Employment Opportunity For

Legislative / Political Director

New Jersey Citizen Action is seeking a Legislative/Political Director to lead a successful government relations operation and expand the political influence of the state's largest independent citizen watchdog coalition. NJCA represents 60,000 family members and 100 labor, tenant, senior, environmental, fair housing, civil rights, women's, neighborhood and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to protect and expand the rights of individuals and families, and to ensure that government officials respond to the needs of people rather than the interests of those with money and power. NJCA seeks to advance a progressive political agenda, through collective action and individual empowerment in communities around the state.

Examples of Work

• Organize and facilitate meetings between legislators and policy makers and NJCA affiliates on key NJCA issues.
  
• Issue regular communications to NJCA staff, affiliates, allies and members
  regarding legislative and electoral activities as it relates to NJCA policy issues.
  
• Engage in legislative activities, including bill drafting, securing bill sponsors, lobbying, testifying and maintaining a visible presence at the New Jersey State House.
  
• Provide training to NJCA's Program and Canvass staff on all electoral and legislative issues.
  
• Facilitate and supplement NJCA's tradition of citizen lobbying by organizing NJCA individual members and affiliated organizations into targeted legislative district committees. Support and mobilize these committees around NJCA's legislative and electoral initiatives.
  
• Establish a candidate endorsement process that focuses on primaries and general elections.
  
• Assist the Executive Director in developing and expanding NJCA's Political Action Committee (PAC).
  
• Along with the NJCA Financial Director and Attorney, maintain all proper records in compliance with appropriate election laws and keep abreast of changes to these laws.
  
• Coordinate Get Out the Vote (GOTV) and Voter Registration campaigns.
  
• Build a Candidate Recruitment and training program.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Committed to organization's mission.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communicator.
  
• Ability to be self-directed, develop and maintain priorities and conduct multiple tasks on deadline.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills including excellent relationship building skills.
  
• Versatile, quick learner.
  
• Ability to complete assignments in fast-paced environment.
  
• Knowledge of progressive issues including health care, education, campaign finance reform, fair housing, tax policy and utility rates.
  
• General computer skills including word processing, data base on on-line applications.

Required Education and Experience

• A Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university. (Experience may be substituted for education on a year-by-year basis.)
  
• Minimum of four years organizing experience in community, labor, church or student organization, at least one year of which must include responsibility for a campaign.
  
• Experience with policy development, lobbying and Federal and State Legislative processes.
  
• Demonstrated skill in political campaigns, including direct voter contact programs and political fundraising.
  
• The Legislative/Political Director must have his or her own car, valid driver's license and insurance, be available some evenings and week-ends and work in Trenton as determined by New Jersey's legislative calendar.

Compensation

Competitive, based on experience. Attractive benefit package.

To Apply

Fax or email cover letter and resume to NJCA Executive Director, Phyllis Salowe-Kaye at 201-488-1253 or phyllis@njcitizenaction.org. No calls please.

NJCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.