The New Jersey School Boards Association is seeking a senior manager of policy who will report to the director of policy.

The full-time Monday to Friday position offers a starting salary of $100,000 per year.

About the Role

Manage and coordinate the policy section of the Legal, Labor Relations, & Policy Services Department for the Association and ensure the incorporation of Association policies among governance bodies, membership and staff.

Responsibilities
  • Provide written evaluation and input to the director of policy.
  • Work with the policy manager to provide assistance and information to Association members in the areas of policy development and maintenance.
  • Develop and implement training programs for members relevant to the responsibilities of the department.
  • Ensure support to the general counsel and the director of policy in the update and maintenance of the Association’s internal and external policy manuals.
  • Review for accuracy department communications concerning Association policy.
  • Manage the research, development and presentation of policy issue/process-oriented workshops and training programs, including policy update training and policy governance.
  • Research, analyze and prepare background materials for Association action on bylaws and resolutions before the Delegate Assembly and policy proposals before the board of directors and Legislative Committee and National School Boards Association.
  • Support the revenue generating service Customized Policy Writing Services by:
    1. Write/update manuals in compliance with signed contracts.
    2. Work with contracted boards to revise policies and regulations, answer questions and assist with board process in the approval of the finished product.
    3. Proofreading and oversight of all finished projects.
    4. Supervise the policy manager and outside policy writing consultants as necessary.
  • Provide oral, written and electronic on-site help to districts to address policy related problems.
  • Provide telephone, electronic and written help to NJSBA staff assisting members or interacting with the public.
  • 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.
  • Update the Manual on Job Descriptions as necessary to keep current with statutory and code changes.
  • Perform periodic sunset review of the Manual of Positions and Policies in Education and revisions as required by Delegate Assembly action.
  • Identify emerging policy issues and research and prepare articles, sample policies and other written policy materials on such issues, including Policy Perspectives newsletter for customized manual customers.
  • Plan, prepare, collect and disseminate policy clearinghouse materials.
  • Plan, prepare, produce and disseminate information about policy services offered by the Association.
  • Participate, as assigned, at the Delegate Assembly, board of directors, Association committees, task forces, liaison to outside agencies and state/national educational organizations.
  • Participate in Association meetings and conferences, as assigned.
  • Provide ongoing review and input regarding the policy webpage.
  • Available to work evenings and weekends as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
  • Four years’ experience in public education or related field required.
  • Five years’ experience in policy, legal, or technical writing required.
  • 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.
  • Management experience.
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. Demonstrate ability to develop and deliver effective presentations. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate orally and in written form. Must also demonstrate excellent grammar, punctuation, spelling and proofreading skills. Demonstrate ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions. Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, members and the public. Demonstrate ability to handle multiple priorities while adhering to deadlines. Knowledge of public education and school board governance required. Ability to work positively and professionally with Legal, Labor Relations & Policy Service Department members.

Additional Information

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.

Please send a cover letter, resume and two letters of  recommendation to jobs@njsba.org.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 27, 2023.