Legislative & Government Affairs Coordinator - CAIR California

Work Location: Sacramento, CA.

Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required

Position Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour commensurate with skills and experience

Reports to: Legislative & Government Affairs Manager

Requirements:Access to reliable transportation to travel throughout the Sacramento area.

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 3% employer-matched retirement plan, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilizedtemporarily with three days in office and two days of remote work.

ABOUT US: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal.  The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy nonprofit. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.

ABOUT THE ROLE: The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) is looking for a passionate and talented individual to fill the Legislative & Government Affairs Coordinator position. This position will work closely with the CAIR-CA Executive Directors, policy and advocacy staff, and communications staff across the state.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Relationship Building (35%)

• Coordinate and arrange meetings with elected officials, including members of Congress, to advocate for civil and human rights legislation and support relationship building.
• Research and help identify and develop key relationships to leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.

Legislative & Policy Process (20%)

• Coordinate with CAIR's government affairs team during legislative sessions and track relevant legislative items.

• Research and support in analyzing policies and campaigns (coordinate participation in coalitions, draft letters, mobilize the Muslim community and facilitate awareness).
• Support the monitoring of issues and potential regulations that will impact the CA Muslim community.
• Coordinate development and implementation of legislative processes.
• Regularly update the advocacy database and action alert system.

Voter Education (20%)

• Set up forums and town hall meetings to connect the American Muslim community to their elected officials and relevant political issues.
• Coordinate promoting efforts in civic engagement (voter registration, voter education, voter turn-out, town-hall discussions, volunteerism, etc.) within the Muslim community.
• Secure scorecards and voting guides on local and statewide issues.

Programs & Events (20%)

• Collaborate and participate in specific federal work such as USCMO's Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day
• Help organize statewide government relations programs and events such as Muslim Day at the Capitol, Muslim Youth Leadership Program, and Capitol Ramadan Reception.

Other (5%)

• Other duties as assigned.
• All CAIR-CA staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiaritywith public policy, government affairs, and/or campaign work.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, public relations, public affairs, or a related field is preferred.
• Education or knowledge of developing policy, advocating before elected representatives, state or federal departments and agencies, and building and working with coalitions.
• Demonstrated understanding of the inner workings of state legislatures or Congress, committees, government departments, and agencies.
• Public speaking experience preferred.
• General knowledge of working with a political action committee and/or a grassroots program.
• Exposure to nonprofit advocacy organizations, trade associations, state legislature or Congress, state, or federal agencies, working in a corporate government affairs office or trade association
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to present complex information in focused public policy and advocacy materials.
• General knowledge of state or federal legislative processes, with an ability to apply that knowledge to coherent strategy development and implementation.
• Ability to develop key relationships and identify and leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and objectives, lead projects, and work effectively with others internally to produce positive results.
• A high degree of self-motivation and creativity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Commitment to civil rights and CAIR's mission.
• Experience working with the American Muslim community.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.