Legislative Affairs Manager

Cenikor Foundation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Houston, Texas, is seeking a Legislative Affairs Manager to enhance relationships with legislators and advocate for health-related priorities. The successful candidate will develop strategies and materials that advance organizational goals and communicate effectively with various stakeholders. A Bachelor's degree in political science or a related field and at least 2 years of experience in government relations are required. Strong communication, advocacy, and project management skills are essential for this mid-senior level role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in government relations or legislative affairs.
• Experience with non-profits or healthcare is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support legislative affairs and government relations efforts.
• Advocate for Cenikor priorities with elected officials.
• Develop materials to support government relations agenda.

Skills

Legislative advocacy

Project management

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under the direction of Senior Director of Advancement, the Legislative Affairs Manager supports legislative affairs and government relations functions of Cenikor Foundation. In collaboration with Cenikor executives and Cenikor consultants, the incumbent plans and executes a comprehensive and proactive strategy that advances the Cenikor mission and goals with local, state, and federal elected officials in markets served by Cenikor facilities, and internal and external stakeholders and clients.

Legislative Affairs and Government Relations

• In collaboration with Senior Director of Advancement and other Cenikor executives, develops and manages Cenikor strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for Cenikor.
• Works with the Cenikor leadership to identify priority legislative and government relations issues potentially impacting Cenikor, and crafts Cenikor position and response there to address them.
• Communicates and advocates Cenikor priorities to local, regional, state, and national elected officials and staff.
• Organizes and collaborates with community supporters and partners to lobby around specific legislation, including political action committees, with approval from Cenikor Executive Staff.
• Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates, and advises Cenikor leadership about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with Cenikor executives to analyze potential impacts on Cenikor.
• Communicates with the Cenikor community to inform them of relevant government issues.
• Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including Cenikor executives and Foundation Board members, state and national associations, student organizations, employee unions, and government relations staff from other agencies. Engages constituents inside and outside the Cenikor in support of the Cenikor’s government relations agenda.
• Develops a wide range of materials in support of the Cenikor’s government relations agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters. Works with Cenikor Marketing and Advancement teams to develop relevant public relations materials and MarCom materials.
• Plans and implements events and other activities to support the Cenikor’s government relations goals, such as town halls, news conferences, and meetings. Collaborates with external Cenikor lobbyists to execute lobbying events in accordance with campaign plans as necessary to further advance Cenikor legislative goals.
• Works with Grants Specialist in identifying potential opportunities and relationships that could impact government grant funding for the Foundation.
• Provides technical assistance to Cenikor executives and staff on government relations issues.
• Responds to inquiries from community members and other interested parties; when needed, recruits a knowledgeable spokesperson or information source to assist.
• Ensures completion of Big 5 performance management tool by the required deadline and use of SMART goals to support annual performance compensation review.
• Upholds the core principles of Cenikor's culture and creates a positive working environment for all team members.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned and consistent with the exempt functions as assigned in this job description.

Qualifications for the Position

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes.
• Project management and planning principles and practices.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office required.

Demonstrated Skills or Abilities in:

• Writing compelling articles, persuasive proposals, legislative summaries, and speeches/executive talking points.
• Strong attention to detail, editing skills and ability to summarize details for executive and board reports.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with public officials, consultant firms, and their respective staffs.
• Communicating clearly and effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups.
• Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents.
• Legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
• Communicating complex concepts through oral and written mediums, including proven skill in preparing a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets.
• Planning and organization of multiple simultaneous projects to ensure all projects progress on a timely and cost‑efficient manner.
• Working independently, as well as with teams, including the proven ability to collaborate and build consensus with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to consistently uphold the Core Principles of Cenikor's Culture:
• Demonstrate mission of service to our clients.
• Positive, respectful communication with both staff and clients.
• Demonstrate self‑motivation and perseverance to achieve goals.
• Role model appropriate, professional behaviors including appropriate client boundaries.
• Work effectively as part of a team, helping to set up others for success.

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, communications, or related field required.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of government relations / legislative affairs or public affairs required.
• Experience with non‑profit, substance use disorder, healthcare, mental health, or educational organizations.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Legal, Strategy/Planning, and Analyst
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care; Health and Human Services