Legislative Specialist

Overview

This role serves as primary contact for the Oregon State Bar's (OSB) Law Improvement Program.

This position is authorized to work a hybrid schedule.

• Develops, implements, and administers the Law Improvement Program to increase effective participation of bar representatives and bar groups in governmental processes by assisting with review, research, and communication on issues involving the judicial system and the practice of law.
• Travel to Salem during the legislative session and for related legislative activities to conduct lobbying and advocacy, including meeting with legislators and staff, participating in coalition efforts, monitoring legislation, and providing testimony as needed.
• Assists the Chief External Affairs Officer with developing internal Public Affairs policies and procedures, including budget preparation and strategic planning.
• Analyzes alternative policy options and consequences while identifying political problems.
• Assists the Chief External Affairs Officer with formulation of public policy recommendations for the Public Affairs program on behalf of the bar.
• Provides research materials and project development suggestions to the Chief External Affairs Officer for program analysis and implementation.
• Provides support for public policy development, government relations, and lobby activities.
• Works with staff and bar leaders to help formulate legislative positions.
• Meets with sections and committees to educate bar members about the bar’s legislative process as well as update them on ongoing legislative issues.
• Provides support to bar sections, committees, task forces, and local bar committees.
• Works with OSB staff and bar related groups in addressing issues of common concern regarding law improvement.
• Ensures responses to licensees and the public for information are handled in a professional and timely manner.
• Coordinates the dissemination of issue and legislation information within the bar to include contributions to the Capitol Insider and the bar’s web page.
• Assists with the tracking of legislative bills and maintenance of program records.
• Supervision is not a responsibility of the position, although functional direction may be exercised over the Public Affairs Assistant or temporary staff, as assigned.

• Serves as bar liaison to sections, committees, task forces, and other groups, as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s in related fields such as public policy or communications required. Masters or J.D. preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of legislative or lobbying experience. Must be eligible for registration as a lobbyist.
• Knowledge of Oregon state government with emphasis on the legislative and judicial system.
• Knowledge of the state’s budgetary process.
• Knowledge of regulatory and an agency rule making process.
• Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite in a Microsoft Windows environment with particular emphasis on Word, Excel, and Access.
• Knowledge of Oregon’s elections process including ballot measure initiatives and redistricting.
• Ability to type 40 WPM with accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent organization skills with ability to prioritize multiple activities and projects in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Strong time management skills meeting and exceeding timelines and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills with strong ability to use tact and sound judgment in keeping with the policies and objectives of the Public Affairs department and the bar.
• Ability to express ideas and summarize information orally and in writing in a clear and cogent manner.
• Ability to work in a team and provide professional customer service.
• Ability to work with various interest groups or individuals with conflicting needs, desires, and demands.
• Ability to exercise professional demeanor and a high level of customer service for a potentially demanding customer base in a variety of situations.
• Commitment to the concept of teamwork and cross-responsibility within a department.
• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be…