draft legislation and regulations to support organizational priorities
• Testifies and coordinates testimony for state legislative, executive, and regulatory hearings
• Responds to member requests regarding policy issues that are within the employee’s portfolio
• Provides relevant policy and/or political research, training, and other assistance to WEA and local associations as necessary in an effort to advance local and state organizational goals
• Assist and participate in national, state, and local labor actions as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum job requirements

• BA/BS Degree or equivalent. Areas of study should be public administration, labor relations, political science and/or public policy. Equivalent experience in public administration, labor relations, politics, and/or public policy may substitute for the area of study – in addition to a BA/BS degree or equivalent
• Experience organizing individuals/groups
• Knowledge and understanding of how power is manifested in matters of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ability, language, immigration status, national origin, and socio-economic circumstances
• Experience in developing and providing training to diverse groups on complex, emotional and highly regulated issues
• Experience working with large organizations
• Ability to understand and grasp the political system at the local, state and federal levels
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; excellent presentation skills required
• Ability to effectively present and persuasively deliver the WEA message
• Knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in a variety of training methods, materials and technologies
• Possess the ability to work effectively in a team environment with other Public Policy members, Association staff, members and governance
• Proven ability to lead and motivate individuals and teams
• High energy and willingness to work flexible hours, including additional hours during each legislative session
• Computer experience/skills, i.e. word processing, e-mail, Internet, etc.
• Ability to obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license, possess a satisfactory driving record, and have a dependable automobile for Association travel with insurance limits of at least $100,000/$300,000 required
• Support and advance the Washington Education Association mission, goal, objectives and priorities

Preferred job requirements

• An advanced degree desired
• Successful educational employee experience
• Experience in state or national education agencies working to advance racial and social justice
• Experience working with communities of color and other historically marginalized groups
• Experience in local, state and/or national employee or political organizations dependent upon volunteer membership
• Experience as a lobbyist or other political experience with a focus on K-12 and higher education policies
• Experience working on campaigns and elections at the legislative, state or national levels, including voter targeting, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, media, messaging and research
• Experience organizing individuals/groups to support political and legislative priorities
• Prior membership in a union and/or understanding of union history and values

Salary range and benefits

• Annual salary range: $106,120 to $151,368/yr. – Level V

Benefits:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous sick, vacation, and personal leaves (PTO)
• Long-term disability plan
• Defined Benefit Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan – 401(k) (w/employer contribution)
• Covered by the WEA/WEASO Collective Bargaining Agreement

Application procedure and references
In order to be considered for this position, a completed and signed WEA application form including résumé, cover letter and the names and contact information (including relationship to applicant) of three (3) individuals who have knowledge of the applicant’s professional background and work experience, must be submitted to WEA Human Resources on or before 5:00 pm, January 10, 2020. Use of the online application process is encouraged.

Important note: When submitting your application materials online, select “Save as Draft” until you have all materials together and ready to be attached and uploaded – i.e., cover letter, résumé and three professional references. This will ensure your applications materials remain together as a single submission.

ONLINE APPLICATION

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