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State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) is the chief architect of climate and energy policy for the Massachusetts State Senate. He serves as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and takes an active interest in criminal justice reform, transportation, and a broad range of other issues. His district consists of eight communities to the west of Boston: Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Waltham, Weston and a large part of Lexington. 

Sen. Barrett seeks a Counsel who will report directly to the Chief of Staff (COS) and work collaboratively with other staff members. This is a hybrid position. She or he will work several times each week in Sen. Barrett’s State House office (with flexible work-from-home options) and travel to the district as needed. The position will be integral to four major functions: helping to shape and direct public policy, providing support for legislative work, working with citizen groups in the district, and addressing problems of individual constituents. Day to day, the counsel must be a jack of all trades and contribute to the smooth overall operation of the office. She or he must relish the interplay of politics and policy.

Legislative responsibilities : ·  Conduct public policy research and prepare policy recommendations, as directed by the Senator and the COS, to advance the Senator’s legislative priorities. ·  Draft legislation and amendments, as needed. ·      Monitor legislative activity on the Senate floor and handle legislative planning for the Senator. ·      Draft written testimony in support of legislation authored or supported by the Senator. ·      Oversee the progression of some of the bills in which the Senator is involved. ·      Attend, and gather information from, legislative events; take meetings with policy advocates.

Constituent and district responsibilities : ·      Develop and maintain accessible relationships with municipal officials, citizen organizations, and other stakeholders in the Senator’s district; serve as liaison to multiple communities. ·      Stay informed about local issues and relay key information to the Senator and the COS. ·      Assist the Senator at district events and meetings; stand in for him at others. ·      Respond to constituent requests for help in a timely matter; prioritize follow-up and ensure responsiveness to requests. ·      Advocate appropriately on behalf of constituents and interface daily with state agencies, municipal officials, community groups and others.

Minimum Qualifications: ·  Bachelor’s degree and law school degree required. ·      Must demonstrate strong writing ability. ·      Superior attention to detail. ·      One or more years of relevant professional experience preferred; experience in a campaign, legislative, or other political setting a plus. ·      Familiarity with, or personal connection to, the Senator’s district is a plus. ·      Outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills. ·      Ability to prioritize and problem-solve in a high-pressure environment. ·      Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and to handle confidential information. ·      Ability to work as part of a team and accept constructive feedback. ·      Access to a car for traveling to and around the district, and ·      Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evening and weekend meetings and events.   To apply: Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to Brendan Berger, Chief of Staff at Brendan.Berger@masenate.gov