About the job
About Arts Alliance Illinois
Arts Alliance Illinois serves as the leading statewide advocacy and lobbying organization dedicated to the arts and culture sector. We empower the creative community by advocating for favorable policies, securing essential funding, and fostering vital connections that enable artists, educators, cultural organizations, and creative professionals to flourish.
Our initiatives include legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization, statewide programs, technical assistance, research, and a Help Desk, all aimed at cultivating a more equitable, sustainable, and innovative creative ecosystem.
Position Overview
The Policy Operations Manager, reporting directly to the Senior Director of Government Affairs, plays a crucial role in providing exceptional administrative, operational, and legislative support that enhances the policy and advocacy mission of Arts Alliance Illinois.
This position ensures the seamless operation of the Government Affairs department through effective scheduling, legislative tracking, meeting coordination, logistics for district and Capitol visits, and daily interactions with lawmakers, staff, coalition partners, and internal teams.
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, politically astute, and adept at managing multiple details within a dynamic policy landscape. They will take pleasure in optimizing systems, fulfilling commitments, and translating strategic plans into actionable outcomes. This role provides invaluable exposure to statewide policy initiatives, the legislative process, and advocacy for arts and culture.
This role is predominantly remote, requiring occasional attendance at meetings in the Chicago office, annual staff retreats, and various Arts Alliance events across the state. All employees must reside in Illinois during their tenure with AAI.
Hiring Process
The interview process consists of several stages for selected candidates, including:
- Initial application review
- Zoom panel interview with selected Arts Alliance staff
- In-person interview with the Senior Director of Government Affairs
- Potential assessment task, for which candidates will be compensated for their time and effort
Key Responsibilities
Legislative & Administrative Operations (65%)
- Oversee the Government Affairs legislative calendar, coordinating meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, agency partners, and coalition leaders.
- Assist in tracking bill progress, committee hearings, deadlines, and relevant policy updates; prepare summaries and timely updates for internal stakeholders.
- Draft and organize meeting materials, legislator packets, talking points, briefing memos, and correspondence for follow-up.
- Maintain organized shared folders, notes, and legislative databases, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping.
- Support the preparation and submission of witness slips, testimony drafts, letters of support/concern, and other necessary documents.