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Job Title
Legislative Affairs Manager
Company/Organization
Cascade Bicycle Club
Job Description
Founded in 1970, Cascade Bicycle Club is a 14,000+ member nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to creating better communities through bicycling. Focusing on four strategic goals (Engagement, Community Partnership, Infrastructure, and Presence), Cascade envisions a community that bicycles – where bicycling is normal, safe and convenient for everyone. Cascade is a local, regional and statewide leader in advocating for bicycle policy and infrastructure, producing world-class cycling events, educating youth and adult cyclists, offering 1300 free daily rides annually, and promoting bicycle commuting. Cascade is directed by an elected volunteer board and operates with 28 paid staff and thousands of volunteers. For more information, visit www.cascade.org.
I. Position Goals
The Legislative Affairs Manager is a member of Cascade’s Policy, Planning, and Government Affairs Department. In collaboration with departmental staff and key organizational leadership, the Manager informs, develops, and implements Cascade’s legislative efforts. The Legislative Affairs Manager is expected to influence major non-motorized policy and funding decisions in Olympia to support Cascade’s vision of more bikeable and livable communities.
The Manager will serve as the main face of Cascade in Olympia, and spend the legislative session living there. The Manager will have expertise in legislative policy and strategy and use that expertise to mobilize others to support bicycle friendly policies, infrastructure, and funding decisions. Some local, regional, and federal legislative work is also included.
II. Specific Responsibilities
-Facilitate the development of an annual legislative agenda and work plan and provide leadership in implementing and managing said plan.
-Lead lobbying activities in Olympia during the legislative session and relationship-building during the interim.
-Lead the development and writing of Cascade’s legislative scorecard every two years.
-Serve as the lead liaison with the Washington Transportation Commission and WSDOT.
-Build relationships with stakeholders including elected officials, candidates, community groups, business leaders, Cascade’s board of directors, and donors.
-With the Department team, ensure Cascade representation on appropriate advisory boards, councils, committees, coalitions, task forces, etc.
-Assist with Cascade’s political endorsement process and Bike PAC activities.
-Work with external partners and the Advocacy Campaigns Manager and Policy and Government Affairs Manager to launch and run activism campaigns at the local, regional, and state level.
-Provide leadership, assistance, and skills training to advocacy volunteers, coalitions and networks in designing and carrying out Cascade’s annual advocacy work plan and campaigns.
-Collaborate on communications, messaging, and media, including acting as an organizational spokesperson as appropriate.
III. Skills and Experience (Required)
A. Legislative Affairs
-Demonstrated ability to work effectively with elected officials, governmental agencies, corporations, community leaders, community organizations, etc.
-Experience with the Washington State legislature.
-Strong skills in writing and delivering testimony, writing floor sheets, tracking bills and committee work.
-Extensive knowledge of transportation policy, non-motorized preferred, or related field.
-Ability to quickly analyze and understand budgets and bill language.
-In-depth knowledge and insights regarding Washington State politics and/or national transportation policies (prefer both).
B. Organizing, Networking, and Coalition Building
-Experience and proven leadership in developing and executing legislative campaigns.
-Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, political communications, and working with coalitions.
C. Other
-Ability to travel and maintain a full-time presence (including evenings) in Olympia during legislative session.
-Excellent organizational skills including ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.
-Experience with 501(c)(3) nonpartisan campaign strategies, tactics, and legal restrictions.
-Experience working for PAC/501(c)(4)/501(c)(3) organizations.
-Commitment to bicycle advocacy and non-motorized transportation.
-Ability and interest in working in a collaborative team environment.
IV. Skills and Experience (Desirable)
-Proficient in online communications and new media tools.
-Experience with electoral campaigns.
V. Employment Specifics
-Full-time, salaried position with some evening and weekend work required, especially during legislative session.
-Living in Olympia during the legislative session is highly desirable (subsidized by Cascade for non-Olympia residents). Living in or regular travel to Seattle outside of the session is required.
-Reports to and is supervised by the Director of Policy, Planning, and Government Affairs.
-Six-month probationary performance review by supervisor.
-Annual performance reviews at hire date.
-Monetary compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience; benefits package.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a relevant writing sample to legislative.manager@cascadebicycleclub.org. Applications will be reviewed starting October 9th.