Job Description

　　Agency Overview:

　　The Massachusetts House of Representatives ("House") is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

　　Position Overview:

　　The Research Director oversees and is responsible for performing research and communications matters that come before the Committee. They collaborate with committee staff and interact with legislators, administrative officials, and stakeholders to support Committee priorities. Performs other duties as assigned.

　　Reports to:

　　Reports to the House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, Representative Antonio. F. D. Cabral, and at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director.

　　Essential Duties & Responsibilities

　　The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts the Chair's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

　　Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

　　• Under the direction of the Chair, and with the support of committee staff, drafts and reviews legislative documents and outgoing communication such as amendments, press releases, hearing notices, letters of testimony, legislation, and talking points;

　　• In coordination with the Staff Director, manage communications with the public, including but not limited to newsletters, press releases and social media; support administrative staff with written correspondence;

　　• Under the direction of the Chair and in coordination with the Staff Director, manage communications with government offices, agencies, departments, and elected officials in addition to advocacy groups and individuals based on work before the Committee;

　　• In coordination with Staff Director, manage quotes, media advisories and public statements to the media;

　　• Tracks bills through the legislative process;

　　• Maintains records and compiles background materials and information;

　　• Provides research and analysis on policy initiatives and pending legislation;

　　• Serves as office liaison to House committees and departments as well as external constituents and stakeholders;

　　• Meets with lobbyists, special interest groups and organizations, governmental agency representatives, constituency groups, and other stakeholders as assigned;

　　• Prepares briefing materials and bill summaries;

　　• Responds to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives, constituency groups and the general public regarding bill content and status;

　　• Attends hearings, events and meetings;

　　• Monitors and reports on legislative action on the House and Senate floor;

　　• May prepare and oversee committee polling;

　　• May complete administrative tasks on LAWS and paperwork with the House Clerk to support committee legislative activities;

　　• May organize committee hearings, provides support throughout the hearing process such as recording votes, filing amendments, posting hearing notices, reserving hearing rooms, and obtain necessary supplies;

　　• Utilizes research data bases;

　　• Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite;

　　• Able to operate in a fast-paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds

　　Qualifications

　　Required Skills/Attributes:

　　• Ability to interact and work with different communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner;

　　• Ability to multi-task effectively, work independently and meet deadlines on short notice;

　　• Experience presenting complex data, analyses and information in easily understood formats;

　　• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills;

　　• Excellent writing and communication skills;

　　• Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally;

　　• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology;

　　• Ability to follow up and complete tasks.

　　Education/Experience Qualifications:

　　• Bachelor's degree required;

　　• Prior work experience as a Researcher, or equivalent work experience;

　　• Prior legislative or related work experience for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups or non-profit organizations is preferred.

　　• Prior experience with website and newsletter content management is preferred.

　　• Familiarity with New Bedford and southeastern Massachusetts is not required but considered a plus.

　　• Fluency in English is required, but language skills in Portuguese or Spanish is a plus

　　Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

　　This is a full-time, minimum of 37.5 hour per week position. Days of work are typically Monday through Friday. Hours vary and may include evening and weekend work to support the Committee's legislative or constituent activities.

　　Currently, this is a hybrid position with both remote and in-office days every week. The role is based primarily in Boston at the State House, but responsibilities in the district in New Bedford, MA, should also be anticipated.

　　Compensation & Benefits:

　　As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, staff have access to a wide variety of health plans including coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits. Furthermore, retirement benefits are available, depending upon one's length of employment.

　　The salary for this position will be in the low $60k's.

　　To Apply:

　　The Massachusetts House is an equal opportunity employer. All those interested are encouraged to apply. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 1-page writing sample to Rep. Cabral's Chief of Staff, Kate Miller, at [email protected].

　　Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

　　Further questions on the position should be directed to Kate Miller at [email protected].

　　The House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity/expression, disability, military obligations, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal or state law.