DescriptionThe 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 AREAs 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 roleAny 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 InformationPlease 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.
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 CalPERSor an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAGor 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 connectionwith adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after12 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.
Closing Date/Time: 3/19/2025 5:00 PM Pacific