ABOUT THE ROLE

Lead the Association’s governmental relations activities.  Plan and execute a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that advances the Association’s mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Report to the NJSBA Senior Director and, as needed, fulfill his duties and responsibilities as the head of the Advocacy pillar. Serve as direct supervisor of NJSBA governmental relations staff
  • Overall responsibility to monitor legislative activity, developments, and develop positions on legislative activity
  • Draft position statements/legislative testimony, including testimony on the annual state budget.
  • Draft, review and submit comments on pending regulations.
  • Write School Board Notes articles on legislative and executive branch activity in a manner that is timely and current
  • Meet and communicate with legislators and legislative staff to advocate on issues of importance to the Association
  • Keep Executive Director, the membership and NJSBA staff apprised of important Legislative and Executive branch activities
  • Develop and cultivate relationships with the Legislature, Executive Branch, and staffers.
  • Testify before legislative committees on legislation and other matters impacting school districts.
  • Meet/discuss with advocates from other education organizations/advocacy groups to deliberate and strategize on timely legislative matters
  • Respond to inquiries from NJSBA staff, BOE members, BAs, superintendents on issues under the department’s purview
  • Communicate with Department of Education, Governor’s office staff, and other executive branch officials to convey NJSBA positions, concerns and advocacy goals
  • Assist with NJSBA Workshop programs, including but not limited to, the State Board of Education session and the Legislative Panel
  • Communicate with Department of Education, Governor’s office staff, and other executive branch officials to convey NJSBA positions,
  • Respond to inquiries from legislators and staff on draft/pending legislation or areas of NJSBA expertise
  • As needed, serve as representative on various external task forces and committees led by other organizations or government bodies
  • Update NJSBA “Advocacy” webpage
  • As needed, fill in for Senior Director of Advocacy and provide reports and Advocacy update at NJSBA Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings
  • Attend State Board of Education meetings
  • Staff the NJSBA Legislative Committee, Special Education Committee and School Finance Committee
  • Participate on conference panels with other advocates as requested by other organizations
  • Connect BOE members with legislators/staff through face-to-face, county meetings
  • Assist in response to inquiries to NJSBA from press
  • Stay abreast of important developments in Washington D.C. and coordinate visits with the state’s congressional delegation.
  • Development partnerships and collaborations with other advocacy groups
  • Coordinate advocacy campaigns and “action alerts”
  • Provide legislative updates at County Association meetings, including in-person attendance.
  • Draft sample BOE resolutions as needed, multiple times a year
  • Staff the semi-annual Delegate Assembly. Draft write-ups on resolutions submitted for DA consideration.
  • Present legislative updates at NJSBA Personnel Administrators Assoc. Meetings quarterly
  • Present legislative updates at NJSBA webinars, Facebook Live events, etc. quarterly
  • Attend conferences, webinars, events sponsored by other advocacy groups (NJBIA, Chamber of Commerce, League of Municipalities, etc.)
  • Coordinate publication of Capitol Watch, NJSBA quarterly newsletter on recent legislative activity.
  • Organize and facilitate “Day at the State House” event (Trenton, NJ)
  • Assist in organizing and facilitating Capitol Hill event.
  • Available to work evenings and weekends as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the daily workflow of the Division.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Written and oral communication skills, public speaking, teamwork, collaboration, influence and persuasion.  Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes; educational policy; public affairs principles and practices.  Develop and maintain relationships with public officials and their staffs; Communicating effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups, Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents; Legislative advocacy, negotiation and persuasion; Communicating complex concepts through oral and written mediums; Preparing a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets; Planning and organization.  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, public administration, communications or equivalent work experience.
  • Five years managerial skills and experience.
  • Five years’ experience working in the legislative/governmental affairs processes.

PREFERRED

Masters Degree preferred.

TERMS:                                   Full-time

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:       Exempt

SALARAY RANGE:                 $150,000-160,000

REPORT TO:                           Senior Director of Advocacy

If you are interested in the position, please send a cover letter, resume, and two references to jobs@njsba.org by February 8, 2026.