Legislative Director - Office of State Senator Mike Barrett

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) is the chief architect of climate and energy policy for the Massachusetts State Senate. He serves as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and takes an active interest in criminal justice reform, transportation, and a broad range of other issues. His district consists of eight communities to the west of Boston: Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Waltham, Weston and a large part of Lexington.

Sen. Barrett seeks a legislative director who will report directly to the Chief of Staff (COS) and work collaboratively with other staff members. This is a hybrid position. They will work several times each week in Sen. Barrett's State House office (with flexible work-from-home options) and travel to the district as needed. The position will be integral to four major functions: helping to shape and direct public policy, providing support for legislative work, working with citizen groups in the district, and addressing problems of individual constituents. Day to day, the policy advisor must be a jack of all trades and contribute to the smooth overall operation of the office. The legislative director relishes the interplay of politics and policy.

New hires can expect a salary between $76,510 and $97,033, which will be based on related experience, education, and training.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research 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 policy and budget priorities.
• Monitor and maintain up-to-date knowledge on legislation affecting the Senator's district and legislation on which the Senator is a principal sponsor or co-sponsor.
• Provide constituent services and case work on district issues, and support district events.
• Organize and manage workflow for hearings, meetings and events related to the Senator's legislative priorities and committee assignments.
• Respond to legislative-related inquiries and communications from constituents, organizations, legislators, and other stakeholders.
• Brief the Senator on key issues prior to meetings, caucuses, and Senate sessions.
• Convene, inform, and persuade various stakeholders regarding the Senator's legislative priorities.
• Draft and edit speeches, talking points, and remarks for the Senator.

Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

• Research policy and legal issues related to legislation assigned to the Senator's committees.
• Assist with messaging, media relations and constituent outreach regarding the Senator's legislative agenda.
• Attend events 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

Familiarity with the Senator's district is a plus.

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to Ben Minerva at Ben.Minerva@masenate.gov.

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

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-2500081T

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-12-04T18:36:39