Job Overview
This mid-level professional performs constituent casework, routine research, and press and public relations functions for Senate Republican caucus members. The position requires basic familiarity with the legislative process, the functions of state government, and policy interests of the caucus and the district of assigned caucus members. The Legislative Aide is supervised by a senior staff member (Chief of Staff), who may review and track their work for accuracy, completeness, content, timeliness and methods.
The Senate Republican Office staff supports and enhances the work of the Maine State Senators in the Republican caucus as they carry out their duty to serve their constituents and strives to have tangible, positive impacts on the lives of all Maine people. The Legislative Aide serves multiple members of the Republican caucus helping with constituent services, communications, and legislative work.
Responsibilities
- Assists constituents of assigned caucus members in dealing with state agencies, quasi-governmental entities, and other organizations as appropriate in obtaining services or resolving problems either in person, by phone or email and in consultation with the senator.
- Monitors statewide and in-district events and news.
- Works closely with communications staff to timely draft and review news columns, opinion pieces, press releases, media advisories, legislative testimony, floor speeches, and more.
- Helps research, write, edit, format and oversee the production of annual newsletters and questionnaires in conjunction with senators.
- Helps organize in-district and other meetings for senators.
- Tracks assigned caucus members’ legislation through the entire legislative process; monitors committee hearings or floor debates and reports legislative action or developments to other staff or legislators.
- May assist assigned senators with social media, email, and other correspondence and legislative business.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or other equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to communicate, coordinate and work effectively with the public, members of the legislature, legislative staff and executive branch.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; experience in communications, journalism, and/or traditional or social media.
- Research and computer skills experience.
- Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and under pressure.
- Demonstrated interest in politics and/or state government.
- Familiarity with Maine and its different regions.
Benefits
The competitive salary for this position is accompanied by a strong state employee benefits package. The biweekly dollar values of some state-paid benefits for full-time employees include: $14.60 for dental insurance; 13.16% of employee’s pay towards retirement; and, depending on the employee’s annual pay, at least 85% ($412.23) of health insurance premiums (more information is available here). Participation in the Health Premium Credit Program can increase state-paid health insurance benefits by 5%.
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.
Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Heather Priest, Chief of Staff, at heather.priest@legislature.maine.gov.