Assistant Counsel

Full job description

JOB SCOPE AND FOCUS

CBIA is Connecticut's largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. We are the leading voice for businesses at the state Capitol.

An Assistant Counsel in our Public Policy department provides a positive, credible, and influential presence for CBIA members before the state legislature and state agencies. The role requires an in-depth knowledge of Connecticut’s legislative, executive, and regulatory processes and issues important to the business community to support the public policy and communications departments’ efforts to further CBIA’s public policy positions and member advocacy. The role involves direct interaction with public officials, their staff, CBIA members, other business lobbyists, and the media.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials and government decision makers.

· Monitors and tracks proposed legislation; analyzing potential impact on organization members; developing positions thereon; communicating views internally and externally to policymakers, members, the media, and allies.

· Writing and delivering testimony before various committees of the General Assembly and

administrative agencies.

· Contributes to the development of CBIA’s annual advocacy agenda; advancing this agenda before elected officials and government decision makers.

· Administers public policy and membership council meetings and policy agendas.

· Collaborate with key departments to manage relationships among members, key stakeholder groups, and state legislators.

· Assist in the maintenance of membership databases and rosters.

· Develops and maintains relationships with contacts at businesses and professional organizations.

· Develops, coordinates and promotes support for CBIA's public policy initiatives among CBIA member companies and other professional organizations.

· Performs various legal services, like contract and ethics review, from time to time, for CBIA and its affiliates.

· Supports membership development and outreach efforts, serving as an effective liaison between CBIA and the business community.

· Knowledgeable of CBIA’s and affiliates’ products and services.

· Attends events held by chambers and other professional organizations to build relationships and identify leads in support of CBIA’s policy and membership goals.

· Coordinates and attends policy-related events, including, but not limited to legislator/member visits, chamber legislative updates, and professional organization or CBIA events.

· Assist in the building of coalitions, dissemination of advocacy communications, and developing strategies for education and grassroots engagement of member companies and collaboration partners (Ex. Chambers, professional organizations, etc.) on advocacy issues.

· Supports membership department’s efforts to recruit and retain members companies during advocacy engagements.

· Be conversant on CBIA’s advocacy positions and talking points and be willing to discuss those positions in public speaking opportunities. · Must register as a lobbyist. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Reviewing internal processes for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness of CBIA’s membership

engagement efforts.

· Assisting other members of the Public Policy department as needed.

· Travel required within Connecticut.

· Other duties as assigned or needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Knowledge of Connecticut’s legislative, executive, and regulatory processes.

· Knowledge of contract, ethics, and elections law preferred.

· Strong persuasive communication skills, both oral and written.

· The capability to recommend both active and reactive positions and strategies for accomplishing the organization's public policy goals.

· Ability to understand complex public policy and economic issues.

· Ability to work independently and utilize teamwork and other total quality practices to ensure customer satisfaction.

· Flexibility and willingness to work long hours when called upon for events and during the legislative session.

EDUCATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

· Juris Doctorate degree

· Licensed to practice law in Connecticut and in good standing with Connecticut Bar.

· Experience interacting with the Connecticut General Assembly and/or executive branch or in a role requiring public policy development, advocacy, or lobbying at the local, state, or federal level.

· Knowledge of administrative, legislative, and regulatory practices preferred.

· Candidates with an understanding of bioscience or biotechnology policy issues are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you licensed to practice law in Connecticut and in good standing with the Connecticut Bar.

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Hartford, CT 06103 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hartford, CT 06103