Job Description
We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students from low-income backgrounds. Our mission is to coach and support these students, helping them succeed in college and become leaders who can create a more just and equitable society. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do, and we aim to build a high-performing culture that eliminates barriers to student achievement. We believe that by leading with equity and focusing on educational access, we can create positive change for underserved students and their families.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are looking for a Director of Government Relations & Advocacy to lead our government relations efforts. In this role, you'll leverage your political expertise and connections to advocate for policies that support our mission. You'll work closely with key government officials, legislative staff, and community leaders to advance our priorities, as well as coordinate our advocacy initiatives at the state and local levels.
While the role is based in Bellevue, WA, you'll engage with government officials throughout the state and in Olympia. This position plays a key part in building relationships with policymakers and creating impactful advocacy strategies.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Develop and execute strategies to influence legislators, policy proposals, and decisions that impact our mission and goals.
Provide the CEO, board members, and leadership team with briefing documents and talking points for key meetings and public appearances.
Serve as a liaison with state agencies, legislators, and the Governor's office, ensuring alignment with our organization's goals.
Lead our advocacy efforts on behalf of students, building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and decision-makers.
Analyze policy proposals and budget requests, offering recommendations that advance our mission.
Collaborate with our External Relations and program staff, and provide legislative support where needed.
Develop and share reports, briefings, and presentations for various audiences, ensuring clear and impactful messaging.
Work closely with contract lobbyists or lobbying teams to ensure successful advocacy outcomes.
Spearhead our coalition-building efforts, working with partners and community groups to strengthen advocacy strategies.
WHO YOU ARE
You have a bachelor's degree (master's preferred) in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, and at least 10 years of experience in government relations.
You have a solid understanding of the government funding landscape and experience securing public funding or navigating appropriations processes.
You have strong relationships with Washington state policymakers and understand how to influence legislative processes.
You're skilled in developing and executing advocacy strategies that align with organizational goals.
You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing materials for policymakers, including policy briefs, position statements, and testimony.
You're collaborative and thrive in partnerships, working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including community leaders and advocacy coalitions.
You're detail-oriented, creative, and able to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
You're committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and eager to apply those principles in your work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This role may require occasional lifting of equipment (up to 50 pounds), as well as frequent use of office equipment and communication tools. You'll need to be able to travel, attend events, and participate in meetings as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
You'll primarily work in a quiet office setting, but flexibility is key. This role may involve occasional evening or weekend work and requires travel across Washington state or to Washington, D.C. to meet with government officials. A reliable mode of transportation is required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is subject to change based on program and organizational needs. We maintain a drug-free workplace, and all candidates must pass a drug screening prior to employment.
If you're excited about making a meaningful impact through government relations and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you!
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 83,000.00 138,000.00 Per Year
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Local area, Afternoon shift,