Senior Legislative Affairs Manager - California & Hawaii

Under the strategic direction of the Associate Director, the Senior Legislative Affairs Manager plays a critical leadership role in shaping and advancing the legislative and policy agenda for both the NASW California and Hawaii chapters. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive advocacy strategies, providing expert guidance on legislative matters, and serving as a legislative drafter who transforms policy ideas into clear, concise legal language for bills, resolutions, and amendments.

The Senior Legislative Affairs Manager works in close collaboration with the Policy Manager to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to advocacy across both states. This role requires exceptional policy analysis skills, deep knowledge of legislative processes, and the ability to draft legislation to effectively advocate for social work professionals and the clients they serve. Additionally, this position provides expert guidance on ethical issues and dilemmas faced by social work professionals, serving as a key resource for the chapters' ethics consultation efforts.

As a senior member of the policy team, this role represents NASW in high-level coalitions, provides expert testimony, and builds strategic relationships with lawmakers, government agencies, and advocacy partners to advance the chapters' policy priorities.

• Develop and execute comprehensive legislative and policy strategies aligned with NASW's mission and goals for both the California and Hawaii chapters.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of relevant policy issues, identifying emerging trends and potential impacts on the social work profession in both states.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director, Policy Manager, and other internal stakeholders to prioritize policy issues and develop action plans to address them effectively.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level in California and Hawaii to identify opportunities and threats to the social work profession.

• Draft legislation, bill proposals, resolutions, and amendments that align with NASW's advocacy priorities and effectively address key issues impacting social work professionals and their clients in California and Hawaii.
• Analyze existing legislation and propose amendments or revisions to improve the impact and effectiveness of social work laws and regulations.
• Lead lobbying efforts to promote NASW's legislative agenda, building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders in both state capitals (Sacramento and Honolulu).
• Provide expert testimony and represent NASW's interests during legislative hearings, forums, and public events.
• Prepare legislative analyses, bill summaries, and advocacy materials for distribution to members, the public, and legislators.

• Offer legal and ethical guidance to NASW staff, members, and affiliated organizations on matters related to social work practice, licensure, ethics, and other legal issues.
• Provide expert consultation to social work professionals on ethical issues and dilemmas, conducting in-depth analysis and recommending appropriate courses of action based on NASW's Code of Ethics and relevant legal and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with NASW's Legal Defense Fund and Ethics Committee to support legal efforts and provide strategic guidance in cases that have broad implications for social work practice.
• Develop resources and materials to support social work professionals in navigating ethical dilemmas and maintaining the highest ethical standards.

• In collaboration with the Policy Manager and Member Engagement Managers, develop and execute strategies for educating and mobilizing NASW members across both chapters in grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Organize member participation in lobbying campaigns, public hearings, and advocacy days (e.g., Lobby Days in California and Hawaii).
• Create action alerts and advocacy tools that empower members to engage effectively with their elected officials.

• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy groups, to build strategic partnerships, coalitions, and alliances in support of NASW's policy agenda.
• Represent NASW's interests and perspectives in coalitions,…