Senior Legislative Affairs Manager - California & Hawaii

NASW (National Association of Social Workers); Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NASW California & Hawaii chapters seek a Senior Legislative Affairs Manager to lead advocacy strategy and legislative drafting. You will transform policy ideas into clear bills, testify at hearings, and build coalitions with lawmakers and agencies.

Reporting to the Associate Director, you will guide ethical policy development across two states, mentor staff, and ensure alignment with NASW's Code of Ethics and social work values. A deep knowledge of state legislatures is required.

Qualifications

• Masters degree required in social work, law, or related field.
• Licensure as a social worker preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of NASW Code of Ethics and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute legislative strategies for CA and HI chapters.
• Draft legislation, amendments, and resolutions aligned with NASW priorities.
• Provide testimony and manage lobbying efforts with policymakers.
• Educate and mobilize NASW members through grassroots campaigns.
• Collaborate with Ethics Committee and Legal Defense Fund on ethical practice.

Skills

Policy analysis

Legislative drafting

Advocacy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Bi-state collaboration

Policy strategy

Education

MSW

JD preferred

LCSW preferred

Job description

I. MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

Under the strategic direction of the Associate Director, the Senior Legislative Affairs Manager plays a critical leadership role in shaping and advancing the legislative and policy agenda for both the NASW California and Hawaii chapters. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive advocacy strategies, providing expert guidance on legislative matters, and serving as a legislative drafter who transforms policy ideas into clear, concise legal language for bills, resolutions, and amendments.

The Senior Legislative Affairs Manager works in close collaboration with the Policy Manager to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to advocacy across both states. This role requires exceptional policy analysis skills, deep knowledge of legislative processes, and the ability to draft legislation to effectively advocate for social work professionals and the clients they serve. Additionally, this position provides expert guidance on ethical issues and dilemmas faced by social work professionals, serving as a key resource for the chapters' ethics consultation efforts.

As a senior member of the policy team, this role represents NASW in high-level coalitions, provides expert testimony, and builds strategic relationships with lawmakers, government agencies, and advocacy partners to advance the chapters' policy priorities.

II. BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Legislative Strategy and Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive legislative and policy strategies aligned with NASW's mission and goals for both the California and Hawaii chapters.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of relevant policy issues, identifying emerging trends and potential impacts on the social work profession in both states.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director, Policy Manager, and other internal stakeholders to prioritize policy issues and develop action plans to address them effectively.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level in California and Hawaii to identify opportunities and threats to the social work profession.

B. Legislative Drafting and Advocacy

• Draft legislation, bill proposals, resolutions, and amendments that align with NASW's advocacy priorities and effectively address key issues impacting social work professionals and their clients in California and Hawaii.
• Analyze existing legislation and propose amendments or revisions to improve the impact and effectiveness of social work laws and regulations.
• Lead lobbying efforts to promote NASW's legislative agenda, building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders in both state capitals (Sacramento and Honolulu).
• Provide expert testimony and represent NASW's interests during legislative hearings, forums, and public events.
• Prepare legislative analyses, bill summaries, and advocacy materials for distribution to members, the public, and legislators.

C. Legal Expertise and Ethical Consultation

• Offer legal and ethical guidance to NASW staff, members, and affiliated organizations on matters related to social work practice, licensure, ethics, and other legal issues.
• Provide expert consultation to social work professionals on ethical issues and dilemmas, conducting in-depth analysis and recommending appropriate courses of action based on NASW's Code of Ethics and relevant legal and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with NASW's Legal Defense Fund and Ethics Committee to support legal efforts and provide strategic guidance in cases that have broad implications for social work practice.
• Develop resources and materials to support social work professionals in navigating ethical dilemmas and maintaining the highest ethical standards.

D. Grassroots Advocacy and Member Engagement

• In collaboration with the Policy Manager and Member Engagement Managers, develop and execute strategies for educating and mobilizing NASW members across both chapters in grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Organize member participation in lobbying campaigns, public hearings, and advocacy days (e.g., Lobby Days in California and Hawaii).
• Create action alerts and advocacy tools that empower members to engage effectively with their elected officials.

E. Coalition Building and Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy groups, to build strategic partnerships, coalitions, and alliances in support of NASW's policy agenda.
• Represent NASW's interests and perspectives in coalitions, meetings, public hearings, and other forums related to policy advocacy and ethical practice.
• Collaborate with other NASW departments, chapters, and affiliated organizations to coordinate policy advocacy efforts and ensure consistent messaging and strategies.

F. Education and Training

• Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and webinars on policy advocacy, legislative processes, and ethical practice for NASW members and social work professionals.
• Stay abreast of emerging policy and ethical issues in social work practice and incorporate relevant updates into training materials and resources.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and other professional events to represent NASW, raise awareness about policy advocacy and ethical practice, and promote NASW's resources and initiatives.

G. Team Collaboration and Supervision

• Collaborate closely with the Policy Manager to ensure alignment of advocacy strategies, coordinate on legislative priorities, and divide responsibilities effectively across the two states.
• May provide guidance and mentorship to the Policy Manager and other policy staff or interns as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate Director and other department leaders (Membership & Communications, Capacity Building, Conferences & Events) to ensure coordination and strategic alignment across the chapters' work.

H. Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Associate Director or Executive Director.

III. MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal and policy concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including legislators, members, and the public.
• Strong legislative drafting skills, with demonstrated ability to transform policy ideas into clear, precise legal language.
• Strong leadership and collaborative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, bi-state environment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze policy issues, identify ethical considerations, and propose effective solutions.
• Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and engage with diverse stakeholders, including lawmakers, government agencies, and coalition partners.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities across two chapters.
• Attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a coordinated policy team.

Knowledge:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Law (JD), or a related field required.
• Licensure as a social worker (LCSW) is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of social work ethics and the NASW Code of Ethics is essential.
• Demonstrated understanding of policy development, legislative procedures, and advocacy strategies at the state level.
• Familiarity with California and Hawaii state legislatures, regulatory processes, and social welfare systems.
• Knowledge of issues relevant to the social work profession (e.g., mental health, child welfare, healthcare, licensure, workforce development).

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or related fields, with at least 3-5 years of experience in legislative drafting and legal advocacy.
• Proven experience drafting legislation, amendments, or regulatory comments that have advanced policy goals.
• Demonstrated experience leading advocacy campaigns and engaging with state-level policymakers.
• Experience providing ethical consultations or legal guidance preferred.
• Experience working in or with professional associations, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies is highly desirable.

IV. ATTRIBUTES

• Results Driven: The Senior Legislative Affairs Manager will be focused on achieving tangible advocacy results through strategic planning and execution.
• Strong Business Acumen: Ability to recognize and act on emerging trends, understanding member-driven, not-for-profit organizations' unique needs.
• Firm and Fair Leadership: Works collaboratively with various stakeholders, demonstrating fairness, flexibility, and a firm commitment to NASW's mission.
• Partnership-Oriented: Able to build trust with internal and external stakeholders and maintain professionalism and accountability.
• Organizational Agility: Fosters an open and communicative environment that encourages collaboration and thought-provoking discussions.
• Perceptive: Creative and intuitive in identifying opportunities and taking the necessary actions to move initiatives forward.
• Commitment to Social Justice: Demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and the values of the social work profession.