Counsel Office of Senator Edwards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Juris Doctor (JD) degree a member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar and at least 2 years of senior public policy experience in the Massachusetts legislature other state legislatures or congressional offices or comparable public policy experience in a lead staff position.

2. Experience with and knowledge of the legislative and budget process public policy or special-interest advocacy.

3. Ability to read interpret research and analyze federal and state laws and other rules and regulations related to state governance.

4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

5. Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful positive and professional manner.

6. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively and professionally in a dynamic work environment.

7. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

8. Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.

9. Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

10. Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours possibly on nights and weekends.

The Senates total compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation including but not limited to:

• 75% state-paid medical insurance premium

• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans

• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs

• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance - Retirement Savings: State Employees Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick Vacation and Personal Time

• Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave - Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities

• Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options

• Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities

• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The Massachusetts Senate is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age race color religious creed national origin ancestry disability gender gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy military and veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal state or local law. Our goal is to be a workforce that is representative at all job levels of the diverse commonwealth we serve and women minorities veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY

The Counsel is a senior member of the Senators team and is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the Senator on complex policy issues and conducting in-depth research on specific legislative and policy concepts. The Counsel is the offices legal expert and point person on specific legislative matters in their field of expertise. The Counsel leads the development of policy positions and oversees all legislative initiatives related to their field of expertise on behalf of the Senator. The Counsel reports to the Chief of Staff.

New hires can expect a salary between $87221 and $110617 which will be based on related experience education and training.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume to Manuela Gomez at

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise the Senator on policy rules and budgetary matters.

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Senator on a variety of policy issues.

• Collaborate with and advise the Senator and senior office staff on the formulation of strategies and legislation designed to advance the Senators policy and budget priorities.

• Prepare analyze and interpret proposed and existing legislation laws and policies.

• Review revise draft and summarize legislation and amendments for the Senator in collaboration with other members of the Senators policy team.

• Attend formal Senate sessions monitor legislative activity on the floor and staff the Senator during sessions.

• Manage the Senators policy team in planning assigning and directing legislative and policy work and ensure its effective performance and responsiveness to the Senators needs.

• Coordinate with other members of the Senators policy team to monitor and maintain up-to-date knowledge on legislation affecting the Senators district and legislation on which the Senator is a principal sponsor or co-sponsor.

• Oversee the organization and management of workflow of other policy team members for hearings meetings and events related to the Senators legislative priorities and committee assignments.

• Participate in and prepare for meetings with the Senator to provide advice on policy matters.

• Brief the Senator on key issues prior to meetings caucuses and Senate sessions.

• Convene inform and persuade various stakeholders regarding the Senators legislative priorities.

Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

• Review and edit policy work of other members of the Senators policy team.

• Collaborate and consult with the Chief of Staff and other Senate staff on legislative matters.

• Assist with messaging media relations and constituent outreach regarding the Senators legislative agenda.

• Train supervise or participate in the hiring of office staff or interns.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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