The New Jersey School Boards Association is seeking a legislative advocate to join its team.
The successful candidate will represent the Association and serve as an advocate in the state Legislature, the governor’s office, the New Jersey congressional delegation and all other governmental bodies and agencies on public education matters.
Responsibilities
- Represent the interests of the Association and its membership on legislation and proposed regulations.
- Work with NJSBA leadership and its members to develop policy priorities and advance an advocacy agenda.
- Articulate and explain NJSBA’s positions on pending legislation to legislators, staff and executive branch representatives.
- Keep the NJSBA membership informed regarding any actions of the Legislature or executive branch of significance to local boards of education.
- Pursue legislation deemed in the interest of the organization and its members. Seek sponsorship of and, advocate for, NJSBA-supported legislation, guiding bills through committees in both houses of the state Legislature and the governor’s office.
- Represent NJSBA at meetings of standing committees of the New Jersey Legislature on issues that affect school boards. Research, draft and deliver NJSBA testimony, both written and oral, for public hearings and committee meetings.
- Track legislation and administration initiatives pertinent to school boards on a regular basis. Prepare analyses of pending legislation, policy proposals and regulations.
- Monitor governmental activities, such as state board meetings, legislative committee meetings and other governmental meetings, as well as media coverage. Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports of such activity.
- Provide information and training for board members as requested. Advise members on effective advocacy. Draft sample resolutions and talking points for board members on specific legislative issues or other action items as needed.
- Respond to direct member inquiries concerning government actions pertinent to school boards.
- Speak at public events and persuade board members to become involved in Association legislative activities on the state and federal level.
- Deliver special presentations on pertinent issues at various NJSBA-sponsored events.
- Prepare articles for publications and reports and conduct research for Association publications and/or placement on the NJSBA website, including writing articles for School Board Notes several times a month and writing articles for School Leader magazine.
- On a semiannual basis, assist in creating policy for consideration at the Delegate Assembly. Perform research and draft background reports on resolutions submitted for consideration by the Delegate Assembly. Provide support to the Resolutions Subcommittee and Delegate Assembly.
- Cultivate relationships with federal lawmakers and staff, as well as colleagues at other statewide and national associations, and advocate for national policies that benefit NJSBA members.
- Strategize with staff and elected officers to pursue policy changes in the best interest of school boards.
- Draft memos for the executive director and members regarding governmental developments impacting school boards. Inform NJSBA leadership, staff and elected officers on governmental activity pertinent to school boards.
- Serve as the governmental relations liaison to NJSBA county school boards associations. Assist county associations and legislative committee members in organizing legislative meetings at the local and county level. Attend and provide governmental relations updates at county school boards association meetings.
- Coordinate meetings between government officials and local board of education members.
- Assist in crafting public responses to governmental actions impacting school boards.
- Staff various Association committees (e.g., Legislative, School Finance, Special Education). Provide reports to and on behalf of such committees.
- Provide support and lead programs at the NJSBA annual Workshop.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
- Three to five years’ experience in public/government affairs with direct state advocacy experience, including experience and connections within the appropriate state governmental agencies.
- In-depth knowledge of the legislative process.
- Two to four years of experience in an environment that required effective communication and interaction with a variety of individuals and groups.
- Available to work evenings and weekends to carry out the responsibilities of the position. Statewide travel is required.
Preferred
- Knowledge of public education, school finance/state budget and school board governance.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Demonstrated ability in written and oral communication. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions. Analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills, handling multiple priorities while adhering to deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
NJSBA Offers
- Health coverage.
- Dental insurance.
- PERS pension.
- Hybrid schedule.
Please send a cover letter, resume, one writing sample and three references with contact information by Friday, April 19th to: jobs@njsba.org.