ROLE AND PURPOSE:

In close alignment with the superintendent, lead government relations initiatives by coordinating legislative, stakeholder, and board engagement activities. Support the District's advocacy, public policy, and intergovernmental relations efforts through monitoring legislative developments, analyzing policy impacts, coordinating stakeholder and community engagement events, and preparing briefing materials for policymakers, executive leadership, and trustees. Foster productive relationships with government officials, community partners, and key stakeholders to advance organizational priorities and strategic objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree preferred

Experience:

• Experience in intergovernmental relations, government affairs, civic engagement, or related field or education and training in related field
• Minimum of three years of successful leadership experience
• Experience as a classroom teacher or school administrator preferred

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Knowledge of city, county, state and federal legislative processes
• Knowledge and understanding of the concerns of educators and administrators as they relate to governmental activity
• Skill in accurately processing in a fast-paced and structured deadline environment
• Skill in critical/strategic thinking and creative problem-solving
• Skill in creating high-quality, creative presentations, publications, and other resources
• Ability to interpret proposed legislation, laws, policies, and procedures and assess impact on the school district
• Ability to understand the operations and functions of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and U.S. Department of Education
• Ability to prioritize tasks and coordinate multiple projects to meet specific deadlines
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

I. LEGISLATIVE ENGAGEMENT:

• Develop and implement a proactive legislative action plan
• Manage legislative tracking activities, including identifying and responding to high-priority proposed legislation.
• Coordinate all logistics related to meetings with legislators and their staff.
• Manage outreach to state, federal, and local government officials and entities, including building relationships with staff.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with state and federal agencies as necessary.

II. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

• Assist in managing engagement with the Board of Trustees regarding legislative activities.
• Manage engagement with district staff and community members regarding legislative activities.
• Develop and implement a proactive communication plan, including a digital presence, for government affairs activities.
• Support the cultivation of a culture of voting within the district to increase civic engagement among students and staff.
• Coordinate effective stakeholder messaging in collaboration with executive leaders.
• Facilitate stakeholder information and engagement activities in accordance with all laws and expectations.

III. PARTNER ENGAGEMENT:

• Manage engagement with allied organizations such as the Texas Association of School Boards, Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Schools Alliance, North Texas Commission, and other entities regarding legislative activities.
• Manage engagement with other school districts regarding legislative activities.

IV. COMPLIANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION:

• Develop and implement a process to provide District staff with information regarding the impact of recently passed legislation on District policies and practice.
• Coordinate with relevant District departments to facilitate the design and implementation of new District initiatives enacted as a result of recently passed legislation.
• Coordinate the provision of annual compliance training for district staff and ensure consistency with applicable laws and regulations.
• Conduct training of District staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to communicating about government affairs activities.

V. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design high-quality, creative presentations, publications, and other resources related to legislative activities, civic engagement and other relevant topics.
• Maintain effective working relationships and provide a high level of customer service to administrators, district officials and employees, co-workers, vendors, organizations and the public.
• Other duties as assigned

VI. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

VII. EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE SKILLS:

• Personal computer, printer, fax machine, copier, scanner, and calculator.
• Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, One Drive, etc.)
• Google Suite applications (Docs, G-Mail, Sheets, Slides, Drive, etc.)

VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS:

MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computers and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
• Motion: Moderate walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.