Legislative Representative

POSITION DESCRIPTION

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

Department: Legislation Department

Location: National Office

FSLA Classification: Exempt

Position Title: Legislative Representative

Date of Revision/Creations:

CLASSIFICATION: LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

I. INTRODUCTION

To promote and advance the legislative objectives of the American Federation of

Government Employees, AFL-CIO, in the U.S. Congress and the Administration.

Provides advice, guidance, consultation, coordination, and otherwise supports the

expressed and implied will of the membership for legislation. This includes

maintenance of sound work relationships with the U.S. Congress and staff

members; execution of liaison and lobbyist functions; introduction of favorable

legislation; keeping informed of and expressing the AFGE view on proposed

legislation; coordinating departmental efforts to prepare bills and legislative

comments; coordinating with grassroots, political, policy, legal, labor relations,

and communications staff to ensure successful promotion of legislative agenda;

and keeping National and District offices, councils as appropriate, and members

informed of progress.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participates in planning, organizing, coordinating, and conducting

legislative programs to carry out mandates from the Convention, the

National President (NP) and the National Executive Council (NEC).

Formulates and develops written legislative, grassroots, and political

strategy proposals and programs to assist the NP and the NEC to

accomplish the legislative goals and mandates of the Convention. Tracks,

analyzes, and prepares testimony, researches legislative history, and

provides policy research on issues concerning members.

2. Performs liaison and lobbyist functions of a business and social nature,

including attending daily multiple meetings with Representatives and

Senators as well as their staffs. Attends Congressional hearings,

subcommittee and committee markups, and floor votes in both chambers

on Capitol Hill. For this reason, hours are unpredictable due to nature of

congressional activity. Represents AFGE and the Legislative Director and

Deputy Legislative Director in contacts with personnel throughout AFGE,

Congress, Federal agencies, and labor organizations. Collects or delivers

proposals, bills, reports, correspondence, and recommendations to foster and

keep communications channels open, makes arrangements for AFGE experts to

comment upon or help introduce legislation and personally ensures that AFGE

position is clearly understood. Fosters a high level of trust through sincere and

honest personal relationships. Keeps Director informed of progress, obstacles,

and unusual developments.

3. Works in close coordination and harmony with other AFGE departments and

staff on legislative matters and support. Specifically:

A. Communications Department - Ensures that this department is furnished

timely and current information on the Federation's legislative

initiatives, victories, and activities to properly disseminate such

information to the media, districts, locals, councils and AFGE activists.

Provides information and ideas to help the department refine and focus

its public relations message.

B. Membership and Organization - Participates in all membership

recruitment efforts, including lunch and learns, and metropolitan

organizing initiatives throughout the country.

C. Political Action Committee (PAC) - Supports and assists the AFGE-PAC

Director in fundraising activities. Makes recommendations to Legislative

and Political Director on the distribution of contributions in a manner

that will support and enhance the union's legislative objectives.

D. Grassroots - Works closely with the Field Mobilization Director and

Legislative and Political Organizers in the field to identify, train and

develop a cadre of local and council activists to provide legislative and

political action to advance the union's legislative goals. Ensures that the

union's legislative message is delivered to local and council activists, and

that they, in turn, lobby their Representatives and Senators on AFGE

initiatives.

E. Training - Conducts frequent training for members on legislative issues

and lobbying techniques, as well as other matters. Supports AFGE

legislative and political program in headquarters including during the

annual legislative conference, and at multiple events in the field.

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F. Policy and Field Services and Education Departments - Works closely

with economists, labor relations specialists, and other technicians to

develop arguments and positions on a wide range of legislative

issues. Develops and coordinates policy paper and testimony

production.

G. General Counsel's Office (GCO) - Works closely with staff

attorneys to ensure legislative proposals address AFGE legal

concerns.

4. Reviews and signs lobbying reports to the Senate and House reflecting

extent of such activities as registered AFGE lobbyist.

5. Some travel by air and surface transportation is required. Some overnight

travel during the week and weekends is required, as well as attendance and

participation at work events during the weekends and after regularly

scheduled work hours.

6. Performs other duties as required.

III. WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional environment working to establish Federation

and Departmental goals. The incumbent will routinely use standard office

equipment such as computers, fax machines, scanners, and phones. Long hours

are periodically required. Travel is required. The employee will periodically be

required to do some lifting and/or move items over 10 pounds.

IV. CONTROLS OVER WORK

This is a professional salaried position that is exempt from the FLSA. Reports to

the Legislative Director and works under her general supervision. Work requires

thorough familiarity with the process and people through which legislation is

introduced and enacted; a working knowledge of federal personnel statutes; and

knowledge of AFGE policies and procedures. Performance is evaluated in terms

of personal and departmental accomplishments and effectiveness in meeting

AFGE legislative goals and objectives.

V. QUALIFICATIONS

1. Applicant must have five years of U.S. Congressional legislative experience

from working on Capitol Hill or lobbying the Congress. Applicant must

have a thorough knowledge of the legislative process.

2. Applicant must have bachelor's degree, and due to the complexity of

the legislative issues facing AFGE members, graduate/law degree is

strongly preferred.

3. Applicant must be familiar with and able to analyze legislative bills,

proposals, reports, make recommendations regarding them, and prepare

written testimony.

4. Applicant must have a comprehensive understanding of AFGE's legislative

Goals.

5. Applicant must have a deep and abiding commitment to the American labor

movement.

6. Applicant must be an exceptional analyst and writer.

7. Grade 14 level is available to incumbents in Grade 13 after one year in service.

To be promoted from Grade 13 to Grade 14 Legislative Representative,

incumbent must be able to operate independently, with very little direct

supervision, while simultaneously keeping the Director informed of all

important matters. Incumbent must have demonstrated extraordinary skills in

the ability to resolve complex legislative challenges and be able to strategize

with Field Mobilization Director and Political and Mobilization Director in the

absence of the Director. Incumbent must have close working relationships with

all members of the LPAD, including field staff, and must stay generally up to

date on all legislative matters affecting AFGE members to provide substitute

backup for other legislative representatives if necessary.

VI. EEO STATEMENT

AFGE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and

applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national

origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, sexual

orientation, personal appearance, gender identity and/or gender expression. In

additional to federal law requirements, AFGE complies with applicable state and

local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which

the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of

employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination,

layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training