UniServ Specialist – Government Relations / Research : Iowa

ISEA
Iowa State Education Association

UniServ Specialist
Government Relations / Research

Based in Des Moines, IA

Title: Government Relations /Member Engagement
Salary Classification: Professional Staff Bargaining Unit

Job Summary:
Responsible to the Executive Director. Works with members and staff to advance the legislative and political goals of the organization through member engagement.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and implements organizing efforts related to increasing member engagement in the legislative and political activities of the Association.
• Coordination with ISEA field staff and local Associations on legislative and political activities
• Utilize digital tools and social media platforms to organize and engage members around policy issues and political efforts.
• Track legislation, identify bills relevant to ISEA interests and monitors through the committee and floor process
• Design and deliver training to members and staff on issues, legislation, political action and the impacts of such on members and schools.
• Utilize existing databases to track member involvement in legislative and political activist and
• provide training to staff in the effective use of such data.
• Serve as staff consultant to Association committees as assigned, including the ISEA Political
• Action Committee
• Develop and implement ISEA PAC and NEA PAC fundraising efforts
• Assist Communications staff in preparing information and materials on legislative and political issues and coordinates with Communications staff on digital advocacy plans
• Develop productive relationships with individuals in the political community, appropriate state agencies and external organizations to support the achievement of the Association’s legislative and political programs.
• Coordinate ISEA and NEA political and legislative survey opportunities.
• Work in coordination with other ISEA and NEA staff on legislative and political activities and grant opportunities
• Carry out responsibilities with a positive, cooperative spirit.
• Accept special projects and other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Iowa’s legislative process
• Knowledge of campaigns and elections
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field.
• Several years of experience in a political organization or in the political activities of a membership organization.
• Excellent technology skills including proficiency in the use of the VAN database or similar technology.
• Experience in digital organizing and using social media to engage members/public in legislative and political action
• Ability to work as a member of a staff team, be a self-starter, prioritize work, produce high quality products and solutions, meet deadlines and handle stress acceptably.
• Experience in dealing with the public and members.
• Ability to travel and work various hours including evenings and weekends.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of critical issues facing public education and public employee unions
• Skill in speaking and presenting information and ideas to individuals and in groups.
• Working relationship with partner organizations and legislative and political leaders

Salary and Benefits:
In accordance with the Professional Staff Agreement between ISU-NSO and the ISEA.

Closing date for applications: February 7, 2020

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a written letter of interest, resume, and three letters of reference to:

Lana Sohn, Director of Human Resources
Iowa State Education Association
777 Third Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: 515-471-8000
Fax: 515-471-8018
lsohn@isea.org

ISEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, military background, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.