Position: Political Affairs Consultant - Region 4/Governmental Relations
Location: 1169 Mountain Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
Unit Description and/or Conditions Unique to Assignment
Region 4 is a large geographic region that stretches along the Mexico, Arizona and Nevada borders north to Los Angeles County. It includes the entire counties of Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Imperial, Inyo and Mono. It covers all but the west end of San Bernardino County and a small portion of Los Angeles County. Region 4 encompasses both rural and large urban communities. It literally goes from the mountains to the sea. The political consultant must travel within the region frequently as part of the regular work assignment.
Region 4 has approximately 150 CTA local chapters spread throughout the eight counties that require systemic receipt and dissemination of information about school board races, bond issues, statewide campaigns and other political activities.
Strong interpersonal communication skills, technology skills, and the ability to work effectively with management, CTA staff, leaders and members are critical attributes for this assignment.
Region 4 is a very conservative region with a few pro-education members of the legislature. It is a challenge for the region to identify and elect pro-education legislators outside of the urban centers of the region. School board races are often the targets of extremist candidates who want to put their agenda into our schools. School board races are complex and important as many school board members are moving into the legislature. A large portion of the chapters have active Political Action Funds. Knowledge of campaign finance laws is very important. The Assignment requires strong political advocacy and political organizing skills to assist field staff and chapter leaders with their political action plans. Region 4 is home to two media markets and also part of the largest media market in the state.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Organize teachers to elect CTA's recommended candidates and support CTA's political action goals.
Provide training using a variety of methods and tools including computer-assisted presentations.
Provide locals with assistance in acquiring vendors, polls and other campaign plan needs.
Provide locals with assistance in forming PACs and fulfilling reporting requirements.
Assist chapters in acquiring CTA support, including ABC funding, for local endorsed candidates and/or issues.
Liaison to political party conventions, coalitions and CTA State Council of Education as assigned.
Serve as the governmental relations liaison with regional CTA professional staff and with CTA leadership.
Assist in the implementation of governmental relations training and services for chapters, leaders, and staff including development and distribution of political resource materials, and organization and execution of training services including region political academies, Presidents Conference, and Summer Institute assignments, and multi-day trainings.
Provide assistance in the implementation of assessment and endorsement procedures and receipt and referral of funding requests.
Provide assistance in the implementation of the CTA-NEA state and federal contact programs.
Assist in developing local participation in CTA-NEA Governmental Relations Awards programs.
Promote membership in CTA, NEA-PAC, and CTA Issues PAC.
Assist in the preparation of political action materials for CTA events.
Assist in the development and maintenance of CTA's political databases.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
A BS/BA or higher degree.
A working knowledge of the California political processes and functions of the State government.
Demonstrated knowledge of an ability to analyze and explain relevant legislative and political processes.
Demonstrated knowledge of all the necessary elements for a political campaign plan.
Experience using or willingness to learn Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) for the preparation of presentations and work related materials.
Ability to work cooperatively with members, staff, and general public.
Working knowledge of CTA/NEA political action programs and governance structure is desirable.
Appropriate educational background including teaching experience in public schools preferred.
Applications may be filed up to the time the Application Screening Committee meets.
*This position is in a bargaining unit represented by CSO. Salaries are established by a collective bargaining agreement. Step placement is also determined by the CTA/CSO Agreement.
CTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
