Government Relations Counsel - New

Department: Office of Committee on Publication

SUMMARY
The work of the Government Relations Counsel is motivated and animated by Church Manual Article XXXIII which guides the work of the Office of Committee on Publication: “to correct in a Christian manner impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science, injustices done Mrs. Eddy and members of this church….” With a purpose to lift and heal public thought, and to give humanity the opportunity to see Christian Science in its true light, the Government Relations Counsel approaches impositions on the public as cases in the Christian Science healing practice. This position provides oversight, coordination, and management for the Government Relations activities of the Committee on Publication, including initiatives and projects for the Manager of Committees on Publication. It includes management of staff, including the Government Relations Coordinator and legislative scanning function, and coordination with the other functional areas of the office (such as Committee and Field Support, Committee Editorial Activities, Ecumenical/Interfaith, etc.). This position works under the guidance and direction of the Manager of Committees on Publication to provide legal expertise in support of the state and local government work of Committees on Publication primarily in the United States (and also assists and advises Committees on Publication outside the United States as needed) and in support of the worldwide Committees on Publication and their corrective activities provided under the Manual .

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prays specifically for the healing of impositions and in support of essential activities in which the office and Committees in the field are engaged;
• Advises and assists Committees on Publication in all areas of government activity, including review of legislation, government regulations, development of thoughtful approaches for engagement and participation in government meetings to correct impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science and ensure the lawful practice thereof at the state and local government level throughout the United States.
  • Reviews legislation, regulations and other government activity at the state and local government level that create impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science or otherwise impact the practice of Christian Science. Manages team of part-time Legislative Scanners who scan U.S. state and local legislation for proposed and pending legislation and other government proposals that may be relevant.
  • Technically counsels — in written and verbal form — U.S. Committees on Publication on legislative and regulatory issues, and in preparation for presentations to government officials in order to preserve the lawful practice of Christian Science in the United States.
  • Researches statutory, regulatory and case law on specific topics relating to the lawful practice of Christian Science in state and local law throughout the United States.
  • Develops legislative proposals and presentations to state and local governments in the United States on public policy issues impacting the practice of Christian Science.
  • Attends and participates in meetings with legislators and government officials in the field as needed.
• Manages staff, including the Government Relations Coordinator and legislative scanning function, to determine daily and weekly priorities and provide support and guidance to staff and Committees in the field who support the Manager’s Office Government Relations work;
• Identifies legislative, regulatory and government trends that relate to impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science or otherwise impact the practice of Christian Science in the United States;
• Advises and coordinates with Department management concerning the development of significant public policy initiatives and trends impacting the practice of Christian Science relative to state and local government activity in the United States;
• Develops and oversees implementation of thoughtful approaches for long-range state and local government engagement in the United States. Directs and coordinates with Department management concerning projects and priorities;
• Approves and develops conceptual documents, support materials, technologies and training programs to help Committees on Publication perform their government activity. Manages and negotiates related vendor contracts. Manages and directs the training of Committees on Publication in the United States to help newly appointed and incumbent Committees on Publication better understand and undertake their government relations role;
• Works closely with and coordinates/provides Government Relations support to other Manager’s office functional areas (Committee and Field Support, Committee Editorial Activities, Ecumenical/Interfaith, Special Projects, etc.).

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships
Supervisor: Manager, Christian Science Committees on Publication
Supervises: Government Relations Coordinator and Legislative Scanners; may occasionally supervise temporary and contract workers

Regular Contacts
This position has regular contact with staff in the Committee on Publication Office, other church Departments and Committee on Publication contacts in the field.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience
A three year Juris Doctor Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university and 7+ years of equivalent work experience is required.

Knowledge/Skills
The candidate must be an attorney licensed to practice in the United States. The candidate must be trained and have experience in the evaluation and interpretation of complex statutes and regulations. The candidate must be a good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, and must possess the qualities to produce thorough, accurate and detail-oriented work. The candidate must have experience as a supervisor, and have demonstrated ability in nurturing professional development in others. The candidate must have a strong foundation in the practice of Christian Science, and the ability to apply it to government-related issues involved with Committee on Publication work.

Technology Skills
Computer skills (competency with word processing, database management, training and presenting material through online meeting and/or webinar applications, various software and cloud platforms) are required.

Work Environment
May work remotely with periodic visits to Boston office as needed, but also travels to work directly with Committees in the field, and to meet with government officials. Position requires the candidate to be accessible by mobile phone, including beyond traditional work hours when occasionally needed.

Engagement with Christian Science
Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.