Government Relations Specialist

Salary Range:
$80,000.00 To $111,000.00 Annually

Deadline for Applying: August 31, 2025

Reports to: Director of Government Relations and Research

Who We Are:
The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is the largest union of public-school employees in Virginia. As the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), we advocate for students, educators, and strong public schools across the Commonwealth. We are committed to equity, excellence, and opportunity in education, while protecting the rights and advancing the interests of our members.

Position Description:
The GR Specialist – Political Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing a political program that promotes public education and the VEA. The VEA’s political program is rooted in our nearly 40,000 teachers and school support professional members from across the Commonwealth. The GR Specialist/Political Coordinator also assists with the operation of VEA’s PAC program. The GR Specialist/Political Coordinator works closely with the Director of Government Relations and Research to run a year-round program that supports the VEA’s legislative and political goals.

The ideal candidate should be an independent and strong leader who is able to drive projects and programs to completion in a fast-paced environment. They should also have experience working with political campaigns, unions, and other membership organizations. All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to public education.

This position is based out of the VEA Headquarters location at 8001 Franklin Farms Drive, Richmond, VA 23229.

Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum B.A. or B.S. degree

At least 3 years’ experience in electoral, civic engagement, or political campaigns, with some relevant connection to community, labor, or other non-candidate politics

Excellent writing and communication skills

Results-focused and organized

Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and execute strategic political and campaign plans

Ability to create excellent working relationships with many stakeholders, including local leaders, partners, legislators, candidates, and campaign staff

Familiarity with political data, the latest technologies, and best practices in the field, including VAN

Ability to lead the work through a racial and social lens

Ability to work and travel on evenings and weekends

Core Job Functions:
Create and implement robust political campaign plans to elect strong public education candidates in Virginia

Establish accountability systems to ensure all campaign goals are met and provide regular campaign assessments and post-election analysis

Serve as the staff liaison to the VEA’s Political Action Committee, the VEA Fund for Children and Public Education

Develop and deliver training programs in political action for VEA members and staff, especially regarding campaigns, elections, and PAC fundraising

Build and maintain a network of grassroots leaders across local affiliates to support electoral and legislative mobilization

Lead member recruitment drives for PAC contributions and advocacy campaigns

Coordinate rapid-response strategies to address political threats or opportunities, including real-time communication with members and stakeholders

Consult with VEA and NEA legal staff to maintain compliance with campaign finance and election law

Conduct regular internal audits of local and multi-local PACs to ensure compliance with Virginia election laws and reporting requirements; provide guidance and corrective recommendations as necessary

Assist in the development and execution of paid political communications and legislative accountability programs in support or opposition of elected officials and candidates

Design and execute digital political engagement strategies, including email advocacy campaigns, targeted online advertising, and mobile organizing

Monitor and report on digital analytics (e.g., engagement rates, fundraising ROI)

Develop, implement, and monitor PAC fundraising strategies and activities, the candidate recommendation process, and election efforts

Assist in the development and management of the PAC budget and other political budgets and resources

Assist in strengthening the state association and local PAC capacity through strategic implementation of effective fundraising strategies

Manage the PAC website and social media

Assist in coordinating organizing for VEA legislative priorities

Maintain data management on the Voter Activation Network (VAN)

Work with the Director of Government Relations and Research, and other members of the Government Relations team to develop an ongoing public policy agenda and strategy

Administer, manage, assist, and participate in events/meetings as assigned by the Director of Government Relations and Research (tasks may include meeting planning, registration, logistics, speaker recruitment, content development, and presenting)

Participate in relevant professional development opportunities and political leadership training through NEA or partner organizations

Collaborate regularly with VEA’s Communications, Organizing, and Membership departments to ensure cohesive messaging and strategic alignment

Ensure that all political strategies and campaign messaging reflect the VEA’s values around equity, diversity, and justice in public education

Serve on the VEA’s Lobby Team as a registered lobbyist

Attend fundraising and receptions of elected officials to advance the legislative agenda of the VEA

Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key contacts in the public and private sectors, as well as with state and national coalition groups to help achieve the legislative and political goals of the association

Assist in coordinating with external partners to advance the electoral and legislative goals of the VEA

Integrate racial and social justice principles into all aspects of political programming by ensuring candidate recommendation processes, campaign messaging, and voter engagement strategies reflect the diverse perspectives, needs, and identities of VEA members and the communities they serve

Build relationships with a diverse range of community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and underrepresented constituencies to expand VEA’s political reach, foster inclusive coalitions, and promote equitable access to civic participation across the Commonwealth

Assist in nurturing legislative and political partnerships with state lawmakers to advance common goals

Assist in researching and analyzing education policy to work with association leadership on how to advance the association’s legislative agenda

Assist in preparing literature for distribution to association staff, leadership, and members on legislative climate and political priorities

Assist in communicating positions on policy matters to Executive and Legislative Branch officials through the creation and development of policy white papers, issue briefs, and testimony

Other duties appropriate to the position assigned by the Director of Government Relations and Research

Other:
Position requires a valid Virginia Driver’s License. Travel is required for this position, including overnight.

Salary and Fringe Benefits:
This position is covered by the Virginia Professional Staff Association (VPSA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2023–2026. VEA offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

95% employer-paid medical, 100% employer-paid dental, and vision coverage

Paid leave and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Generous 18% employer contribution to 401(k) regardless of employee contribution and up to an additional 2% match (for a total of 20%)

No phone calls, please.

VEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Virginia Education Association is committed to building a diverse team that reflects our membership and the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Learn more here