Senior Legislative Advocate

Senior Legislative Advocate

California Environmental Voters

Sacramento, CA • Hybrid

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Employment Type: Full Time/Exempt
Wage: A competitive $80,000-$95,000 annual salary
Department: Political
Reports To: Policy Advocacy Director
Position Location: Sacramento
Work Schedule: Four Day Work Week: Two (2) days in office, two (2) days remote. However, there may be certain circumstances, like pressing deadlines or peak business periods, where it becomes necessary for the organization to temporarily switch to a five-day work week.
WHO WE ARE
We believe this moment requires transformative change.
The climate crisis is here. And Black, Indigenous and people of color have been bearing the burden of our pollution-based economy for generations. We have the solutions to stop climate change, but we lack the political will to do it at the rate and scale that's needed.
EnviroVoters exists to build the political will and power to solve the climate crisis, use climate action to advance justice, and create a global roadmap. To protect our water, land, air, and our most vulnerable communities, we organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change.
Our vision is to build resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and create a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as the organization's main registered lobbyist.
  • Lead the development and execution of high-level legislative strategies to advance the organization's climate justice and democracy priorities in the California State Legislature.
  • Lead legislative strategy for key legislative priorities, in close collaboration with the Policy Advocacy Director, including overseeing lobbying efforts for sponsored bills and identifying opportunities for leadership on proactive legislation that addresses the climate crisis., including: 1) Working in partnership with the Legislative team to carry out tactics and strategy to pass priority bills. 2) Identifying key targets in the legislature. 3) Working with other staff at EnviroVoters on drafting communications messaging for effective organizing around legislative priorities. 4) Make strategic recommendations on bill sponsorship, coalition alignment, and policy messaging, based on deep analysis of the legislative and political landscape. 5) Represent the organization in high-level meetings with elected officials, committee chairs, administration staff, and partner organizations, funders, and press serving as a trusted source of political intelligence and strategy. 6) Represent the organization in high-stakes coalition negotiations, press briefings, and external-facing events.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key legislators, committee staff, and leadership in the Capitol, to advance EnviroVoters top priorities and strengthen our long-term influence. Shape and lead the organization's strategy within priority coalitions, including aligning allies, building consensus, and navigating conflict to achieve shared legislative wins.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of California's political environmental landscape and an understanding of the landscape within specific legislative districts.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of an array of key environmental and environmental justice and good government policies and identify opportunities for the organization to act or lead on such issues.
  • Identify areas for and create innovation around advocacy, engagement, and coalition-building.
  • Support in-district education, outreach and relationship-building activities in collaboration with EnviroVoters, EnviroVoters Ed Fund staff and partners.
  • Identify weaknesses in our legislative program and work to develop strategies and tactics to compensate for and overcome potential challenges and obstacles.
  • Collaborate with other EnviroVoters and EnviroVoters Ed Fund staff on communications and fundraising for program work.
  • Regularly update staff on relevant, critical, and timely information pertinent to passing legislative priorities.
  • Provide high-level briefings, written updates, and proposals to internal leadership, board members, and major donors on legislative developments and strategy.
  • Serve as spokesperson for the organization.
  • Manage and update the EnviroVoters priority legislation list.
  • Serve as project manager for organizational events including lobby days, pressers, and rallies.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.
MUST HAVES
To be successful in this job, you must possess the following qualities and experience:
  • Minimum 5-7 years' experience working in legislative affairs, with at least 3 years working directly with the California State Legislature.
  • Proven track record of leading successful legislative campaigns, building coalitions, and navigating complex political dynamics in Sacramento.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the California legislative process, political landscape, and environmental policy.
  • Thrives on teamwork in a fast-paced, high-stakes political environment, balancing strategic planning with real-time responsiveness while remaining professional, focused, and solutions-oriented in the face of political conflict, setbacks, and opposition from powerful interests.
  • Ability to navigate complex political dynamics, maintain strong relationships, and manage sensitive stakeholder concerns with diplomacy and tact.
  • Exceptional relationship cultivation, communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to distill complex policy issues into clear, compelling messaging tailored to different audiences.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and can keep track of multiple priorities while maintaining effective communication with a team.
  • Strong commitment to racial, social, economic justice and equity
  • Strong commitment to solving the climate crisis

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW
This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in this highly respected organization. California Environmental Voters offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including a 4-Day Work Week policy, 12 PTO days; 12 Federal and State holidays, plus a paid week off at the end of the year, medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage; a 401(k)-retirement program with employer match; flexible spending account (FSA) for health care expenses; commuter program; and optional life insurance.
Don't meet every single requirement? At EnviroVoters, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workspace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this role or other roles.
EnviroVoters and EnviroVoters Ed Fund has a deep commitment to equity and fostering a culture of inclusion. EnviroVoters invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our organization.
As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions, please contact envirovotersjobs@envirovoters.org.



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Legislative Advocate?

A: To succeed as a Legislative Advocate, key technical skills include proficiency in policy analysis, legislative drafting, and government relations, as well as knowledge of the legislative process and regulatory frameworks. Soft skills such as strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are also crucial, enabling effective collaboration with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. These technical and soft skills combined enable Legislative Advocates to craft and advance policy agendas, build coalitions, and influence decision-making processes, ultimately driving meaningful change and career growth in this role.

Q: What is the career path for a Legislative Advocate?

A: A Legislative Advocate's career path typically begins with entry-level roles such as Legislative Assistant or Government Relations Coordinator, where they develop skills in policy analysis, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement. As they gain experience, they progress to mid-level positions like Legislative Analyst or Public Policy Specialist, where they take on more complex policy issues and develop expertise in specific areas. Senior roles, such as Director of Government Relations or Chief Public Policy Officer, often involve strategic leadership, coalition building, and high-level advocacy, providing opportunities for significant professional growth and long-term career advancement.



California Environmental Voters job posting for a Senior Legislative Advocate in Sacramento, CA with a salary of $80,000 to $95,000 Annually and benefits including Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, Life, and Retirement with a map of Sacramento location.