Program Assistant to Government Relations

Colorado Education Association
Vacancy Announcement

Non-Exempt Staff
Position: Program Assistant to Government Relations

Posting Date: August 17, 2023 Closing Date: August 31, 2023 (5:00pm MST)

The Colorado Education Association (CEA) is the largest union of educators in the state with more than 39,000 K-12 teachers, higher ed faculty, and education support professionals, as well as students preparing to become teachers, and retired educators. Our mission is to work collectively to provide the best public education for every student.

CEA is seeking qualified candidates who are passionate about helping elevate educator voices to improve working and learning conditions for educators and students through CEA’s political and legislative programs. The ideal candidate will have strong administrative and interpersonal skills, as well as experience with political processes and campaign finance.
The Program Assistant for GR is a Denver-based position. CEA currently operates in a hybrid work environment.

The Colorado Education Association is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage people of color, women, individuals who identify as LGBTQ , or gender non-conforming, people living with disabilities, veterans, and bilingual people to apply for open external positions at CEA. CEA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CEA will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Essential Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of state and federal legislative and political processes. Experience with lobbyist reporting and bill tracking programs preferred

• Basic knowledge of the structure of state government
• Understanding of non-profit and campaign budgeting and experience with accounting and bookkeeping
• Strong knowledge of and experience with using the Voter Activation Network
• Strong knowledge of campaign finance rules and reporting
• Basic understanding of elections at the local, state, and national levels
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications
• Ability to gather and organize information, develop report formats, etc.
• Proficiency in various computer technologies in a Windows-based PC environment
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Effective records maintenance skills
• Ability to expand knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing environment
• Ability to complete multiple projects with shifting priorities and to meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision
• Ability to provide support to professional staff and/or manager as required by the assignment
• An understanding about issues related to systemic racism and social justice and a commitment to advance diversity and social justice
• Proficiency with various computer programs, including, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other online platforms

(such as Jotform, SharePoint, Survey Monkey, Cvent, etc). Experience with Sage Intacct accounting software preferred

Responsibilities:

Political Program

• Coordinate with the Political Director on the organization of meetings and various activities related to the member- elected committee responsible for approving CEA political expenditures (CEA Fund)

• Coordinate with the Political Director on administration of the political recommendation process at the national, state and local levels
• Provide assistance with data input, tracking, and reporting in the Voter Activation Network (VAN) and provide assistance and training to other staff on the use of the VAN
• Provide support and coordination to the CEA Fund, including managing meeting logistics
• With support from the Business office, manage the accounting and bookkeeping for the CEA Fund accounts

(including Small Donor Committee and Political Action Committee), including reconciliation of Fund bank accounts, tracking grant money and outstanding bills, coordinating the processes around members' political contributions, and processing invoice payments

• File all Campaign Finance reports to the Secretary of State and County Clerks as required by state and local laws and rules

Legislative Program

• Provide assistance to the Government Relations (GR) team with the Legislative Liaison Program, Lobby Days, and other member engagement activities during legislative session
• Organize and maintain legislative databases and materials for the lobbyist(s), including assisting the lobbyist(s) with utilizing and maintaining CEA’s bill tracking system
• File all Lobbyist reports to the Secretary of State as required by state laws and rules

Joint Purpose

• Exercise positive personal interaction and provide oral and written communication with leaders, members, staff, and the public and elected officials
• Provide assistance and coordinate the logistics to the GR team in the preparation of GR events, meetings and legislative/political trainings
• Maintain files on candidates and elected officials
• Respond to member inquiries and requests
• Provide assistance with managing events and tracking member data and engagement in elections, and legislative programs, primarily using VAN and Cvent
• Provide assistance with organizing and maintaining data tracking for all programs

General Purpose

• Provide support to member and leader groups as assigned
• Provide support for organizing and capacity building efforts with leaders, members and staff
• Provide general administrative support to exempt and managers as assigned
• Provide backup support to other non-exempt staff as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Compensation and Benefits

This is a bargaining unit position with a salary range of $45,750 - $82,808 based upon prior experience. Fringe benefits include auto allowance; liberal vacation and sick leave; holidays; health, dental, disability, and life insurance; and 401(k) plan with employer contribution of 16.5%.

Application Procedure:
To complete an application, go to this link: https://form.jotform.com/232267154926157 .

Applications must be received at CEA by 5pm(MST), August 31, 2023. The letter of interest that you will be asked to submit should be addressed to Hiring Manager at:
Colorado Education Association
1500 Grant Street
Denver, Colorado 80203

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,750.00 - $82,808.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Denver, CO 80203: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Political Support: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Denver, CO 80203

Salary : $47,750 - $82,808