Legislative & Government Affairs Manager

Work Location: Sacramento, CA.

Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required

Position Status: Exempt

Salary: $72,000 - $90,000 per year commensurate with skills and experience

Reports to: CAIR-LA Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager

Requirements: Must have access to reliable transportation for 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 Manager 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 interact with local and state legislative bodies and government agencies to represent and protect the interests of the American Muslim community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Relationship Building (45%)

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with members of local and state government entities and agencies to advocate for civil and human rights legislation.
• Identify and develop key relationships to leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
• Attend community events, council meetings, municipal meetings and report back issues impacting CAIR.

Programs & Events (20%)

• Organize statewide government relations programs 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 (15%)

• Set up 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.
• Prepare scorecards and voter guides on local and statewide issues.

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.
• Track legislation utilizing CAIR-CA's tracking system and monitor committee meetings and legislative action.
• Participate in workshops and hearings concerning relevant policy matters and provide assessments of positions of parties to management as part of recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues including coordinating office visits and other advocacy activities.
• Lead/participate in coalitions, draft campaign letters and action alerts, and mobilize the community.
• Strategize the development and implementation of legislative processes.

Other (5%)

• Lead statewide Policy & Advocacy Committee in delivering relevant programs and projects. Develops and recommends new and revised policies, programs, and procedures.
• Manage advocacy database and action alert system.
• 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 required. A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum three years of full-time experience in public policy and government affairs.
• Minimum three 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.
• Flexibility to adjust and contribute to continually evolving work situations and changing priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to present complex information in focused public policy and advocacy materials.
• Experience with public speaking in front of small and large crowds, in-person and virtually.
• 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 a political action committee and/or a grassroots program.
• Experience working with the American Muslim community.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

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