Field Information Officer (Bethel)

About the role

The Legislative Affairs Agency is seeking an individual interested in community outreach, motivated to learn, and able to work independently while collaborating in a team environment to fill a vacancy in the Legislative Information Office in Bethel. This exempt state position is year-round and scheduled for 40 hours per week, staffed at range 16 ($3,868.80 bi-weekly).

Working at the Legislative Affairs Agency offers a chance to be part of Alaska history, providing essential nonpartisan support to the Legislature where vital policy and laws are created. The agency values accountability, respect, and integrity, and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a legislative information office and serve as a liaison between the legislature and the public.
• Distribute information to the public about the legislature and legislative proceedings via email, print media, radio, and personal contact.
• Coordinate public hearing teleconferences, enabling public participation in legislative meetings.
• Monitor legislative sessions and furnish information to the public on upcoming hearings, bills, committee actions, and floor proceedings.
• Schedule teleconferences, advertise dates and topics, assemble materials, operate teleconference equipment, and moderate testimony.
• Maintain communication with the Juneau office during teleconferences and distribute materials to participants.
• Troubleshoot problems with teleconference connections or equipment during calls.
• Maintain a log of participants and send written testimony and other correspondence to committees and legislators.
• Process public information messages (POMs) by taking information via phone, email, or fax and relaying it to the appropriate legislative office.
• Answer telephones and respond to constituent questions.
• Conduct basic research on topics related to statutes, legislation, and legislative actions.
• Identify appropriate resources for public questions and provide contact information.
• Write non-partisan press releases about legislative actions for distribution to local newspapers and radio stations.
• Write newsletters for subscribers about legislative activity and upcoming teleconferences.
• Maintain a database of constituents' interests to provide updated information throughout the legislative session.
• Assist legislators in communicating with the community.
• Procure and maintain computers and office equipment for the LIO office.
• Operate the office within budget and account for all expenditures.
• Prepare yearly inventory of office equipment and furniture.

Requirements

• One year of college or technical school or at least one year of relevant work experience.
• This position is open to Alaska residents only.
• Positions in the Legislative Affairs Agency are required to be politically neutral.

Benefits

The Alaska Legislature offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health benefits with a range of coverage choices for medical, dental, and vision.
• Health flexible spending account and other health services such as Teladoc, Hinge Health, and Lantern.
• Supplemental elections: life insurance, additional accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, and both short- and long-term disability.
• Free, confidential mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial well-being options, including:
  • Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), with either a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution based on hire date.
  • Deferred Compensation plan with options for before or after payroll taxes.
  • Supplemental Benefits System Annuity (SBS) in lieu of Social Security.
  • Workers Compensation Insurance.
  • Voluntary Savings Plan.
• Professional development opportunities to empower employees in their careers.
• Work/life balance support, including:
  • Accrual of up to 150 hours of compensatory time for hours worked over the standard work week (no cash value).
  • An average of 21 days per year of accrued leave, starting at 6:04 hours per pay period (21 days a year). Previous time in leave-eligible positions in the Executive or Judicial branch may increase accrual rate.
  • 12 paid state holidays.
• The Legislative Affairs Agency is a family-friendly employer.

Pay

This position is staffed at range 16, with a bi-weekly salary of $3,868.80.

Schedule

This is a year-round, full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week.