Legislative Advocate

The California Nurses Association (CNA)/National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC)/National Nurses United (NNU) is leading the national movement for registered nurse power 225,000 strong to transform the profit-driven health care industry into a health care system based on prioritizing patient care.

CNA/NNOC/NNU, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, recognizes that building industrial power and holding employers accountable to nurses’ collective bargaining rights are essential to recruiting and retaining Registered Nurses, while protecting their freedom to advocate for patients without fear of retaliation.

In California the California Nurses Association passed the first historic Registered Nurse to Patient Safe Staffing law – nurses nationwide understand lives will be changed by safely limiting the number of very sick patients they are responsible for. Safe staffing makes a real difference in patient outcome and a nurse's ability to do the meaningful work they believe in, providing safe patient care.

Who We Are

We are a militant class-conscious trade union building the collective power of working people. We fight for better workplaces, stronger communities, and a society that puts people before profit. We are seeking organizers who are passionate about justice, motivated by collective action, and committed to helping workers build power.

We welcome candidates from labor, community organizing, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, student movements, political campaigns, and other mission-driven backgrounds.

What We Believe In

Who Thrives Here

Successful candidates are:

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Government Relations Director, the Legislative Advocate’s primary focus will be to advance the union’s objectives through our Illinois state-level legislative program. NNOC/NNU provides critical leadership in the state on progressive labor and social justice policy measures in Illinois and across the country, including on safe nurse-to-patient ratios, single-payer health care, health and safety protections for health care workers, regulating AI and other algorithmic technologies, progressive taxation, environmental justice and climate change, and strengthening labor law. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the right person to make a real difference for building the industrial power of registered nurses as well as the movement for health care, economic, and social justice and the movement for economic and social justice.

What You’ll Do - Responsibilities:

What You’ll Bring - Minimum Qualifications:

Experience that is helpful but not required:

The hybrid position of Legislative Advocate in the Government Relations department is open for appointment in Chicago or Springfield, Illinois.

Compensation and benefits: Competitive salary range commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including comprehensive family health and dental plan, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being.

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*All CNA/NNOC/NNU employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

CNA/NNOC/NNU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

All submitted application materials must be the direct, original work of the applicant; the use of generative A.I. tools to write your resume, cover letter, or responses is prohibited to preserve the integrity of our hiring process.