Public Affairs Consultant (Portland, OR) bei Oregon Education Association

The Oregon Education Association is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Affairs Consultant to join our government relations teams! The person in this position will lobby OEA"s legislative priorities, participate in policy development, and communication to members, leaders and staff. The Consultant will also support the coordination of activities around political campaign strategy and execution, both internally and externally. Member engagement is central to this position to ensure that OEA members are informed and participating in OEA’s political agenda. Collaborative strategic planning with the Public Affairs team will be routine.  

The annual salary for this position is $99,551 - $158,450; placement on the salary schedule is dependent on relevant experience.  Employees receive fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits for themselves and qualified dependents, significant paid time off and paid holidays, employer contribution to 401k after meeting eligibility requirements, pension vesting after five (5) years of employment, and much more.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Lobby for OEA legislative objectives and take major responsibility for particular policy and issue research for both internal and external purposes.  
2. Organize and provide detailed consultation to electoral campaigns reflecting OEA priorities; and provide member engagement opportunities within.  
3. Collaboration on political strategies and execution consistent with OEA policies and objectives.  
4. Provide training and support to leaders, members, and staff on electoral and legislative programs; and provide support for their engagement.
5. Offer leadership and staff support to a variety of OEA member committees and work groups.  
6. Maintain strong relationships with lawmakers, staff, and recommended candidates.  
7. Lead, manage, staff and support a variety of coalitions and relationships with peer organizations.  
8. Partner with coalitions and community partners to work on equity, inclusion and advancing racial justice efforts through policy or campaign work; within education, and intersectional issues that affect our members and the communities they serve.
9. Maintain familiarity with state election law and provide consultation to OEA PACs and campaigns.  
10. Identify, collect and interpret political data.  
11. Internal and external political organizing.  
12. Working collaboratively and in a team approach.  
13. Regular written, verbal and electronic communications to members and legislators on OEA priorities.  
14. Serves as liaison to State Agencies and external groups as directed.  
15. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) or more years of experience as a lobbyist or extensive experience in a legislative setting. 
• Demonstrated experience and success in political organizing and political campaign at a senior staff level. 
• Experience crafting and interpreting public opinion polling on statewide ballot measures and candidate campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience in writing and executing campaign plans for issues, legislative, and candidate campaigns.
• Experience convening, managing, and leading coalitions of advocacy organizations.
• Experience advising organizations on legislative strategy related to policy and budget requests.
• Research and data collection experience.  

OTHER

• Ability to obtain a valid Oregon State driver's license to drive for work related purposes on a regular basis, has a satisfactory driving record, and has a dependable automobile for Association travel. Proof of automobile insurance with liability limits of at least $100,000/$300,000 required.  
• Ability to travel for work-related purposes both in Oregon and nationally. 

OTHER INFORMATION

SUPERVISORY

• The employee works under the direction of the Director of Public Affairs & Professional Excellence, Executive Director and/or designee and is expected to operate in a team oriented and collaborative environment, handle complex problems with initiative, creativity and sound professional judgment.  
• This position does not supervise other employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Location: OEA Headquarters office, Portland, OR
• The work will be performed in a variety of settings including office, Salem Capitol, schools, and at community partner locations; sometimes in front of large or small groups and sometimes alone. 
• Significant travel is expected.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The Oregon Education Association is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, the Oregon Education Association will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. 

The Oregon Education Association is an equal employment opportunity employer.