Government Relations Director

The United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council is seeking a full-time Government Relations Director. The government relations director will be responsible for implementing the day to day legislative program of the UFCW in Sacramento and also working with local union in Arizona and Nevada on a as needed basis.

The UFCW Western States Council is the regional coordinating for politics and legislation in the states of California, Arizona and Nevada. See more at www.ufcwwest.org

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
1.      Applicant must possess at least five years of professional experience in lobbying and/or related legislative occupations. Ideally, this would include drafting legislation and analyzing legislative proposals, as well as experience developing relationships with state officials, legislators, legislative staff and state policy professionals;
2.    Applicant must possess significant experience in campaigns and related activities, such as planning, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, media relations and polling;
3.  Applicant must have knowledge of the diverse political structure and activities within California
4.    Applicant must demonstrate substantial knowledge of, or be willing and able to acquire expertise in, a broad range of public policy areas including retail, retail grocery, water, land use, agriculture, labor law, food processing, tax policy as it relates to retail and land use development;
5.     Applicant must demonstrate a basic knowledge and appreciation of food and labor issues on the local, state and national levels;
6.  Applicant must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills;
7.     Applicant should possess strong negotiation skills and the ability to assume a leadership role on legislation involving major constituencies of UFCW membership;
8.  Applicant must possess  the ability to research, analyze and effectively communicate legislative issues;
9.     Applicant must be able to work within the state labor federation structure and work with multiple lobbyists on labor wide issues.
10.    Applicant may be asked to demonstrate their familiarity and ability to use basic computer software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access or comparable programs;

11.  Applicant must be willing and able to  travel  statewide  and work some  evenings  and weekends as may be required;
12.  Residency within 90 miles of Sacramento is required.


I.  LOBBYING

MAIN FUNCTIONS



Assume full responsibilities as the lead lobbyist on a variety of subject areas as assigned by the Executive Director, including:
A. Researching and drafting legislation;
B. Tracking legislation in assigned subject areas and reporting as needed to inform the UFCW members, States Council Executive Board, local unions and staff, of important legislative developments;
C. Developing and executing lobbying plans in support of or opposition to legislation impacting the UFCW;
D. Providing written or oral testimony before various legislative committees or public hearings/meetings;
E. Monitoring regulatory state agencies to further the UFCW’s organizational goals;
F. Negotiating resolutions to legislative issues with state officials, legislators, legislative staff and other lobbyists;
G. Working collaboratively with a team of political and legislative professionals, as well as with other UFCW States Council staff members and/or local UFCW leaders;
H. Works hand in hand with the UFCW State Council Director to develop a comprehensive state-wide advocacy program that integrates leaders of UFCW locals and affiliates
I. Works closely with contract lobbyists to identify opportunities to provide public testimony for oversights committees on key legislative, regulatory and administrative matters affecting UFCW
J. Develops a ‘Public Policy Forum’ as a platform to invite executive branch leaders, agency heads and constitutional officers to address emerging issues and administrative policy changes affecting industry, labor, consumers and the environment.

II.  POLITICAL ACTION


Assume primary responsibility, when assigned by Executive Director, for organizing UFCW efforts including:
A. Working in campaign activities as directed;
B. Assisting with candidate recruitment;
C. Consulting with candidates and campaign managers to develop winning campaign strategies;
D. Developing and implementing plans to involve UFCW members and staff in targeted races;
E. Assisting with UFCW campaign fundraising activities;
F. Assisting with public opinion or internal organizational opinion research activities.
G. Develops strategic profiles of members districts that incorporates policy issues, electoral results, endorsements, population and economic/workforce data, and media/market influence and penetration

III. OTHER ACTIVITIES

a. Work under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director;
b. Attend UFCW meetings and workshops as assigned;
c. Carry out assignments directed by the UFCW States Council Executive Director
d. Work on out-of-state UFCW assignments as required.

If Interested please all resumes and cover letters Attention: Dana Palmer, Executive Assistant, danaufcw@aol.com by no later than Friday, August 2, 2013.

If you have any questions you may call (714) 670-5580.

NOTE: The UFCW does not pay the cost of any expenses incurred in the interview process, or any expense incurred in relocation when employment requires a change in residency.