SFAF - Deputy Legislative Affairs Director

GRADE: 15
REPORTS TO: Deputy Executive Director of Science & Public Policy 
STATUS: Regular Full-Time
SALARY: Commensurate with Experience
  
GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director of Science & Public Policy (SPP), the Deputy Legislative Affairs Director operationalizes and executes the legislative and advocacy agenda and priorities of the Foundation at the local, state, and federal levels, and ensures coordination among them.  This includes overseeing the activities of the Director of Federal Affairs, Policy Analyst, Interns, and/or other SPP staff engaged in legislative and advocacy activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Develops and coordinates the Foundation’s local, state, and federal legislative priorities and advocacy agendas in consultation with the Deputy Executive Director, SPP and the Executive Director.
2. Directs and supervises the legislative and advocacy activities of the Director of Federal Affairs, Policy Analyst, Interns, and any other SPP staff engaged in such activities.
3. Oversees activities of and contracts with external lobbyists and other legislative/advocacy contractors.
4. Monitors progress in legislative and advocacy objectives of the SPP Department and the Foundation, and regularly reports on progress to Deputy Executive Director, SPP, and, periodically, to Leadership Team and Executive Director.
5. Informs Deputy Executive Director, SPP and Executive Director about important developments in local, state, and federal legislation.
6. Advises Deputy Executive Director, SPP about legislative developments in need of SFAF action, and executes resultant decisions under the guidance of the Deputy Executive Director, SPP.
7. Represents SPP Department and the Foundation in coalition and other group discussions of HIV/AIDS-related legislative and advocacy efforts as assigned by the Deputy Executive Director, SPP.
8. Coordinates and prepares written summaries of legislative efforts and outcomes for various venues, including SFAF website, OUTReach, BETA, HIV Policy Watch, and for SFAF Board meetings, as necessary.
9. Prepares and delivers oral presentations on SFAF’s legislative agenda to SFAF staff, Board members, visitors, and community groups, and at relevant conferences and meetings.
10. As assigned by the Deputy Executive Director, SPP, develops productive working relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, political appointees, civil servants, and other legislative and governance staff and represents the Foundation to them.
11. Prepares written and oral testimony and comments on proposed legislation and/or regulatory rules related to the Foundation’s legislative and advocacy agenda.
12. Assists Deputy Executive Director, SPP in the preparation of Foundation policy statements.
13. Identifies opportunities for, and coordinates execution of, Action Alerts and related communications through the HIV Action Network (HAN).
14. Takes initiative to ensure that SFAF Programs and Services and other Foundation staff are informed about key local, state, and federal affairs that might affect their activities, program participants and clients, and fundraising; and actively seeks out information about client and program and fundraising experiences that may inform SFAF’s legislative and advocacy work.
15. In conjunction with Communications and Marketing Department staff, develops media strategies to support the Foundation’s local, state, and federal legislative and advocacy agendas.
16. Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers and interns to assist with legislative and advocacy activities, as needed.
17. Participates in Foundation’s Leadership Development Series (or equivalent structure).
18. As assigned, or in the Deputy Executive Director’s extended absence, assumes responsibility for day-to-day management of the SPP Department, including financial and other administrative tasks, supervision of department staff, and participation in the Leadership Team.
19. Attends regular department and supervision meetings and other meetings as determined by the Deputy Executive Director, SPP.
20. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Deputy Executive Director, SPP or the Executive Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of local, state, and federal policy apparatuses and processes.
2. Knowledge of public health and health care policy.
3. Knowledge of key HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, and support issues.
4. Knowledge of major HIV/AIDS-related legislation (e.g., Ryan White Care Act, PEPFAR, Labor, HHS Appropriations, state and local budget, etc.).
5. Ability to synthesize and analyze complex information and provide legislative and advocacy implications and advice in short time frames.
6. Demonstrated ability to work well with legislators, legislative staff, and administrative and government personnel.
7. Ability to work effectively in coalitions with community groups and as part of a team.
8. Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise mid-level staff and contractors.
9. Ability to take direction from supervisor and other management.
10. Ability to travel.
11. Ability to prepare and present oral and written reports to multiple audiences.
12. Knowledge of media relations.
13. Excellent computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and Power Point.
14. Ability to use considerable judgment and initiative in course of executing responsibilities.
15. Excellent communications skills.
16. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
17. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
18. Ability to communicate with employees and other agency contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
19. Ability to maintain schedules.
20. Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
21. Knowledge of written communication formats, business English, and composition.
22. Skill in operating various office equipment, such as personal computer, calculator, copy machine, facsimile machine, typewriter, and telephone system.
23. Ability to use considerable judgment and initiative required establishing work procedures.
24. Ability to make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
25. Ability to work comfortably with diverse populations, with sensitivity to issues concerning HIV and all disabilities.
26. Ability to perform routine bending/stooping while filing.
27. Ability to perform routine twisting/reaching while working at computer/desk.
28. Ability to perform routine walking/standing during course of day.
29. Ability to hear and speak well enough to converse over telephone 100% of the time.
30. Ability to see well enough to use computer efficiently and read computer reports and correspondence 100% of the time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree required; Masters Degree in public policy, public administration, public health, or law preferred.  At least 5 years of experience in legislative/government affairs, policy analysis and development, and advocacy. Familiarity with budget and appropriations and general legislative processes at local, state, and/or federal level, and experience with advocacy coalitions.  Supervisory experience.  Fluency in English required; fluency in Spanish a plus.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and, skills required of personnel so classified.

HIV & AIDS AT THE SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation recognizes the value of having significant representation of people living with HIV infection and AIDS in all departments and at all levels of staff and management.  For this reason, the Foundation strongly encourages applications for employment from people with HIV/AIDS.  The Foundation provides several health care coverage options including an HMO plan with no pre-existing conditions clause for employees working 20 hours or more per week.  All employees with disabilities, including people living with HIV infection, may request reasonable accommodation (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Act.)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is an Equal Opportunity employer.  We actively seek applications from people living with HIV/AIDS, and other disabilities, women, gay men, lesbians, and people of color.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit résumé and cover letter explaining relevant experience to:

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS 
DEADLINE:  POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED