Legislative Advocate

CNA/NNOC/NNU; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Retirement contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The California Nurses Association (CNA)/National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC)/National Nurses United (NNU) is seeking an Illinois-based Legislative Advocate to advance our state-level program under the Government Relations Director. The role focuses on safe nurse-to-patient policies, worker protections, and broader health equity initiatives.

Successful candidates will have deep experience in legislative campaigns, strong relationship-building skills, and a demonstrated ability to mobilize

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in a union or social justice advocacy or legislative position.
• Ability to independently execute state-level campaigns.
• In-depth knowledge of governmental relations and related issues.
• Ability to build professional relationships with government leaders, staff, coalition partners and allies.
• Highly developed written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and hold a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lobby Illinois legislators and regulatory agencies to advance priority legislation.
• Develop and write position letters, testimony, talking points, and other advocacy materials.
• Monitor legislation and agency regulations in support of policy priorities.
• Provide verbal comments and testimony on behalf of the Union.
• Support nurse membership involvement in legislative advocacy.
• Build alliances with other organizations to advance the Union’s agenda.
• Assist in legislative campaigns in other NNOC/NNU states as needed.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Public speaking

Relationship building

Legislative campaigns

Written advocacy

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

The California Nurses Association (CNA)/National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC)/National Nurses United (NNU) is leading the national movement for registered nurse power 225,000 strong to transform the profit-driven health care industry into a health care system based on prioritizing patient care.

CNA/NNOC/NNU, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, recognizes that building industrial power and holding employers accountable to nurses’ collective bargaining rights are essential to recruiting and retaining Registered Nurses, while protecting their freedom to advocate for patients without fear of retaliation.

In California the California Nurses Association passed the first historic Registered Nurse to Patient Safe Staffing law – nurses nationwide understand lives will be changed by safely limiting the number of very sick patients they are responsible for. Safe staffing makes a real difference in patient outcome and a nurse's ability to do the meaningful work they believe in, providing safe patient care.

Who We Are

We are a militant class‑conscious trade union building the collective power of working people. We fight for better workplaces, stronger communities, and a society that puts people before profit. We are seeking organizers who are passionate about justice, motivated by collective action, and committed to helping workers build power.

We welcome candidates from labor, community organizing, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, student movements, political campaigns, and other mission‑driven backgrounds.

What We Believe In

• Class Power: We embrace class‑struggle – it is through class‑struggle we build worker power to defeat the ruling class. Lasting change happens when workers organize and act collectively to improve their workplaces and communities.
• Transformative Change: We are committed to building a stronger labor movement capable of creating meaningful change for working people.
• Political Engagement: Workers have the power to fight back against all forms of oppression that impact our lives through collective action and democratic participation.

Who Thrives Here

Successful candidates are:

• Deeply committed to justice and solidarity
• Strong relationship builders
• Resilient, adaptable, and willing to learn
• Motivated by collective action and worker empowerment
• Comfortable engaging, persuading, and mobilizing others
• Prepared to work irregular hours, adapt to rapid shifts in priorities, travel, respond to campaigns, support workers during nights and weekends, and make personal sacrifices to advance collective goals.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Government Relations Director, the Legislative Advocate’s primary focus will be to advance the union’s objectives through our Illinois state‑level legislative program. NNOC/NNU provides critical leadership in the state on progressive labor and social justice policy measures in Illinois and across the country, including on safe nurse‑to‑patient ratios, single‑payer health care, health and safety protections for health care workers, regulating AI and other algorithmic technologies, progressive taxation, environmental justice and climate change, and strengthening labor law. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the right person to make a real difference for building the industrial power of registered nurses as well as the movement for health care, economic, and social justice and the movement for economic and social justice.

What You’ll Do - Responsibilities

• Lobby members of the Illinois legislature and regulatory agencies to advance the union’s priority legislation and other policy measures
• Develop and write position letters, testimony, talking points, and other advocacy materials on legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities set forth by the Union
• Assist in monitoring and reviewing legislation and government agency regulations in support of the Union’s policy priorities.
• Provide verbal comments and testimony on behalf of the Union
• Support nurse membership involvement in legislative and policy advocacy.
• Build alliances with other organizations to advance the Union’s legislative and policy agenda
• On occasion, support legislative and regulatory campaigns in other NNOC/NNU states.
• Administrative tasks related to state and local legislative and regulatory tracking, as needed.

What You’ll Bring - Minimum Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience working professionally in a union or social justice advocacy organization or in a legislative advocacy position in Illinois or other states
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute state‑level legislative or advocacy campaigns
• Demonstrated in‑depth knowledge of governmental relations and related issues
• Ability to develop, build and maintain professional relationships with government leaders, staff, coalition partners and potential allies
• Highly developed communication and verbal advocacy skills
• Highly developed written and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with allied organizations and labor union
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Effective time management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
• Ability to travel extensively and valid driver’s license

Experience That Is Helpful But Not Required

• Demonstrated knowledge on labor, nursing workforce, or health policy issues.
• 5+ years of successful experience in union or other social justice advocacy.
• 3-5+ years of political, legislative, or issue campaign experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant advanced degree a plus.
• Experience in labor or health policy issues.

The hybrid position of Legislative Advocate in the Government Relations department is open for appointment in Chicago or Springfield, Illinois.

Compensation and benefits:

Competitive salary range commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including comprehensive family health and dental plan, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being.

Pay Range

$111,543.84—$135,931.68 USD

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

• All CNA/NNOC/NNU employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

CNA/NNOC/NNU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

All submitted application materials must be the direct, original work of the applicant; the use of generative A.I. tools to write your resume, cover letter, or responses is prohibited to preserve the integrity of our hiring process.