Description:
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: An application must be completed in its entirety in a single session. The software will not allow an applicant to save their information and return later to complete the application.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required: One year of experience in a general legislative support role. Skilled with asking great questions at all levels of an organization, from entry level to VIP. Engaging with legislators and staff in a respectful way that is neither overbearing or timid. Excellent data management skills. Data analysis using Excel. Advanced Excel skills (i.e. pivot tables and formulas). Online and publicly- sourced research on legislative events, dignitaries, and staff members. Knowledge of legislative processes. Understanding of political dynamics and ability to work within a dynamic environment.
Preferred: Two years of work in a legislative office. Strong written communication skills, including ability to write in a news format and a feature format.

PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit or stand for long periods on occasion and carry objects up to 10 pounds. Ability to work at a desk with heavy use of keyboard and monitor. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities; if needed, please reach out to our Human Resources department to discuss your needs.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Political Science or a similar area of concentration.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communication, Political Science or a similar area of concentration from Texas A&M University.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE

• Engage with legislative staff at all levels.
• Maintain robust database for accurate research and decision making.
• Coordinate student participation in biennial state legislative event.
• Research all matters related to higher education current events and legislation.
• Employ strong written communication skills and attention to detail.

PERFORM SPECIFIC TASKS IN SUPPORT OF ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS OBJECTIVES:

• Administrate and update volunteer and advocate records in database.
• Formulate responses for highly visible issues that may have detractors as well as supporters, and have meaningful conversations with people in each category.
• Maintain Aggie staff lists who are working in legislative offices by conducting online research, reviewing public sources and cross-checking with database.
• Stay current on legislative issues, particularly those relating to higher education.
• Apply understanding of higher education matters, status of pending or future legislation, funding pressures, and current events.
• Maintain database in always-current status, consistently applying a high attention to all details and ensuring accuracy for future reporting.
• Assist with data collection and support organization-wide email marketing program.
• Analyze effectiveness of organization-wide email marketing efforts.
• Steward relationships with broad population of legislative personnel.
• Create content for advocacy newsletter by drafting once ideation is completed by others.
• Follow Association style standards.
• Discern reliable, quality sources and identify potentially conflicting information through deeper and discrete research.
• Oversee student recruiting and conduct preparation training for Orange and Maroon Legislative Day.
• Assist with preparing for legislative events, such as Aggies on the Hill and legislative staff receptions.
• Manage the general inbox for AggieNetwork.com.
• Work closely with other communications staff to support The Association’s overall strategic marketing and communications goals.
• Coordinate work for Student Assistant(s), if any.