Legislative Assistant

California AG; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

California AG seeks a Legislative Assistant to support the Member with legislative activities, communications, and staff tasks. The role includes drafting bills, preparing briefing materials, coordinating with agencies and stakeholders, and assisting with outreach and media content.

The position requires strong writing, research, and analytical skills, plus ability to manage schedules and respond to constituents.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Understand, interpret, and express the views of the Member clearly to elicit positive action.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent organizational ability.
• Employ good judgment and follow established procedures and policies.
• Knowledge of the California State Government, Legislature, process, and committee structure.

Responsibilities

• Research issues and draft bills and amendments for the Member’s proposals.
• Develop coalitions and garner support for legislation.
• Staff legislation; prepare fact sheets, statements, talking points, and background materials.
• Brief the Member on bills pending in committees and on the Assembly Floor.
• Prepare for meetings and briefings; arrange schedules.
• Meet with government representatives and stakeholders; produce briefing papers.
• Respond to constituent calls and resolve problems with district staff.
• Draft constituent letters; prepare media content and press materials.
• Schedule and manage media events; respond to media inquiries.
• Maintain and update the Member’s website; assist with social media content.
• Assist with general office tasks and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Writing

Research

Analytical

Communication

Organization

Interpersonal

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Legislative Assistant is an at-will position that provides a Member with assistance in legislative activities, communications, and related staff support.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Works under close supervision, with detailed instructions provided for new or complex assignments. The supervisor reviews work in progress and upon completion to ensure accuracy, adherence to procedures, and understanding of assignments. Substantial oversight is provided until proficiency is demonstrated. This position does not supervise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Researches issues and drafts bills and amendments for the Member’s legislative proposals.
• Develops coalitions and works to garner support for the Member’s legislation.
• Staffs the Member’s legislation; prepares fact sheets, statements, talking points, and background materials for Floor and committee proceedings.
• Briefs the Member on bills pending in committees and on the Assembly Floor.
• Prepares the Member for meetings and briefings.
• Meets with representatives of state, federal, and local governments, legislative staff, interest groups, business and community organizations, and the public; produces briefing papers on issues discussed.
• Follows and analyzes legislation to advise the Member, Chief of Staff, and/or Legislative Director of issues relating to the Member’s legislative priorities or constituency.
• Attends meetings, hearings, and events with or on behalf of the Member.
• Responds to constituent calls and requests; works with district office staff to help resolve constituent problems and concerns.
• Drafts constituent response letters on behalf of the Member.
• Prepares and assists with the preparation of media advisories, press releases, speeches, social media and web content, and background materials.
• Drafts and distributes/posts press releases, media advisories, social media content, op-eds, community articles, letters to the editor, and newsletters.
• Schedules and manages media events for the Member.
• Responds to media inquiries at the direction of the Member or Chief of Staff; coordinates interviews or statement requests.
• Drafts speeches, talking points, and other background/press materials.
• Maintains and updates the Member’s website in consultation with the Majority/Minority Caucus, as directed.
• Assists with general office tasks such as answering phones, sorting mail, distributing legislative publications, updating contact lists, and facilitating honorary legislative resolutions.
• Complies with Assembly policies and rules, as outlined in the Personnel Policy Manual.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Organization, role, and function of a Member’s office.
• Organization and function of the California State Government, the California Legislature, the legislative process, and committee and leadership structure.
• Social media.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and common business software.
• Proper spelling, grammar usage, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate strong writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Understand, interpret, and express the views and positions of the Member in a manner that will elicit positive action in support of the Member's decisions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent organizational skills.
• Employ good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Statement of Economic Interests Reporting: Required
• Working Conditions: The conditions herein are typically required of an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:
• Work is performed in an office environment requiring the ability to operate standard office equipment and use a computer for extended periods. The position involves sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of light materials.
• Occasional work is also performed in the field and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, noise, or other environmental factors. The position requires walking, standing, bending, and carrying or setting up equipment or materials.
• Lifting or setting up may include items up to 35 pounds.
• Incumbent is required to attend night and weekend events; work extended and irregular hours as legislative business requires, including in support of Legislative Session and committee hearings which may include weekends and holidays; and travel to attend meetings/retreats.

Monthly Salary Range: $5,417 - $8,159 monthly(anticipated to be filled between $5,417 - $5,979 per month)