Director Of Government Relations And Legislative Affairs

JOB TITLE: Director ofGovernment Relations and Legislative Affairs
REPORTS TO: Chief of External Affairs and Chief of Staff
COMPENSATION: starting salary at $75,000; commensurate with experience.
FLSA STATUS: Full time; Exempt
POSITION PROFILE:
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office (SCDAO) is seeking an experienced professional with significant policy and Legislative Affairs experience and exceptional people skills to play a key role on the District Attorney's external affairs and community engagement team. The Director ofGovernment Relations and Legislative Affairs is responsible for managing the entire SCDAO legislative operation, including assisting in the development of messaging, policy positions, and Legislative initiatives; creating and implementing long- and short-term legislative priorities for the District Attorney; and implementing effective outreach to local, state, and national constituencies. A successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, an in-depth knowledge of legislative operations, excellent relationships in local, state, and national government, demonstrated capacity to create a dynamic legislative agenda, sound political judgment, the ability to function in fast-paced office, and solid management skills. This position requires an ability to read and interpret the Massachusetts General Laws and other rules and regulations related to state governance.
Per SCDAO's vaccine mandate, as a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details on demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a member of the District Attorney's external affairs and community engagement team and support the District Attorney's policy priorities by identifying opportunities to advance them through legislative initiatives and collaborations with other elected officials, law enforcement, and community partners.
• Manage the development and advancement of the District Attorney's policy and Legislative priorities.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the legislative process.
• Examine the fiscal impact and policy implications of pending legislation.
• Prepare bill summaries, testimony, and talking points to the District Attorney in advance of legislative hearings and special events.
• Review all legal and policy issues arising in preparation of the annual state budget, supplemental budgets, and other pieces of legislation.
• Meet with senators, legislative staff, and agency administrators on the annual state budget and other pending legislation.
• Prepare memoranda, briefing documents, and talking points on pending legislation, the annual state budget, supplemental budgets and any other legal or legislative issues, as required.
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain partnerships and external relationships with government agencies and elected officials.
• Respond to inquiries relating to legislative matters from constituents, other government offices, and advocates.
• Arrange for testimony by the District Attorney, or on behalf of the District Attorney, at legislative hearings.
• Occasionally advance the District Attorney at legislative or governmental affairs events or other community engagement events, particularly those with those with the presence of local, state, national elected officials, or other government operations stakeholders.
• Represent the office or act as a surrogate for the District Attorney at events, trainings, or other like functions.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the District Attorney, Chief of Staff or Chief of External Affairs.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attend and lead trainings relevant to SCDAO functions.
• Become familiar with, and model conformance with, SCDAO personnel policies, particularly regarding confidentiality, sexual harassment, drug-free workplace, and usage of information technology resources.
• Become familiar with, and adhere to, the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Exercise respectful and professional behavior and communication with the public, judicial personnel, law enforcement personnel, and SCDAO staff.
• Liaise with law enforcement and community partners.
• Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner.
• Attend leadership meetings.
• Other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Occasional supervision of interns.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
TRAVEL: Some travel from various sites, including but not limited to courthouses as well as law enforcement and government offices.
EEO STATEMENT:
The SCDAO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualifications:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:

• A bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of legislative experience, or the equivalent in education and experience;
• Excellent legal writing, communication, and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with local, state, and federal elected officials and stakeholders;
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and strong academic record;
• Strong communication, writing, and analytical skills;
• Capacity for fairness, a strong work ethic, ability to manage a highly demanding workload and a stressful work environment, and sound crisis-management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Preferred:

• A JD or Masters in related field.
• Fluency or conversational abilities in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole.
• Prior leadership or management experience.
• State House experience, particularly in budgeting process.