Legislative Advocacy Specialist at The Independence Center

Description

The Legislative Advocacy Specialist advances disability rights by engaging in policy, monitoring legislation, and advocating for inclusive laws at state and federal levels. Key duties include building relationships with lawmakers, coordinating grassroots campaigns, representing The IC in coalitions, educating stakeholders, preparing testimony, and empowering individuals with disabilities in advocacy. This role collaborates closely with internal Teams, the Board Advocacy Committee, and the IC lobbyist to align legislative work with program and community needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Track state and federal legislative proposals that impact individuals with disabilities, assessing potential effects and developing strategic responses.

· Draft policy briefs, position statements, and testimony to support the IC’s legislative priorities and communicate them to lawmakers and stakeholders.

· Build and maintain relationships with Colorado state legislators, agency officials, and other policymakers to influence disability-related legislation and regulations.

· Mobilize community members, including individuals with disabilities and allies, to participate in advocacy efforts such as contacting legislators, attending hearings, and submitting public comments.

· Participate in statewide coalitions, advisory boards, and working groups to advance disability rights and ensure inclusive policy development.

· Conduct workshops, webinars, and briefings for the IC Team and community members on legislative processes, disability rights, and advocacy strategies.

· Draft and deliver testimony before legislative committees and prepare written communications for policymakers and the public.

· Facilitate opportunities for individuals with disabilities to share their stories and advocate for themselves in legislative settings.

· Work closely with internal Teams, the Board Advocacy Committee and IC lobbyist to align legislative advocacy with program goals and community needs.

· Maintain records of legislative activities, outcomes, and stakeholder engagement, and contribute to reports for IC leadership.

· Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership.

· This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.

· Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

· Extraordinary customer service skills.

· Effective communication skills.

· Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.

· Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.

· Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.

· Takes responsibility for high-quality work.

· Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.

· Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

· The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

· Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in public relations, government, public administration, social policy or 5 years relevant experience.

· Familiarity with the Colorado Legislative, Executive, and state agency processes.

· Experience working with people with disabilities.

· Direct experience working with elected officials and/or policy makers preferred.

· Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

· Statewide travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events will be required.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Working Conditions:

· Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.

· Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 

· Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.