The Director of Government Relations is responsible for leading government relations initiatives aligned with our vision and policy agenda in key states. The Director of Government Relations will advance the policy agenda through direct advocacy and lobbying of elected officials and policy makers as well as building and participating in advocacy coalitions. This role will help the organization accomplish its goals of expanding student access to PLTW programs and narrowing differences in average outcomes across student groups by shaping regional legislative and regulatory environments with the goal of significantly accelerating growth in pursuit of our North Star objectives.

Geographical capability for advocacy within Southern and Central Regions, including Texas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute state-level influence and advocacy strategies aimed at implementing PLTW’s policy agenda.
• Set proactive policy objectives based on PLTW’s policy agenda for key states.
• Collaborate with other PLTW functional teams to ensure policy and advocacy strategies reflect the organization’s broader strategic priorities and initiatives and align resources and supports.
• Assess and identify significant growth levers for PLTW and tactically execute action plans focused on removing barriers and/or accelerating growth within key states.
• Serve as a credible and informed expert on regional policy issues; actively lead and participate in idea-generating sessions.
• Develop relationships with key state government leaders and other influencers.
• Advocate, collaborate, and build consensus across individuals and groups with different political ideologies.
• Monitor and help align PLTW’s policy agenda with relevant regional and national initiatives as well as current and emerging issues related to STEM education, workforce development, and the economy.
• Stay abreast of current and proposed regional, state, and local public policies to determine their potential impact on PLTW program growth in key states, identifying opportunities and threats.
• Work to preserve PLTW’s reputation by managing state-specific compliance requirements within assigned region; keep lobbying registrations current and complete state-specific reporting requirements on a timely basis.
• Identify and recommend potential opportunities for PLTW to incorporate innovative methods and emerging trends within profession and related field.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Policy and advocacy experience, including education, government advocacy or other relevant corporate experience with progressive leadership roles.
• Progressively challenging experience in a policy and/or advocacy leadership role.
• Degree in public policy, political science, social science, education, or equivalent relevant work experience.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• A customer-centric approach to all internal and external interactions.
• Seeks and embraces diversity of thought, culture, and experience.
• Business acumen and savvy about seeking relationships that are important to the organization.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills.
• A proven track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
• An acute sense of business management with leadership qualities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as flexibility of thought.
• Results-oriented individual who can lead change initiatives and work cross-functionally to achieve goals, meeting demands of both long-term projects and urgency of immediate matters.
• Excellent analytical, research and writing skills.
• Exceptional public speaking, writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• High energy with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position policy discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.