Senior Director, External Affairs, Governmental Relations

Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief, Governmental Relations, this position is responsible for the oversight of CSBA’s grassroots program; overseeing state and local outreach, coordinating membership training efforts, supervising a team of grassroots professionals, managing grassroots programs and outreach to association members and partnering industries, assisting with Political Action Committee fundraising efforts, coordinating CSBA’s efforts relating to statewide ballot measures including signature gathering and “get out the vote” initiatives, promoting CSBA legislative priorities, developing and maintaining various reports and records, fostering cooperative relationships among Association staff, acting as a liaison with legislative, educational, community, public, and government agencies, and performing related work as required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of regionally based Public Affairs and Community Engagement Representatives (PACERs) across California.
• Execute CSBA’s grassroots programs designed to identify and train local school and county board of education members for grassroots political action.
• Foster and support legislative and political allies, facilitating interactions between legislators/candidates and school board members at local, county, and regional levels.
• Coordinate grassroots efforts throughout California to maximize CSBA’s political effectiveness statewide and in Sacramento and Washington D.C.
• Oversee association grassroots programs, including educating school board members on advocacy.
• Identify and implement grassroots motivation, activation, and management systems.
• Supervise a statewide team of grassroots professionals, including hiring, training, and managing staff in assigned California territories.
• Develop strategic grassroots engagement activities to enhance the association’s advocacy program on legislative, political, and statewide ballot issues.
• Identify opportunities in key legislative and congressional districts to engage local school board members in policy meetings.
• Collaborate with CSBA departments on communications, services, and marketing strategies.
• Maintain key relationships with state and federal political and legislative insiders.
• Advise on strategies to advance the Association’s political and legislative priorities.
• Plan campaign strategies to achieve CSBA’s legislative agenda; develop work plans, tactics, and budgets for campaigns.
• Assist with Political Action Committee fundraising and reporting activities.
• Travel throughout California.
• Develop methods to effectively communicate Association positions on proposed legislation to stakeholders, including legislators, Association leaders, community groups, and others.
• Assist in developing and implementing legislative strategy; contribute to the development of the Association’s positions on bills, issues, and policies.
• Write background papers, letters, action alerts, and presentations for Federal and State advocacy.
• Contribute to Association publications and reports.
• Represent and advocate for the Association on statewide and national campaigns, committees, and advisory groups; build collaborative relationships with policymakers, government officials, school districts, county offices, and community groups.
• Serve as a liaison to employees, the public, organizations, community groups, and local educational agencies; consult on legislative and political issues; respond to concerns and recommend solutions.
• Participate in the development and implementation of grassroots and legislative action programs; analyze data and make recommendations.
• Communicate with grassroots staff, colleagues, managers, and the public in a variety of settings.
• Prepare and submit reports for the Board of Directors, Delegate Assembly, and various committees regarding program activities and special projects as assigned by the Chief, Governmental Relations.
• Participate in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; assist in forecasting additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies.
• Participate in and present to the Board of Directors, Delegate Assembly, and other committees and boards; perform reviews related to areas of expertise.
• Demonstrate an understanding and adherence to CSBA values, policies, and practices.
• Show respect, honesty, and professionalism at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position includes independent decision-making within legal and general policy guidelines. It requires managing and directing staff, overseeing coordination, and evaluating roles according to organizational policies and laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, training, timekeeping, wage and hour management, planning, assigning work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints.

Education & Experience

A combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or higher in business administration, public administration, government, legal or political sciences, or a related field with at least five years of experience in campaign consulting, political fundraising, grassroots development, legislative representation, research, analysis, and evaluation or a related field.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Political and grassroots campaign strategies.
• Legislative practices, and trends in public, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education.
• Political Action Committees: structures, laws, rules, and fundraising strategies.
• Non-profit organizations, boards, and commissions.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and legislative research methods.
• Education policy and program information sources.
• Research design, analysis, and reporting.
• Public relations techniques.
• Business writing, report formatting, data collection, record-keeping, and business mathematics.
• Modern office practices, including office and computer equipment and applications.
• English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Customer service techniques for CSBA members, staff, the public, vendors, and contractors.
• Communication skills for one-on-one and group settings.

Ability to:

• Perform responsible legislative research, development, analysis, and evaluation with independent judgment.
• Analyze and present technical and legal information effectively.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Represent the Association in meetings with various stakeholders.
• Travel within California.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Organize and prioritize multiple projects and tasks.
• Use office equipment and software applications.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the telephone, in writing, and electronically.
• Exercise tact, initiative, and independent judgment in dealing with others.
• Work remotely and manage Association objectives, duties, and communications.

Environmental Elements & Physical Demands

• Work involves travel primarily in a car in a sedentary sitting position for extended periods.
• Must travel to various locations in California, with occasional overnight stays.
• Follow health and safety guidelines, instructions, and policies.
• Mobility required for office settings, including bending, stooping, kneeling, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit at a computer for long periods and perform tasks involving lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity required for group presentations, data entry, and facilitation equipment.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid California Driver’s License by the time of appointment.

How to Apply

Apply here