Legislative Campaign Associate

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is accepting applications for a full-time Legislative Campaign Associate. MLAC is an exciting place to work with a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. We are located in a beautiful office space on Tremont Street near Government Center in Boston. Due to the pandemic, MLAC is following a hybrid work schedule with two days in the office. 
 

ABOUT MLAC AND EJC

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is a non-profit organization established by the Commonwealth to ensure that low-income people with critical, non-criminal legal problems have access to legal information, advice, and representation. MLAC provides leadership and support for the continued improvement of legal aid to low-income people and is the largest funding source for civil legal aid organizations in the Commonwealth. 

The Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) is a partnership of MLAC, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Bar Association. The EJC advocates for expanded access to civil legal aid and coordinates state-wide advocacy for increased funding for the Commonwealth’s civil legal aid programs. The EJC is staffed by MLAC, and includes representatives from bar associations, law firms, and legal services programs across the Commonwealth, who work together to protect the state appropriation for civil legal aid. Learn more about the EJC at http://www.equaljusticecoalition.org.

MLAC is committed to diversity in its workforce. A crucial part of MLAC’s vision is ensuring diversity of staff and volunteers, as well as supporting cultural and linguistic competence. Women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and people who speak English as a second language are encouraged to apply. Learn more about us at www.mlac.org.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The position reports to the Director of the Equal Justice Coalition and is primarily responsible for supporting the annual budget campaign and related advocacy work. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Provide administrative support to the Director of the EJC, including research, writing and event planning. 

·       Draft, edit and disseminate general and legislative correspondence for the EJC including letters to legislators and the Governor, and regular communications with various EJC supporters from the private bar, social service organizations, and bar associations.

·       Support the Director of the EJC in planning and implementing the annual legislative budget campaign including assisting with the Beacon of Justice Awards, Annual Legislative Briefing, Walk to the Hill lobby day and other events.

·       Serve as lead-contact with law firm team captains.

·       Assist with the recruitment of regional, statewide, and specialty bar associations as sponsors for the Walk to the Hill. 

·       Assist with the recruitment of supporters from non-profit and social service organizations across the state. 

·       Supervise EJC interns.

·       Maintain and update the database and other information infrastructure for the EJC.

·       In coordination with the Director of the EJC, maintain regular communication(s) with Legal Aid Organizations and MLAC Board of Directors.

·       Track progress of civil legal aid line item within the state budget process, and

·       Support the Director of the EJC in preparing for meetings of the EJC Legislative Committee, attending meetings, generating and disseminating meeting minutes.

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

·       Interest and/or experience in state legislative matters preferred 

·       Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

·       Interest in the non-profit sector and issues that affect low-income people.

·       Prior administrative support and event planning experience preferred 

·        Strong written and oral communications skills

·       Strong time-management, organizational skills, and attention to detail

·       Ability to work both independently and in a team environment; excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders

·       Proficiency in using computer and Microsoft Office products required

BENEFITS 

MLAC offers competitive compensation and benefits, including:

·       Competitive salary

·       Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans

·       Generous paid time off, including 13 holidays, birthday off and increasing vacation time with tenure starting at 3 weeks of accrued vacation the first year

·       Flexible work schedule

·       403(b) plan with current employer contribution of up to 13.5% of the employee’s annual salary

·       Flexible spending and dependent care tax free savings plan

·       Generous annual professional development allowance

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a 1) resume, 2) cover letter, and 3) writing sample in PDF to hiring@mlac.org by Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. Reasonable accommodation in the application process will be provided upon request. No phone calls, please.