Government Affairs Director

THE ROLE

Your role stands at the intersection of government affairs and the effort to make positive change in educational equity and racial justice in Washington. As a key member of Stand’s Washington team at a moment of tremendous need and opportunity, you will be responsible for advocacy and direct lobbying in the statehouse and working with stakeholders to advocate for our supported policies. You will play a leading role in policy development and implementation of priority laws. And you will help set election strategy in state-level campaigns. Through your dedication and passionate approach to the role, you get the opportunity to work with colleagues who not only care deeply about justice and equity, but who are bold and strategic and take responsibility for achieving substantial progress toward our mission every year. 

THE ORGANIZATION

Stand for Children is a unique catalyst for education equity and racial justice, to create a brighter future for us all.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advocacy and Direct Lobbying

• Research, write, and present legislation that supports Stand for Children’s focus areas

• Lobby relevant stakeholders to advocate for our supported policies and initiatives, including in the areas of youth justice and K-12 education
• Build, lead, and/or participate in coalitions of partner organizations to develop and implement policy initiatives and achieve campaign successes including around issues of equity, educational funding and racial justice work
• Plan and work closely with Stand for Children staff to drive statewide education and engagement campaigns to develop understanding of and support for Stand Washington’s priority policy goals
• Build and cultivate effective partnerships with legislators on both sides of the aisle, education leaders, and organizations

Implementation

• Monitor and advocate for the effective implementation of priority laws and budget line items to ensure they reach the classroom as intended, in alignment with Stand for Children’s Implementation Framework
• Act as the state education policy expert and contribute to a marketing and communications strategy that allows parents, educators, and community members to understand and act upon policy proposals

Electoral Strategy

• Set strategy and lead Stand for Children’s involvement in state legislative and statewide electoral campaigns. Work with the Executive Director to develop candidate endorsement and electoral strategies
• Manage the candidate endorsement process, the political contribution process, and effective involvement in campaigns
• Educate endorsed candidates for political office on education-related issues
• Fundraise, in collaboration with the Executive Director, as it relates to electoral campaigns

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passionate commitment to Stand for Children’s mission
• Proven commitment to racial equity and experience with applying a racial equity lens to policy strategy
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in policy development and advocacy
• Knowledge of state-level education policy and youth justice policy preferred
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and effective partnerships, as well as demonstrated skill with persuasion and influence critical
• Ability to deliver, receive, and incorporate direct feedback, effectively and respectfully
• Professional maturity and integrity, high level of self-direction and sense of urgency
• Excellent project management skills and ability to juggle multiple and competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills, especially with regard to making complicated ideas compelling and accessible to the general public
• Comprehensive analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to plan and implement in a demanding, fast-paced environment crucial
• Requires travel to Olympia, WA; valid driver’s license and access to transportation
• Ability to be stationary for extended periods of time and to travel to meetings outside of the office; Ability to lift more than 10 pounds, on occasion; May require the ability to climb stairs

SALARY: $96,226-$120,283 commensurate with experience. Generous benefits.

Please visit the website and apply with your resume and a thoughtful cover letter.