Legislative Advocate

SUMMARY

 The New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization, is looking for a highly motivated individual with a passion for public policy, advocacy, and municipal issues to fill the position of Legislative Advocate.

 The Legislative Advocate provides legislative advocacy (lobbying) based on NHMA’s member-adopted Legislative Policies and Principles. The Legislative Advocate advocates to the legislature and works with policymakers, state agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve positive legislative outcomes for cities and towns. The Legislative Advocate will be a registered lobbyist with the State of New Hampshire and will be a member of NHMA’s Policy & Advocacy Team.

 This position presents a unique opportunity to engage with local government, the state legislature, and other policymakers on issues critical to local government in New Hampshire and to play a crucial role in representing NHMA’s interests at the state legislature. This position requires a strong understanding of public policy, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively. The ideal candidate will have public policy and advocacy experience and an interest in learning new things in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.  

 NHMA offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Health and dental insurance (including a no-cost plan with an HRA)
• Defined contribution pension plan (not part of the NH Retirement System)
• Optional employee contribution to 457(B) retirement plan
• Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Annual vacation time, sick time, paid holidays
• Longevity bonuses
• Short- and long-term disability
• Hybrid work schedule option (available after 6 months for new employees)
• NHMA is an eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

 The position reports directly to the Executive Director. This is a salaried, exempt position.

 Visit our website to learn more about the services the New Hampshire Municipal Association provides.

 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

 Three or more years’ experience in public policy and/or advocacy. Advocacy experience may come from a variety of prior experiences, including work as a lobbyist, attorney, or other advocate on behalf a person or organization.

• BA/BS or equivalent work experience is required. A degree in political science, law, public policy, or a related field is a plus.
• Ability to represent NHMA to legislators and local government officials.
• Ability to form strong professional relationships with a variety of state and local officials and stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking ability.
• Ability to communicate complex issues to a diverse audience.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with the legislative process. Prior experience working with the New Hampshire State Legislature strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills and an ability to work both independently and in teams. NHMA is a small, 10-person organization, and staff collaborate continuously.
• Strong organizational skills.
• High motivation and an inquisitive mind.
• Public finance, tax policy, energy, and/or environmental policy experience is a plus.

 SELECTION PROCESS:  Please submit the following to careers@nhmunicipal.org:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two Professional References

 Initial interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Finalists may be required to undergo a second interview with the full NHMA staff.

 The successful candidate will be required to pass professional background investigation and must have a valid driver’s license.   

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (The following are illustrative and are not intended to be all-inclusive.) 

1. Under the supervision of the executive director and the direction of the government affairs counsel, is responsible for the implementation of NHMA’s advocacy program and advancing NHMA’s specific legislative policy agenda and municipal interests generally at the state and federal level. In collaboration with the executive director and other NHMA staff, develops broad, often complex strategies to advance municipal legislative policy and exercises considerable discretion and judgment in carrying them out. 

2. Performs highly visible public relations activities advocating municipal interests before state legislators and other officials, including agency department heads and staff, the governor and staff, and members of the congressional delegation and their staffs. 

3. Responds to specific inquiries, provides information, and encourages active participation of local officials to influence the direction of pending state and federal deliberations on issues affecting local government. 

4. Reviews all legislation filed each session to determine potential municipal impact and reports same to members; compiles legislative positions adopted by members; drafts legislation to accomplish NHMA policy positions; presents oral and written testimony before legislative committees; monitors all non-policy bills and tracks status of all municipal-related legislation. 

5. Assists in the preparation of the Legislative Bulletin, published weekly during the legislative session, and other communications for distribution to NHMA members informing them of key state and federal developments. Assists in updating and writing various NHMA publications, articles, handbooks, and other communications. 

6. Represents municipal government interests by following and testifying on administrative rules and speaking before membership and affiliate groups to provide legislative updates and other necessary information. Responds to news media for information, opinion, and comment on legislative and related matters affecting local government at the direction of the executive director. 

7. Helps organize, manage, and staff the NHMA legislative policy development process. 

Physical Demands: Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. There is also walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc. The employee must be able to speak clearly and professionally with members and others in a manner that can be easily understood.  No special physical demands are required to perform the work. The position requires regular in-state and occasional out-of-state, overnight travel. The position requires a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

 EEO EMPLOYER