Lobbyist jobs in Missouri

This position serves as MSTA lobbyist, working with the Education Policy Director to manage the development and execution of education policy as outlined in MSTA Resolutions and/or the MSTA Board of Directors.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Department Responsibilities

• Legislative Lobbying:
  • Must be available daily in Jefferson City during the legislative session (January through May).
  • Meet with members of the General Assembly to advocate for MSTA’s position on education issues as outlined by Adopted Resolutions and actions of the Board of Directors and as directed by the Education Policy Director and the MSTA Executive Director.
  • Reviews proposed legislation and suggests changes as indicated. Prepare testimony on bills heard before House and Senate Committees
  • Monitor calendars for House and Senate and prepare for tracked bills to be debated
  • Communicate with legislators on education issues including helping with constitute issues.
  • Communicate with MSTA on issues members have concerning legislative topics
  • Attend regional legislative functions
  • Prepare materials and host regional capitol visits for MSTA members
  • Interact with media in coordination with the MSTA Communication Director
• State Agency Lobbying:
  • Attends agency, board and commission meetings as directed.
  • Reviews proposed rules and regulations as directed and suggests changes as indicated
  • Works to develop productive relationships with appointed board members and agency staff
• Political Action/elections:

o Assist in evaluating candidates on both education related voting record and completed surveys.

• Provide assistance in developing a budget for each election cycle
• Work with MSTA Education Policy Director on independent expenditures made for each election cycle
• Attend Impact Committee meetings as directed by Education Policy Director.
• Education Policy Development:
  • Work with MSTA to maintain and develop MSTA Adopted resolutions
  • Proactively suggest important ideas for the committee to consider
  • Provide background information for committee use at MSTA Open Hearings
  • Assist with the development of the MSTA Legislative Priorities

Other Responsibilities

• Attends meetings as requested by the Education Policy Director
• Follows all regulations as established by the Missouri Ethics Commission as it relates to registered lobbyists and political action committees.
• Uses time and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Adheres to MSTA policies, procedures, and core values.
• May spend substantial time out of MSTA’s offices on official MSTA business as well as other activities as required.
• Work with the Education Policy Director to get information to members in a timely way.
• Cooperates with all MSTA staff and encourages them to effectively serve association members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification & Requirements:

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree; minimum five years related experience in a related position or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years legislative experience
• Eligible to register as lobbyist with Missouri Ethics Commission

Skills and Abilities:

• Communication: Must be an excellent communicator, in both written and oral form. This includes proficiency in spelling, grammar, punctuation and public speaking.
• Organization: Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
• Discretion: Handles confidential or sensitive information with discretion and sensitivity.
• Teamwork: Our staff works together cooperatively to provide the highest quality support to our Board and members. The unity, camaraderie and culture of the team is something that’s very important to us. Therefore, this person must be a 'team player' who is comfortable sharing projects and responsibilities with others.
• Anticipate Needs: As a part of our commitment to excellence, our team always strives to anticipate and serve needs in advance whenever possible. This person should be forward thinking and work to anticipate needs or issues before they arise.
• Technologically Proficient: MSTA makes extensive use of technology to increase productivity and efficiency. Therefore, the willingness to embrace and learn new technology quickly is essential. Current technologies in use include BoardEffect, Salesforce, Office 365, Concur, Apple OS X, etc.
• Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary element of this job.

Soft Skills

• Self-starter and self-manager: Demonstrates initiative, anticipates needs, and gets things done consistently on time.
• Responsive: Is committed to a high level of responsiveness both internally with other staff and externally with our members and other stakeholders.
• Mission-oriented: Is excited about and committed to MSTA’s mission 'to advocate for and empower public school teachers so they can teach.'
• Committed to customer service: Strives to serve both members and colleagues with exceptional 'customer' service that is characterized by empathy, trust, respect, an attitude of 'yes' and a commitment to treat others the way we wish to be treated ourselves.
• Positive attitude: Has a can-do spirit, is fun to be around, does not complain, make excuses, or gossip. Brings positive energy to interactions with other staff and members.
• Professional appearance and demeanor: We strive to present ourselves in such a way as to reflect well on our organization. Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate to each situation.
• Performs well under pressure: Things are always changing, and there are times when things get intense. We pride ourselves on being able to function at a high level even when things get busy by working together as a team and communicating effectively.
• Committed to growth: Is willing to try new things, do new things, acquire new skills and take on new projects or responsibilities. Learns from failure and asks for help.
• Humility: Is a team player that is not driven by ego or status. Is quick to point out the contributions of others and slow to seek attention for themselves.
• People Smart: Possesses strong interpersonal skills and can handle issues with respect, dignity and sensitivity. In short, exercises good judgement and intuition when dealing with other people.
• Servant-hearted leadership: Serves employees by supporting their professional growth, providing timely and candid feedback regarding job performance, ensuring staff have the resources and training to fulfill their responsibilities and promoting autonomy.

Physical Demands:

• Generally sedentary position with occasional need to move about facility including external facilities
• Must be able to manipulate objects, tools or controls and reach.
• Must be able to communicate on phone and in person
• Occasionally required to move about
• Occasionally required to travel several hours to events
• Must occasionally move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

Special Requirements:

• Must be willing to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Must have transportation for occasional travel
• If driving own or company vehicle, must have valid Missouri driver’s license and insurance if insurance not provided by employer

Job Benefits:

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. MSTA offers employer-provided medical and dental insurance, generous 401(k) or PSRS, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave as well as other voluntary benefits.

Please include cover letter when prompted.

From: Missouri State Teachers Association