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

Iasaedu; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Education Job Bank seeks a Director of State/Federal Legislative Relations in Springfield, IL. The role supports the Chief Governmental Relations Officer in shaping legislative strategy, preparing analyses, and coordinating waiver processes and dashboards for state and federal education policy.

The position requires a master’s degree (or bachelor’s with experience) and strong knowledge of the General Assembly, with duties spanning hearings, reporting, and advisory functions to the

Qualifications

• Master's degree 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 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 and use 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 on education bills and issues.
• Provide federal and state legislative updates to agency staff and leadership.
• Research, analyze and track federal and state education legislation and issues.
• Manage bill reviews with program staff.
• Identify external legislation affecting education policy at state and federal levels.
• Advise on legislative strategy and planning with the Chief Governmental Relations Officer.
• Attend hearings and committee meetings and prepare summaries and recommendations.
• Coordinate waiver process reporting, dashboards and communications with districts and legislators.
• Represent the agency at legislative sessions and provide testimony as needed.
• Oversee staff and ensure timely, accurate responses and alignment with agency expectations.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Legislative process knowledge

Database development

Policy analysis

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience

Tools

Electronic bill analysis tracking system

Job description

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

Duties

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.

Qualifications

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.

Salary/Benefits

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.