Legislative Analyst/Community Outreach - Southeast Region

This position is remote-based, located in the Southeast Region (preferably FL, GA or TN). The successful candidate should have several years of legislative policy experience in this region.

*Must be willing to train in our Raleigh office for 6-8 weeks before returning to remote work in the region. 

The Legal Analyst/Community Outreach Coordinator (LACOC) is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and responding to state and local legislation for content, context, and legislative intent. Provides logical and reasoned opinions and analysis regarding the potential impact of proposed legislation for the purebred dog community and AKC constituents.

The LACOC supports the efforts of Government Relations to develop and introduce proactive, positive legislation and frame arguments to refute negative anti-dog, anti-dog owner legislation. Manages legislative analysis and community outreach efforts in the region. Develops, educates, and assists legislative liaisons and grassroots volunteers. Serves as a canine policy resource for local dog owners and dog clubs. Conducts educational and policy outreach with key stakeholders. Provides written and in-person expertise and testimony for local and state legislative meetings. 

*Resume and cover letter required for consideration. 

Primary Job Duties

• Conducts thorough legal and factual research, escalating issues as necessary.
• Provides analytical support to the VP, Government Relations and Director, Policy Analysis.
• Tracks and reports pending legislation for impact on purebred dog community.
• Manages analysis and monitors legislation in assigned area of responsibility.
• Conducts educational and policy outreach with key stakeholders.
• Uses online legislative tracking systems.
• Under the direction of department management, drafts proposed legislation and engages in legislative advocacy.
• Provides technical assistance to club-based legislative liaisons and state dog federations. Assists with the development and implementation of key work processes, policies, and procedures.
• Takes leadership in conducting public policy research and analysis regarding canine legislation.
• Provides in-person presentations about AKC Government Relations to key clubs and constituents.
• Provides testimony and assistance as needed to state and local legislatures.
• Organizes educational and lobby days.
• Must be willing to train for two months at AKC’s Raleigh North Carolina office

Required Skills, Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relative field, Master’s degree or JD preferred
• 3+ years of legislative/public policy experience in the Southeastern US region, preferably with direct experience in state legislature.
• Experience in effective communication/advocacy with media, grassroots, and legislators.
• Strong ability to understand and analyze factual and legal issues is critical.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Must be able to establish good internal and external working relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; and the ability to work independently, multi-task, and prioritize workload.
• Strong time-management, analytical and organizational skills are needed.
• Open to learning new technologies as well as familiarity and comfort level with word processing, Microsoft Outlook, and Office programs, online legal research, and legislative websites.
• Represent the American Kennel Club professionally and positively to a wide array of media and community organizations.
• Must be willing to train for two months in North Carolina prior to placement in the field.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends.