Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Counsel is a senior member of the Senator’s 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 office’s 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.
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 Senator’s 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 Senator’s policy team.
- Attend formal Senate sessions, monitor legislative activity on the floor, and staff the Senator during sessions.
- Manage the Senator’s policy team in planning, assigning, and directing legislative and policy work and ensure its effective performance and responsiveness to the Senator’s needs.
- Coordinate with other members of the Senator’s policy team to monitor and maintain up-to-date knowledge on legislation affecting the Senator’s 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 Senator’s 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 Senator’s legislative priorities.
Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include:
- Review and edit policy work of other members of the Senator’s 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 Senator’s legislative agenda.
- Attend events with the Senator or on their behalf
- Respond to legislative-related inquiries and communications from constituents, organizations, legislators, and other stakeholders.
- Train, supervise, or participate in the hiring of office staff or interns.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 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.
- Experience with and knowledge of the legislative and budget process, public policy, or special-interest advocacy.
- Ability to read, interpret, research, and analyze federal and state laws and other rules and regulations related to state governance.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, positive, and professional manner.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively and professionally in a dynamic work environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.
The Senate’s 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.
Official Title: Counsel