Description

WSAA Director of Government Relations
 
The WSAA Government Relations plays an important role in Wisconsin public education as the voice of our 4400 members. A deep commitment to public education and a passion for advocacy is essential in this role.  Qualifications, compensation, and other essential elements for this position are detailed below.   

The Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership for legislative and governmental advocacy on behalf of Wisconsin PreK-12 public education. This position serves as the primary liaison with legislators, state agencies, education associations, and other stakeholders to advance policy priorities in school finance, curriculum and instruction, special education, and human resources. The Director monitors legislative and regulatory developments, develops advocacy strategies, coordinates organizational responses, and advises executive leadership on the impact of public policy decisions affecting students, staff, and school systems. The ideal candidate would be deeply invested in Wisconsin public education with a strong interest in public policy. 

Essential Functions 
Develops and implements legislative and governmental relations strategies that advance organizational priorities for PreK-12 public education, with emphasis on school finance, curriculum and instruction, special education, and human resources. 
Monitors state and federal legislation, administrative rules, budget proposals, and regulatory actions; analyzes potential impact and communicates implications to executive leadership and other internal stakeholders. 
Serves as the primary representative and advocate with legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, education organizations, coalitions, and community 
partners. 
Prepares policy analyses, position statements, testimony, briefing materials, talking points, and advocacy communications in support of legislative and 
regulatory priorities. 
Coordinates advocacy efforts with internal leaders and subject-matter experts to ensure consistent messaging and timely response to proposed policy changes. 
Builds and maintains productive relationships with policymakers, agency officials, school leaders, and professional associations to strengthen support for public 
education priorities. 
Advises district or organizational leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory developments and recommends strategic courses of action. 
Plans and facilitates meetings, presentations, and events with policymakers and stakeholders to promote understanding of public education needs and priorities. 
Collaborates with school and district leaders to identify emerging issues and develop policy positions. 
Supports grassroots advocacy by organizing outreach, mobilizing stakeholders, and helping communicate legislative priorities to staff, families, and community 
partners, as appropriate. 
Ensures compliance with all applicable lobbying, ethics, campaign, reporting, and public disclosure requirements. 
Prepares regular updates and reports regarding legislative activity, advocacy efforts, outcomes, and recommended next steps. 
Performs other duties related to governmental relations, policy development, and executive support as assigned. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and budget processes affecting public education at the local, state, and federal levels. 
Knowledge of key issues in school finance, curriculum and instruction, special education, labor relations, staffing, licensure, and educator workforce policy. 
Knowledge of lobbying laws, ethics requirements, public records considerations, and advocacy best practices. 
Skill in analyzing legislation, regulations, and policy proposals and translating complex information into clear recommendations. 
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare testimony, briefing papers, correspondence, and presentations. 
Strong relationship-building, negotiation, facilitation, and coalition-building skills with diverse stakeholders. 
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively in a fast-paced political environment. 
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while coordinating across departments. 
Ability to represent the organization professionally and credibly before public officials, community groups, and partners. 

Qualifications 
Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, political science, public administration, law, communications, or related field; master’s degree preferred. 
Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in educational leadership, government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, or a 
closely related field. 
Experience working with or on behalf of PreK-12 public education, school districts, education agencies, associations, or public-sector organizations is 
strongly preferred. 
Demonstrated experience analyzing legislation and regulations, developing policy positions, and preparing testimony, briefing materials, or advocacy 
communications. 
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly for meetings, hearings, conferences, and legislative sessions, including occasional evening events. 
Any required registration or compliance filings related to lobbying activities must be maintained in accordance with applicable law. 

Preferred Qualifications 
Master’s degree or juris doctor in public policy, public administration, law, educational leadership, or related field. 
Experience working directly with state legislatures, congressional offices, state education agencies, or governor’s offices. 
Background in school finance, special education policy, labor or employment matters, educator licensure, or curriculum and accountability systems. 
Established network of relationships with policymakers, education partners, and advocacy organizations. 
Experience supervising staff, consultants, or coordinated advocacy initiatives across multiple functional areas. 

Physical and Work Requirements 
This position requires frequent communication, attendance at meetings and public events, regular travel to legislative and stakeholder venues, and the ability to manage work during active legislative sessions, including occasional evenings or extended hours. The employee must be able to prepare written materials, deliver presentations, and use standard office technology to perform essential job functions. 

Terms of Employment 
This position is typically classified as exempt and serves at the direction of the Board of Director of WSAA.