Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a Legislative Affairs Analyst to support its legislative and advocacy efforts at the regional, state, and federal levels. Under the direction of the Senior Legislative Affairs Analyst and Department Manager, this position will analyze state legislative bills, draft reports and presentations for SCAG’s Legislative/Communications and Membership Committee (LCMC), and assist in the coordination of advocacy meetings and delegation visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. The Legislative Affairs Analyst will also assist in developing official SCAG correspondence, maintaining the legislative tracking report, and updating the departmental website. If you have strong analytical and communication skills and are passionate about legislative affairs and regional policy, we encourage you to apply!

The Legislation Department is comprised of three full-time staff, including this position, and is under the umbrella of the Government and Public Affairs Division. The Legislative Affairs Analyst supports the Legislation Department’s role in SCAG Strategic Plan priority number two to “Be a cohesive and influential voice for the region.”

Who We Are

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office two (2) days per week.

What We Believe

MISSION

To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION

Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

Identify and analyze state legislative bills and elevate identified legislation with recommendations to management.
Draft written reports and prepare verbal presentations on the same for potential action at the Legislative/Communications and Membership Committee (LCMC).
Manage a portfolio of monthly reports for the LCMC and RC.
Maintain the legislative tracking report and update the legislation department's website with relevant information.
Draft and respond to inquiries from regional, state, and federal stakeholders.
Assist in the coordination of meetings and delegation visits in district offices, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C. by preparing materials and arranging meeting logistics.
Assume "person in charge" duties for certain aspects of SCAG delegation visits with elected representatives.
Draft official SCAG correspondences on behalf of the SCAG president, Executive Director, and/or LCMC Chair on a variety of topics, including invitations to SCAG events, support letters for member agencies’ applications for state and federal funding, and position letters on pending legislation on which SCAG has taken an official position.
Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required skills, knowledge, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Knowledge of state legislative and budgetary processes.
Familiarity with regional, state, and federal political landscape.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill and convey complex information clearly and effectively.
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to ensure accuracy and quality in reports, communications, and project deliverables.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to effectively balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge of environmental, housing, and transportation policies and programs to written and verbal reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, member agencies, colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
Experience in developing, reviewing, and refining reports and communications to ensure clarity, conciseness, and effectiveness.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until March 26, 2025, with the first application review taking place on March 5, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Insurance Coverage

Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement

Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave

12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays

Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual

Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours

4-10 years: 120 hours

11-16 years: 140 hours

17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave

Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program

SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework

Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance

Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits

Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period

All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

01

Do you require sponsorship now or in the future?

Yes, I currently require sponsorship
Yes, I will require sponsorship in the future
I do not require sponsorship

02

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education you have achieved?

None
High School Diploma or equivalent
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate Degree

03

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in legislative affairs?

No experience
Less than one year
One year to less than two years
Two years to less than three years
Three or more years

04

If you indicated direct experience in the previous question, please summarize one to two of your most significant accomplishment(s) related to your experience in legislative affairs. If you have experience supporting a state legislator or member of congress, or as a staff person to a policy committee, please indicate this in your response. In your example(s), please describe the accomplishment, your role, the actions you took, and the result. If you do not possess this experience, type "N/A".

Required Question

Southern California Association of Governments

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