Director of State/Federal Legislative Relations

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education seeks a Director of State/Federal Legislative Relations to manage legislative inquiries, track education bills, and support the agency's legislative program.

The role requires strong knowledge of the General Assembly, proven coordination with Governor's Office and related agencies, and the ability to draft analyses and recommendations for senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required, or Bachelor's degree plus two years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working with the General Assembly.
• Experience with an electronic bill analysis tracking system.
• Experience collaborating with legislative support agencies and Governor's Office.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases using software packages.
• In-depth knowledge of the General Assembly and the legislative process.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to constituent and legislative inquiries regarding education bills and issues.
• Provide federal and state legislative updates and management reports to leadership.
• Research, analyze and track federal and state education legislation and issues.
• Manage bill reviews to and from program staff.
• Identify external legislation affecting education policy at state/federal level.
• Advise on strategy and discussions as needed.
• Support in planning and developing a state legislative program.
• Prepare written summaries, reports, and recommendations for agency leadership.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Database management

Legislative process knowledge

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience

Tools

Electronic bill analysis tracking system

Job description

Director of State/Federal Legislative Relations (Director #1854)

Inventory #

1854

Location

Springfield

Union

Exempt

Department

State/Federal Legislative Relations

Anticipated Starting Salary Range

$112,504.96 - $140,631.20

Full Salary Range

$112,504.96 - $168,757.44

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date

November 4, 2026

Closing Date

Reporting to the Chief Governmental Relations Officer, assists in responding to legislative inquiries on education bills and issues; supports in planning a state legislative program; assists the Superintendent and agency staff in development of agency legislative agenda; supports and advises on legislative strategy. Resolves sensitive issues; provides written summaries and recommendations on legislation affecting the agency and education at the state and federal level; develops and maintains databases; supports agency staff in drafting potential legislation; attends hearing and committee meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches and responds to constituent and legislative inquiries from legislators, liaisons, directors and/or the Governor's Office staff and other external stakeholders regarding education bills and issues.
• Provides federal and state legislative updates and management reports to agency staff, the Chief Governmental Relations Officer and/or Superintendent.
• Researches, analyzes and tracks federal and state education legislation and issues.
• Manages bill reviews to and from program staff.
• Identifies external legislation that affects education policy and the agency on the state and federal level.
• Collaborates with the Chief Governmental Relations Officer to inform Superintendent on proposed legislation.
• Advises on strategy and discussions as needed.
• Supports the Chief Governmental Relations Officer in strategizing, planning and developing a state legislative program.
• Provides written summaries, reports, and recommendations of legislative actions that affect state and federal education and the agency to the Chief Governmental Relations Officer, Superintendent and/or other agency staff.
• Creates and maintains multiple state and federal bill dashboards and tracking systems.
• Assists creation and implementation of Public Act chart.
• Provides direction and oversight guidance in coordinating agency's obligations with respect to the waiver process to ensure that the waiver process is completed accurately, including: application review; notification to applicants of application status; preparation of bi-annual waiver reports and annual cumulative waiver report for state board review and transmittal to the general assembly; providing information on the waiver process to districts and other applicants, to the public, to ISBE staff, and to legislators; presenting testimony as needed at legislative hearings and state board meetings; and managing and maintaining the waiver dashboard.
• Organizes check-ins with Principal Consultant to review waivers.
• Oversees the Program Specialist responsible for coordinating bill review assignments, documenting meeting proceedings and managing the Legislative Affairs and State Superintendent inboxes to ensure accuracy, timely responses and alignment with agency expectations.
• Represents the agency, may attend, testify and document legislative committee meetings during legislative session.
• Identifies and resolves situations of a sensitive nature by researching, analyzing and handling problems that arise and ensures proper staff is consulted so that accurate responses and supports are provided efficiently and effectively.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree, or, a Bachelor's degree plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Experience working with the general assembly.
• Experience working in an electronic bill analysis tracking system.
• Experience working with the various legislative support agencies and the Governor's Office.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases and use software packages.
• In-depth knowledge of the General Assembly and the legislative process.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.