We are seeking a Legislative Advocate for our Government Relations Office located in Sacramento, CA.

CSEA has over 244,000 members who work in 750 school districts and community colleges in California.   Our members are para-educators, administrative staff, food service, bus drivers and employees in IT, grounds, maintenance and operations.

Our Government Relations office is dedicated to improving and expanding the rights of classified school employees by securing benefits, pensions, protections and funding for the service they provide.

If you believe our values for social justice, affordable health care and security for working families are worth fighting for, if you are committed to advocating for the rights, dignity and welfare of working people, and if you feel passionate about improving lives, our schools, and communities, this opportunity will have special appeal to you.   

Examples of duties

Advocacy

• Determine legislative strategy
• Build relationships with legislators, office holders and their staff
• Research, draft, monitor and testify for or against legislation
• Meet and communicate with CSEA officers, members, staff and external groups, unions, lobbyists and legislators

Organizing

• Represent CSEA on issues related to classified employment, education, retirement and labor
• Advise staff on issues or ballot initiatives affecting members
• Develop network of grassroots volunteers for campaigns, office visits and district meetings
• Strategize with labor unions and coalition partners on issues of common interest

Campaigning

• Plan, develop and organize resources for elections, initiatives and legislative or grassroots activity
• Provide input on endorsements and campaign strategy

Representation

• Serve on boards and committees with coalitions
• Plan and conduct staff training
• Analyze and report on key issues, trends, and activities
• Prepare and present reports, letters and speeches

Ability to

• Register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State
• Provide leadership
• Be strategic
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Show initiative, creativity and exercise sound judgment
• Quickly develop an understanding of CSEA culture
• Keep a confidence and be a trusted advisor
• Be cool under pressure

Education and experience

• Four years’ related or relevant work experience
• Bachelors’ degree in a related subject that still excites you
• Masters or law degree is a plus
• Knowledge of the legislative process

Other requirements

• Some overnight travel and occasional weekend, holiday or evening work is required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Have a California driver’s license

If you’re creative and passionate about serving our communities, schools and members, then CSEA may be the place for you.  We have 12 offices in California with approximately 300 dedicated employees.  A complete list of offices and locations is on our website.

CSEA offers outstanding salaries and benefits, including 17 paid holidays, 4 weeks’ vacation, medical benefits for you and your family, life insurance coverage, and a pension and 401(k) plan.  

Go to www.csea.com/employment to apply. Upload your resume with a cover letter on the website that tells us who you are, how your values define you, and convince us you can influence others and create powerful allies for our cause.

CSEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor and Standards Act

EOE/AA