District Legislative Aide/Communications Specialist

Greets visitors, answers the telephone, and performs general administrative duties. Monitors and updates the State Representative and staff on district and local issues. Acts as a liaison to federal, state, and local agencies for the Member and constituents and performs casework, answers correspondence and communications with constituents. Has extensive contact with the public and other persons involved in the legislative process.

This position is also expected to work directly with the Member and staff in the district and Harrisburg developing, executing, and monitoring communications outreach and strategies, including social media and other content.

This position is responsible for being the main point of contact for all public outreach efforts for the Member and will be responsible for the coordination and execution of all media activity. In direct coordination with the Harrisburg based Communications Department and the Member, you are expected to develop and execute a district outreach plan for the Member.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Develops social media outreach plan across multiple platforms including posts, videos, updates and interactions to grow Member’s presence and audience.

Works with Regional Team Supervisors and assigned teams to craft effective messages and develop social and traditional media strategies.

Reviews, updates and ensures the quality of communications distribution lists and Member media contact lists and creates other lists as needed.

Coordinates and executes all communications campaigns, meeting deadlines, following timelines, and ensuring uniformity of content/messaging.

Pitches Member press releases and story ideas to journalists and responds to journalists’ inquiries for information.

Monitors relevant media coverage of Member and Member focused issues.

Schedules, oversees, and promotes district events and attends Member events.

Manages Members’ social media activity and posts valuable, shareable content regularly, ensuring alignment with overall communications objectives.

Reviews analytics reports on social media (when available), reporting on traffic, engagement and follower figures.

Works with Members staff (and, District Operations) to accomplish assignment goals and maintain communication about pending newsletters or other projects.

Answers and screens telephone calls for the Member and other staff members and takes messages when appropriate.

Greets and screens visitors in a friendly, professional manner.

Responds to constituent requests for information, including constituent requests for status of pending legislation and resolutions.

Attends meetings and functions on behalf of State Representative and takes notes when required. Performs casework for constituents, answers casework correspondence, meets with constituents, Processes PennDOT, vital records, and other state agency forms accurately and in a timely manner.

Screens and refers cases, where appropriate, to other District Offices.

Logs all incoming and outgoing mail and incoming telephone calls relating to casework.

Prepares periodic reports for the District Director or District Office Manager on pending cases and district activities.

Continually screens active cases and acts as a liaison with constituents to ensure their cases are handled in a responsive manner. Maintains up-to-date files on all cases and categories of information of importance to the office.

Organizes large events throughout the district, including space rental, food and drink catering, and vendor attendance.

Opens, sorts and screens mail, including deliveries, in a timely manner.

Provides general office support functions that include typing, photocopying or assembly of materials for meetings and mailings.

Documents visitor opinions on issues communicated via telephone, including full name, address, and all relevant information as appropriate.

Maintains database files as requested. Orders and maintains office supplies

Schedules appointments and maintains the Member’s calendar, travel arrangements and reservations.

Assists Harrisburg staff with gathering documentation for expense reimbursement.

Maintains a positive and collaborative relationship with the State Representative, staff, and constituents.

Coordinates tours and manages special projects, as needed.

Develops and implements district outreach plans for assigned the Member.

Works outside regular office hours, when needed, to assist with Member outreach events.

Regular and punctual attendance at work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses up-to-date knowledge of social media platforms, tools, strategies.

Possesses knowledge of media relations strategies

Possesses knowledge of AP Style.

Ability to explain complex issues.

Ability to acquire knowledge of state government, the legislative process and terminology.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently on a variety of projects.

Ability to maintain composure and meet deadlines under time pressure. Ability to handle politically-sensitive work.

Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and often under pressure with a variety of people.

Possesses knowledge and ability to operate office equipment, MS office suite, database programs, other communications systems, and specialized legislative applications.

Willingness to attend periodic communications continuing education courses. Ability to accomplish all office duties required by the State Representative.

Ability to learn clerical and office management practices. Possesses knowledge and ability to operate office equipment, MS office suite, database programs, other communications systems, and specialized legislative applications.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to develop basic knowledge of legislative procedures and processes.

Ability to handle confidential information, including correspondence.

Ability to accept performance-based criticism and direction.

Ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner.

Ability to maintain a professional appearance.

Ability to be punctual and meet attendance requirements.

Ability to work remotely, where needed, and maintain productivity and cross-boundary communications.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

Work hours are a minimum of 9:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Four-year degree in public relations, communications, journalism, political science, or a related field.

AND A minimum of two years’ experience in public relations, marketing, communications, or a government-related field.

Must be able to travel and must hold a valid driver’s license.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000