The Arizona School Boards Association seeks an experienced Director of Governmental Relations to monitor relevant legislation/regulation/issues, develop and implement multi-faceted, short- and long-term strategies and tactics to effectively lobby and advocate ASBA’s Political Agenda, and to educate and engage members to support success.

The Director of Governmental Relations is a member of the association’s leadership team and reports directly to the executive director. The successful candidate must have a record of successful lobbying experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to articulate the association’s positions to large and small groups in formal and informal setting, as well as to diverse interests.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Lobbying

• Represent the interests of ASBA’s membership, based on the association’s Political Agenda, at the Legislature, with regulatory agencies, such as the State Board of Education, and with the governor’s office by leading and directing effective lobbying strategies to accomplish identified priorities.
• Develop and provide annual measurements of effectiveness to membership.

Political Agenda Development

• Lead the process for developing ASBA’s Political Agenda, including soliciting and reviewing agenda proposals, consulting with the Legislative Committee, compiling and distributing committee recommendations to membership, and directing the Delegate Assembly.

Research & Analysis

• Research, monitor, analyze and report on state and national legislative and public policy issues facing public education to the association’s executive director and appropriate senior staff through regular briefings, and to ASBA members through coordinated communications and presentations at workshops, conferences and webinars.
• Consult with ASBA Policy Services on the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on ASBA Model Policy.

Member Education and Engagement

• Provide regular and frequent updates to members and other public education advocates on legislative, executive and regulatory actions related to the ASBA Political Agenda, as well as annual summaries of relevant bills and voting records.
• Develop and implement effective strategies and tools to assist members and other public education leaders in advocating identified priorities.

The minimum qualifications for this position are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three to five years as a professional lobbyist.
• Demonstrated experience setting strategy.
• Proven ability to build rapport with legislators, policy leaders and members with diverse viewpoints and interests.
• Knowledge of the legislative, regulatory and political process.
• Familiarity with the Arizona Legislature.
• Ability to represent the Arizona School Boards Association and its members in a positive and professional manner.

The preferred candidate will have the following proven skills and qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Competency identifying, tracking and communicating measurements of effectiveness.
• A record of using research and analysis to support positions.
• Experience managing professional staff.
• An understanding of the use of social media and other online platforms for communications and engagement.
• Experience in public speaking and small group training.
• A proven history of working collaboratively toward common goals with team members.
• A passion for public education.