Position Responsibility: To bring about systemic change for animals in New Mexico by supporting the passage of legislation, including but not limited to legislative tracking and internal reporting, research and data collection and analysis, grassroots correspondence, community organizing & outreach, electoral candidate research and tracking, development of informational materials, and utilization of volunteers and citizen advocates. Position Objectives: Provide support for APV’s state, federal, and local legislative policies and programs, to include internal bill tracking and reporting, developing and preparing lobbying materials, news monitoring, grassroots outreach, candidate research and questionnaires, meeting attendance, public testimony at legislative hearings, and participation in related APNM programs. At the direction of the Chief Legislative Officer, work with executive leadership and staff directors to administer public outreach campaigns to promote APV and its priority issues—utilizing a variety of supporter communications and media approaches, including drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, broadcast media plan development, social media, website updates and email alerts. Monitoring and documenting work product related to legislation and policy to ensure information is tracked and organized and that deadlines are met. Conduct research and perform initial data analysis—including correspondence and formal public information requests—in support of APV legislative programs and relevant APNM programs, policies and development efforts, to strengthen case arguments and secure broader support for APV. Develop content and manage collateral material projects to support legislative and policy efforts, including the annual APV Scorecard and posts on the APV Blog. Respond to requests and questions from citizen advocates and the general public to support legislative initiatives and promote APNM and APV programs and priority issues, including companion animals, wildlife, equines, and farmed animals. Assist Program Manager with the recruitment, training, oversight and engagement of volunteers to support legislative and policy initiatives, including organization of phone banks and lobby days, and with utilizing outreach opportunities. Any other tasks necessary to facilitate successful advocacy for animals on behalf of APV and APNM, including note-taking, mailings, meeting preparation, event planning and coordination, and fundraising as needed.

Qualifications:

Associates or Bachelors Degree required.
Associates, Bachelors, or Graduate Degree in political science, law, government policy, or public affairs preferred. Alternatively, previous employment experience in public policy, government relations, non-profit advocacy, or political work preferred.
Sound verbal and written communication skills.
Can adapt and respond with flexibility to reasonable changes in work priorities and circumstances.
Willingness to work non-traditional hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, extended hours) in the case of the legislative session, special events, and urgent time-sensitive matters in order to meet deadlines or achieve outcomes.
High attention to detail.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Strong sensitivity and responsiveness to deadlines.
Desire to work in and support a team environment and its goals.
Ability to remain calm under pressure or in conflict situations.
Computer-literate and experienced in using a variety of computer software including Microsoft Outlook e-mail, Excel, Word, online research required. Additionally, experience in Facebook, Twitter, and/or Wordpress desired.
Familiarity with New Mexico preferred.