Director, Government Relations

iasb; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Generous holiday and vacation time

Job summary

The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) is hiring a Director of Governmental Relations for its Springfield location. This full-time role involves developing advocacy strategies and building relationships with lawmakers and educational leaders.

Candidates should possess a degree in Political Science or a related field, have experience in lobbying or legislative roles, and have a solid understanding of the legislative processes. The role includes a salary range of $70,000 to $99,000 with a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• A valid Illinois driver’s license and a vehicle are required.
• Previous experience as a lobbyist or legislative staff is preferred.
• Must have strong communication and networking skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement the Association’s advocacy strategy.
• Develop relationships with members of the Illinois General Assembly.
• Provide necessary information on proposed legislation impact.

Skills

Legislative process understanding

Communication skills

Lobbying experience

Knowledge of Illinois public education system

Education

Graduate or undergraduate degree in Political Science or related field

Job description

The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) is seeking applicants for a full‑time director in the Governmental Relations Department at IASB’s Springfield office. This position reports to the Associate Executive Director, Governmental Relations.

Position Summary

The Director of Governmental Relations is responsible for coordinating and implementing the Association’s statewide advocacy strategy; developing and fostering positive relationships with members of the Illinois General Assembly, school board members, and administrators; acting in concert with the Governmental Relations team as a liaison to the Illinois State Board of Education; providing support to the IASB Resolutions Committee; communicating Association member positions, concerns, and potential solutions to the Illinois General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and state and federal regulatory agencies; encouraging and facilitating school board involvement in all aspects of the legislative process; providing necessary information to fully understand proposed legislation and its impact on local school boards; and providing staff support for Association programs and activities as directed.

Education and Experience Requirements

The position requires a graduate or undergraduate degree in Political Science, Communications, or a related field; a broad understanding of the legislative process in Illinois and the United States Congress; previous experience working as a lobbyist, legislative staff person, or other position related to legislative or political involvement is preferred; knowledge of the Illinois public education system is desirable.

Physical and Work Requirements

The employee must have a valid Illinois driver’s license and a vehicle; mileage and reasonable travel reimbursement will be provided. The position requires the employee to be able to lift, move, and safely handle boxes and materials up to 25 pounds, perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and be able to see, hear, and speak as necessary to perform the functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the position.

Work Environment and Diversity Commitment

IASB staff are committed to a workplace that honors and promotes a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment; respectfully recognizes individual expertise, contributions, and fosters growth; and has open and deliberate collaboration and communication across all departments and offices.

Compensation

The position offers an annual salary of $70,000–$99,000, with a generous benefits package that includes holidays, vacation and sick time, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and retirement benefits. The position will be Hybrid Work eligible.