Policy and Government Relations Associate

Position Summary

Develops, analyzes and coordinates pertinent legislative and regulatory activities affecting state and federal policy and proactively identifies issues of concern and interest. Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals with intellectual disability and autism as well as the interests of PAR’s membership. Promotes an organizational culture that encourages top performance and high morale.

Works to accomplish the PAR strategic plan goals, and thereby improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and autism and direct support professionals. Helps develop and implement legislative, lobbying and administrative strategies on issues relevant to PAR’s mission, and strategic plan. Responsible for development and execution of annual plan to meet or exceed PAR ID/A PAC fundraising goals. Provides legal counsel to PAR as qualified. Develops and maintains positive member relations.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree preferred
• Qualified to practice law in Pennsylvania preferred
• 1 year experience in state or federal legislative activities, public policy, or government relations, preferably in the social services field, preferred
• Valid Driver’s License
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral are required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy are required
• Some travel required
• May be required to lift up to 25 pounds

Roles & Responsibilities

• Communicates PAR’s government affairs activities and policy positions to members and other constituents
• Prepares effective and timely communications regarding PAR’s state-level legislative positions, advocacy efforts, and other government affairs issues and priorities for the Vice President of Governmental Affairs to review
• Collaborates in the development of PAR marketing materials
• Develops and contributes PAR communications content for lobbying efforts to educate and advocate to the administration and legislature. Works closely with the Policy & Research Analyst and the Vice President of Government Affairs on such communications
• Drafts federal-level testimony, commentary, op eds, press releases, and official letters for the President and CEO’s review
• Collaborates with PAR staff to draft and submit commentary on proposed federal policy, regulation, bulletins, and other government documents
• Participates in the ANCOR weekly federal updates calls and the ANCOR Connecting Community on federal issues
• Helps develop strategies and action plans to promote and advocate for PAR’s policy positions on legislation, policies, and regulations
• Collaborates with the Policy & Research Analyst, Vice President of Government Relations, Assistant to President & CEO, and PAR’s contracted communications agency to draft advocacy materials including posters, fact sheets, memos, and graphics, to successfully communicate PAR’s positions to key influencers and decision-makers. Target audiences will include, but are not limited to: elected and appointed government officials, other associations, media, and academia
• Assists in the development and presentation of educational programs and materials related to PAR policy and advocacy priorities
• Collaborates with PAR staff to organize events, rallies, and other special events
• Conducts and coordinates with other PAR staff and members on research, legislative and policy analysis. Drafts reports for the review of PAR staff, the President and CEO, and the PAR Board of Directors
• Reviews and analyzes proposed policies, regulations, legislation, bulletins and other government documents on the state and federal level
• Researches, writes and edits a variety of materials including but not limited to fact sheets, memos, and letters
• With the Policy & Research Analyst, compiles and analyzes member surveys regarding policy and government relations
• Coordinates PAR’s political and policy-oriented social media presence. Works with the Assistant to the President & CEO to develop graphics to share on PAR’s social media pages
• Active member of the PAR policy team
• Helps build and maintain positive relationships with state and federal government officials, including elected officials, executive branch officials, and office staff
• Assists with the development and maintenance of the PAR ID/A Political Action Committee
• Provides leadership and backup administrative support to PAR workgroups related to PAR policy and advocacy priorities
• Provides legal counsel to PAR as qualified
• Responds to inquiries on policy issues from PAR membership
• Other duties as assigned.

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