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Legislative Director - Office of Senator Friedman

AT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Legislative Director - Office of Senator Friedman

Boston, MA

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Legislative Director (LD) is a senior member of the Senator's team and serves as advisor and manager for the Senator's healthcare legislative agenda. The LD is the office point person on all healthcare legislative matters including, but not limited to: committee work for the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, healthcare bills filed and co-sponsored by the Senator, healthcare legislation before the Senate, and healthcare-related legislative concerns from constituents and other Senate offices. The LD leads the development of healthcare policy positions and oversees all healthcare legislative initiatives on behalf of the Senator. The LD reports to the Chief of Staff.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Research healthcare policy issues and draft legislation, amendments, and committee testimony.
  • Collaborate with and advise the Senator and senior office staff on the formulation of strategies and legislation designed to advance the Senator's healthcare policy and budget priorities.
  • Monitor and maintain up-to-date knowledge on healthcare legislation affecting the Senator's district and healthcare legislation on which the Senator is a principal sponsor or co-sponsor.
  • Organize and manage workflow for hearings of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and meetings and events related to the Senator's healthcare legislative priorities and committee assignments.
  • Respond to healthcare legislative-related inquiries and communications from constituents, organizations, legislators, and other stakeholders.
  • Brief the Senator on key healthcare issues prior to meetings, caucuses, and Senate sessions.
  • Convene, inform, and persuade various stakeholders regarding the Senator's healthcare legislative priorities.
  • Draft and edit speeches, talking points, and remarks for the Senator in relation to the Senator's healthcare legislative priorities and committee work.

Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

  • Manage, in coordination with the Chief of Staff, the Senator's work as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and research policy and legal issues related to legislation assigned to the committee.
  • Maintain relationships with a wide variety of healthcare policy stakeholders and assist the Senator in determining the opinions of various stakeholders regarding pending bills pending before the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance.
  • Research and advise on the current state of healthcare policy and programs, including, but not limited to, relevant state and federal regulations, and monitor healthcare industry developments and local, state, and national news to ensure the Senator is well-informed on necessary healthcare policy issues.
  • Provide constituent services and case work on district issues, and support district events.
  • Assist with messaging, media relations and constituent outreach regarding the Senator's healthcare legislative agenda.
  • Attend events and meetings of state healthcare agencies, boards, commissions, and other state entities dealing with healthcare, public health, and health planning with the Senator or on their behalf.
  • Assist with general administrative duties: answering phones, ordering supplies, sorting mail.
  • Train, supervise, or participate in the hiring of office staff or interns.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of relevant work experience, or any of the following combinations of education and experience:
  • Associate's degree and at least 3 years of relevant work experience;
  • Graduate degree or higher in a related field; or
  • At least 5 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience with and knowledge of the legislative process, public policy, or special-interest advocacy.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, positive, and professional manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively and professionally in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree or higher in a related field such as Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or Government.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the broader healthcare policy landscape in the Commonwealth,.
  • Ability to read, interpret, research, and analyze federal and state laws and other rules and regulations related to state governance.
  • Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
  • Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Applicants should submit a resume, writing sample and one-page cover letter, addressed to Liz Berman, Chief of Staff .

    The Senate's total compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation, including, but not limited to:

    • 75% state-paid medical insurance premium
    • Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
    • Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs
    • Low-cost basic and optional life insurance - Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
    • 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
    • Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave - Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
    • Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
    • Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
    • Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

    The Massachusetts Senate is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, military, and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Our goal is to be a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the diverse commonwealth we serve, and women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

    Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA, USA
    Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-250005JQ
    Employment Type: Full Time

    Perks and Benefits

    • Health and Wellness

      • Health Insurance
      • Health Reimbursement Account
      • Dental Insurance
      • Vision Insurance
      • Life Insurance
      • Short-Term Disability
      • Long-Term Disability
      • FSA
      • HSA
      • Mental Health Benefits
    • Parental Benefits

      • Adoption Assistance Program
      • Family Support Resources
    • Work Flexibility

      • Flexible Work Hours
      • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Office Life and Perks

      • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Vacation and Time Off

      • Paid Vacation
      • Paid Holidays
      • Personal/Sick Days
      • Volunteer Time Off
    • Financial and Retirement

      • Pension
      • Financial Counseling
    • Professional Development

      • Promote From Within
      • Mentor Program
      • Access to Online Courses
      • Lunch and Learns
      • Internship Program
      • Leadership Training Program
      • Associate or Rotational Training Program
    • Diversity and Inclusion

      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program