Position Summary
Under broad supervision, develops, coordinates, communicates, and implements the association’s state and federal policy goals. Based upon input from CASBO membership, develops and communicates priorities and positions on proposed budget and legislative issues, and policies to influence opinion in favor of public education. Provides regular feedback and information to the membership regarding proposed and enacted California State and Federal policies and regulations affecting public education. This position requires extensive working knowledge of the functions of the California state legislature, state administration, state legislative and budget process, and federal legislative and administrative processes.
Essential Functions
- Provides strategic oversight of CASBO’s government relations work and is responsible for the advancement of CASBO’s mission and goals with local, state, and federal elected officials.
- In collaboration with CASBO’s Legislative Committee, Executive Board and CEO, establishes short- and long-term goals, objectives, and plans that are implemented and monitored for effectiveness through the legislative process.
- Serves as a member of CASBO’s Executive team.
- Directs, develops, and represents CASBO’s position on bills, issues, and policies through public testimony and meetings with government officials and/or their staff.
- Contacts individuals, groups, and organizations with similar interests to coordinate strategies around common interests.
- Communicates regularly with CASBO membership through public addresses, written and verbal legislative updates, news articles, reports, speaking events and other materials relating to legislation/issues and related to CASBO governmental relations activities.
- Collaborates with CASBO’s communications team to notice materials sent to the membership.
- Staff liaison to the Legislative Committee and Advocacy Network Committee and facilitates preparation of committee agendas and provides staff resources necessary to accomplish committee goals and tasks.
- Monitors, researches, analyzes, and drafts CASBO position statements, correspondence, documents, bill language, and amendments relating to governmental issues.
- Supervises departmental staff; ensures a competent, motivated staff through hiring, training, counseling, supervising, and reviewing performance of employees.
- Assists in the planning of a variety of meetings on a frequent basis, including meetings with sections, workshops, and seminars.
- Drafts documents and materials, contacts, and books speakers, and performs follows up activities with attendees after events.
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
- Collaborates with CASBO Professional Development leadership to identify topics and/or courses stemming from legislative action.
- The Chief Government Relations Officer provides counsel to the CEO on policy and legislative issues.
- Develops a curriculum for advocacy sessions of the Business Executive Leadership program on school legislation.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or related field.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible governmental relations work experience, including experience as a legislative staff, policy director and/or lobbyist.
- Knowledge of current public education issues and concerns; the law, policies, and procedures of the major policy and program areas within the area of assignment.
- Knowledge of California and Federal laws, policies, and requirements on educational issues.
- Knowledge of Federal, State and local government organizations.
- Knowledge of the legislative process, effective legislative advocacy procedures, methods, and techniques.
- Knowledge of the Fair Political Practices Commission regulations and reporting laws.
- Ability to quickly predict, analyze, and respond to and strategize political factors affecting state decision making process.
- Ability to quickly analyze, evaluate, and respond to legislative and regulatory proposals, complex data, and other information on educational issues and legislation.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, using diplomacy, cooperation, judgment, and tact.
- Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
- Ability to hire, train, and discipline employees; appraise employee performance, address employee relations complaints and resolve problems.
- Demonstrated leadership, project management, team building, confidentiality, and time management skills.
- Ability to create and present effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to governmental leaders, public groups, and/or board of directors in a timely manner, often on short notice.
- Computer literacy including advanced use of spreadsheet software, word processing, database, and internet applications. Use of Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
- Relevant advocacy experience, preferably supporting educational or association activities is preferred.
Certificates Required
- Valid California Driver’s License
- Registration as Lobbyist with Secretary of State
- Lobby Ethics course every two years
Physical Requirements
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Keyboarding.
- Viewing computer monitor requiring close vision.
- Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
- Extended periods of time speaking in public.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a business office environment. Long distance travel, approximately 15 times per year is required. Frequent travel to other local sites is required.
Note: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job. Employees are expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.
