Legislative Assistant

The Legislative Assistant is an at-will position that provides a Member with assistance in legislative activities, communications, and related staff support.

Works under close supervision, with detailed instructions provided for new or complex assignments. The supervisor reviews work in progress and upon completion to ensure accuracy, adherence to procedures, and understanding of assignments. Substantial oversight is provided until proficiency is demonstrated. This position does not supervise.

• Researches issues and drafts bills and amendments for the Member’s legislative proposals.
• Develops coalitions and works to garner support for the Member’s legislation.
• Staffs the Member’s legislation; prepares fact sheets, statements, talking points, and background materials for Floor and committee proceedings.
• Briefs the Member on bills pending in committees and on the Assembly Floor.
• Prepares the Member for meetings and briefings.
• Meets with representatives of state, federal, and local governments, legislative staff, interest groups, business and community organizations, and the public; produces briefing papers on issues discussed.
• Follows and analyzes legislation to advise the Member, Chief of Staff, and/or Legislative Director of issues relating to the Member’s legislative priorities or constituency.
• Attends meetings, hearings, and events with or on behalf of the Member.
• Responds to constituent calls and requests; works with district office staff to help resolve constituent problems and concerns.
• Drafts constituent response letters on behalf of the Member.
• Prepares and assists with the preparation of media advisories, press releases, speeches, social media and web content, and background materials.
• Drafts and distributes/posts press releases, media advisories, social media content, op-eds, community articles, letters to the editor, and newsletters.
• Schedules and manages media events for the Member.
• Responds to media inquiries at the direction of the Member or Chief of Staff; coordinates interviews or statement requests.
• Drafts speeches, talking points, and other background/press materials.
• Maintains and updates the Member’s website in consultation with the Majority/Minority Caucus, as directed.
• Assists with general office tasks such as answering phones, sorting mail, distributing legislative publications, updating contact lists, and facilitating honorary legislative resolutions.
• Complies with Assembly policies and rules, as outlined in the Personnel Policy Manual.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

• Organization, role, and function of a Member’s office.
• Organization and function of the California State Government, the California Legislature, the legislative process, and committee and leadership structure.
• Social media.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and common business software.
• Proper spelling, grammar usage, and punctuation.

• Demonstrate strong writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Understand, interpret, and express the views and positions of the Member in a manner that will elicit positive action in support of the Member's decisions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent organizational skills.
• Employ good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies.

• Statement of Economic Interests Reporting:
  Required
• Working Conditions:
  
  The conditions herein are typically required of an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Reasonable accommodations…