View Central Office Jobs
Click Here to view all Central Office Jobs.
Director of State & Federal Government Relations
Title: Director, State and Federal Government Relations
Department: Office of the Superintendent
Reports To: Chief of Staff
Salary Range: $83,116 - $107,685
The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?
Job Summary
Serves as the District’s state and federal legislative liaison, with responsibility for establishing, building and maintaining relationships with state and federal legislative and executive branch officials and their staff. Establishes, tracks, and assesses impact of annual state and federal engagement plans. Works in collaboration with the Special Director of Policy to implement strategies to advance the District’s policy agenda at the state and federal levels. Promotes interaction between state and federal officials and District leadership. Works closely with state and federal legislative officials and offices to resolve constituent issues.
Essential Functions
· Serves as liaison with state and federal legislative and executive officials, their staff, and other key stakeholders in Harrisburg and Washington D.C.
· Establishes, tracks, and assesses impact of annual state and federal engagement plans designed to deepen the District’s relationship with state and federal officials.
· Advocates with key government officials, legislative committees and other entities on legislative or public policy initiatives.
· Works in collaboration with the Special Director of Policy to track state and federal legislation and regulation.
· Advocates for the adoption of the District’s policy agenda with state and federal officials, legislative committees, and other relevant stakeholders.
· Initiates and cultivates relationships with policymakers and their staffs on behalf of the District.
· Assists in the creation of tools, processes and mechanisms to communicate important developments with the District’s leadership team and staff.
· Interfaces with governmental organizations on legislative issues affecting public education.
· Recommends strategies for attaining new and/or revised legislation that supports the District’s priorities.
· Maintains relationships with governmental bodies, governance bodies, community leaders, and other stakeholders for the purposes of understanding existing and proposed regulations and legislation.
· Tracks and coordinates responses with District staff to inquiries from state and federal legislative and executive branch partners.
· Occasional travel to Harrisburg and Washington D.C. to support the work may be required.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
· Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
· Five years of full-time, paid, professional experience in legislative work at the state or federal levels, government affairs, political and/or interest campaigns, or other relevant experience.
NOTE: An applicant who does not meet the minimum education or work experience requirements listed above may be considered if, at the sole discretion of the Talent Office, they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicates potential for success in this role.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Demonstrated knowledge of:
o principles, precedents and practices of local, state and federal legislation and regulations which affect public education and public educational finance.
o the operations, functions and structures of state and federal legislative bodies and regulatory agencies.
· Demonstrated ability to:
o be a champion for K-12 public education.
o build deep relationships.
o work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
o understand and simplify the text of governmental legislation and regulations for general audience comprehension and review.
o conduct legislative research.
o exercise sound judgment and discretion in creating strategies and approaches advancing policy and legislative priorities.
o simultaneously manage and effectively prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
o communicate complex concepts effectively, both orally and in writing, to varied audiences.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Nondiscrimination
The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.