The New Jersey School Boards Association is seeking a policy manager to provide policy services to local boards of education.
The full-time Monday to Friday position offers a hybrid schedule: The successful candidate will be required to work some days in the office at the Association’s Trenton headquarters. The salary is $85,000.00 to $88,000.00 per year.
Responsibilities
- Research, design, develop and present policy issue/process-oriented workshops and training programs, including policy update training and policy governance, in person and virtually.
- Provide telephone, electronic, written, and on-site help to districts to address policy related problems.
- Analyze and interpret changes in educational statutes and code for their effect on district policy and integrate these changes into the Critical Policy Reference Manual.
- Research and prepare sample policies and other written policy materials.
- Keep members informed through policy research and articles in NJSBA publications such as School Board Notes and School Leader.
- Plan, prepare, collect and disseminate state and national Policy Clearinghouse materials.
- Plan, prepare, produce and disseminate information about policy services offered by the Association.
- Assist the senior policy manager in working with the marketing manager and manager of graphic design to create and maintain all marketing materials for the policy section.
- Participate, as assigned, in Association committees and task forces and serve as a liaison to outside agencies and state/national educational organizations.
- Research resolutions to establish Association policy, write background and defend for the NJSBA Delegate Assembly.
- Maintain good relations with policy-writers in other state associations through the American Association of State Policy Services and maintain a positive national image for NJSBA by providing useful policy information to other state school board associations.
- Generate revenue for NJSBA by selling, marketing and providing in-district presentations on our fee-based services: customized policy writing service, online policy publication, paperless board meetings, critical policy reference manual and charter school critical policy reference manual.
Job Description
- Develop and deliver state mandated policy training.
- Attend annual Workshop, making presentations and performing assignments as required.
- Provide assistance to the senior policy manager in the maintenance and development of the NJSBA Positions and Policies on Education and Governance and Operations Manuals.
- Conduct dues-based manual assessments: the Wellness Check and the Wellness Check for Board Certification as requested by individual school districts and member charter schools.
- Provide telephone, electronic and written help to NJSBA staff assisting members interacting with the public.
- Update and maintain the Policy Update List to keep members aware of policy changes.
- Provide telephone, electronic and written consultation to boards, board members and administrators.
- Research and prepare sample policies and other written policy materials for charter and district administrators and board members.
- Research and prepare sample policies and other written policy materials for NJSBA initiatives and NJDOE initiatives, including I-STEAM, sustainability, social and emotional learning and digital learning environment.
- Maintain the manual for the development of job descriptions. Research, develop, update and prepare sample job descriptions.
- Complete the five-year sunset review of the Job Description Manual.
- Research resolutions to establish Association policy, write background and defend for the NJSBA Delegate Assembly.
- Research, develop and prepare sample resolutions for member boards, as requested by the executive director and Field Services staff, on emerging issues.
- Participate in Association meetings and conferences, as assigned.
- Promote the use of dues-based services to local boards of education.
- Assist the senior policy manager with the five-year sunset review of the CPRM (district and charter school versions).
- Support the revenue generating service Customized Policy Writing Services.
- Write/update manuals in compliance with signed contracts.
- Maintain and update CPWS materials and writing templates.
- Work with contracted boards to revise policies and regulations, answer questions and assist with board process in the approval of the finished product.
- Prepare policy update alerts for writing clients.
- Supervise outside policy writing consultants as necessary.
- Learn and integrate new technologies into the performance of all job functions.
- Available to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in public education or a related field.
- Experience in writing local school board, charter school or agency policy preferred.
- Knowledge of virtual platforms like Zoom, Swoogo, Google Meet, etc.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 apps, including Teams, Lists, SharePoint, One Drive, Forms and traditional Office Apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Preferred
Experience with Association Management System software.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Organization skills, time management, planning and research skills. Must be a team player and possess interpersonal skills to work with a variety of individuals. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in written form. Must also demonstrate excellent grammar, punctuation, spelling and proofreading skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions. Good human relations skills. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities while adhering to deadlines. Ability to work positively and professionally with all NJSBA staff members and Association members and affiliates. Ability to analyze materials, including statute and code. Knowledge of basic research techniques. Knowledge of public education and school board governance preferred.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to walk, stand and drive and carry items up to 20 lbs.
NJSBA complies with all state and federal employment obligations including the New Jersey First Act, which requires all NJSBA employees, hired on or after Sept. 1, 2011, to currently reside in New Jersey or relocate within one year of their hire date.
Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.
This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to a hybrid schedule, state health insurance, state pension, life insurance, dental insurance, flexible spending account, paid holidays and paid vacation.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by Feb. 24, 2023.