Legislative & Government Affairs Director

Work Location: Sacramento, CA.

Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required

Position Status: Exempt

Salary: $98,000 - $120,000 per year commensurate with skills and experience

Reports to: CAIR-CA Chief Executive Officer

Requirements: Access to reliable transportation to travel throughout California.

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 3% employer-matched retirement plan, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilized temporarily with three days in office and two days of remote work.

ABOUT US: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy nonprofit. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.

ABOUT THE ROLE: The California chapter of CAIR (CAIR-CA) is looking for a passionate and talented individual to fill the Legislative & Government Affairs Director position. This position will work closely with the CAIR-CA Executive Directors, policy and advocacy staff, and communications staff across the state. They will establish and maintain strategic relationships and influence local, state, and federal legislative bodies and government agencies to represent and protect the interests of the American Muslim community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Relationship Building (45%)

• Establish and maintain high level relationships and meet with elected officials including members of Congress to advocate for civil and human rights legislation.
• Support offices in establishing relationships and partnerships with policymakers, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and funders to foster coalition building, joint advocacy efforts, and funding to sustain statewide policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Develop key relationships to leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
• Secure relevant funding and building relationships with foundations

Legislative & Policy Process (15%)

• Develop and manage CAIR-CA's legislative agenda. Plan, monitor, evaluate, and implement legislative initiatives and programs related to the agenda.
• Introduce, advocate, and testify before government committees regarding issues relevant to CAIR's policy agenda. Train volunteers and other CAIR staff to provide testimony on behalf of CAIR as needed.
• Participate in workshops and hearings concerning relevant policy matters and provide assessments of positions of parties to management as part of recommendations.
• Track legislation utilizing CAIR-CA's tracking system and monitor committee meetings and legislative action. Manage action alert system.

Management & Vision (15%)

• Provide supervision and strategic direction in the development and implementation of strategies to advance policy changes at the local, state, and national levels that protect the civil rights of American Muslims and promote inclusive and equitable policies.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership for CAIR-CA's policy and advocacy programs.
• Lead/participate in coalitions, draft campaign letters and action alerts, and mobilize the community.
• Lead statewide Policy & Advocacy Committee in delivering relevant programs and projects. Develops and recommends new and revised policies, programs, and procedures.

Programs and Events (10%)

• Oversee statewide government relations programs and events such as Muslim Day at the Capitol, Muslim Youth Leadership Program, and Capitol Ramadan Reception.
• Collaborate and participate in specific federal work such as USCMO's Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day.

Voter Education (10%)

• Oversee forums and town hall meetings to connect the American Muslim community to their elected officials and relevant political issues.
• Promote civic engagement (voter registration, voter education, voter turn-out, town-hall discussions, volunteerism, etc.) within the Muslim community.
• Oversee special projects such as developing scorecards and voter guides on local and statewide issues.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues including coordinating office visits and other advocacy activities.

Other (5%)

• All CAIR-CA staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public relations, or related field or equivalent work experience. A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum six years of full-time experience in public policy and government affairs.
• Minimum five years of full-time experience managing teams, staff, and/or volunteers.
• Extensive experience developing policy, advocating before elected representatives, state or federal departments and agencies, and building and working with coalitions.
• Experience working with a political action committee and/or a grassroots program.
• Experience with public speaking in front of small and large crowds, in-person and virtually.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to present complex information in focused public policy and advocacy materials.
• A record of accomplishment of successful advocacy to policymakers.
• Proven ability to develop key relationships and identify and leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and objectives, lead projects, and work effectively with others internally to produce positive results.
• A high degree of self-motivation and creativity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• A strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR's mission.
• Experience in a nonprofit advocacy organization, trade association, state legislature or Congress, state, or federal agency, working in a corporate government affairs office or trade association.
• Experience working with the American Muslim community.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references at https://cacair.applicantpro.com/jobs/3317998

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.