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Legislative Affairs Specialist

Description

Legislative Affairs Specialist
Policy


General Description:

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Policy Department is seeking a Legislative Affairs Specialist to advance the State’s Attorney’s legislative agenda within the Illinois General Assembly and track legislative matters that impact the criminal and civil legal functions of the Office.  This is a full-time bargaining unit exempt position. 

Working Environment and Reporting Structure:

The Legislative Affairs Specialist will serve as one of two members of the Legislative Affairs team.  Internally, the Legislative Affairs Specialist will work closely with the policy team and legal bureaus.  Externally, this position requires fostering relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to state and local government agencies; advocacy groups; policy organizations; and elected members of the Illinois General Assembly.

This position requires frequent travel to Springfield between January and June.

Duties/Requirements:

The primary responsibilities of the Legislative Affairs Specialist will be to:
  • Work with external stakeholders to advocate for legislation that furthers the mission, vision and values of the Office.
  • Screen all bills and amendments filed in the Illinois General Assembly to assess their potential impact on the criminal and civil justice systems.
  • Draft legislation, committee testimony, and policy documents. 
  • Strengthen external partnerships to enhance attention to criminal justice reform.
  • Conduct research and review applicable laws and regulations to inform agency policies;
  • Review bills and amendments filed in the Illinois General Assembly to assess their potential impact on sex and gender-based violence;
  • Analyze legislation, statutes, regulations, and other legal materials to incorporate into new and/or updated policies, procedures, and standards and propose new legislation pertaining to criminal justice reform;

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A J.D. with at least three years’ experience working in legislature or policy.
  • Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skill.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and write policy proposals and reports.
  • Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to promote team building and be a self-starter.
  • Must uphold the mission and values of the Office.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Expertise in project leadership and management;
  • Experience in research and data report development and presentation;
  • Familiarity with Illinois state criminal procedure and law; and
  • Illinois State legislative experience.

EEO Message:

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office that applicants for employment are recruited, selected, and hired based on individual merit and ability, concerning the position to be filled and potential for promotions or transfers which may be expected to develop. Applicants are recruited, selected, and hired without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), genetic information, citizenship, military service, marital status, parental status, and disability. Furthermore, personnel procedures and practices with regard to training, transfer, compensation, demotion, layoff or termination are to be administered with due regard to job performance, experience, and qualification, but without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or veteran/military status.