Political Director / Government Relations Specialist

VIrginia Ed Assoc Inc; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

95% employer-paid medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance 100%

HRA account for medical expenses

401(k) with 2% match

Job summary

Virginia Education Association (VEA) seeks a Political Director to coordinate political, electoral, legislative, and member engagement programs in support of public education. Based in Richmond, VA, with regular travel, the role collaborates with leaders, coalitions, and officials to advance policy goals.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and capable of handling multiple campaigns while engaging diverse stakeholders and building relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating political campaigns, advocacy programs, or labor-union related work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with tight timelines and diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate political and electoral activities supporting pro-public education candidates and campaigns.
• Oversee fundraising, compliance, and operations for the VEA Fund and local PAC efforts.
• Engage members and advocates around legislative priorities and organize lobby days and action campaigns.
• Build relationships with coalition partners, labor groups, community organizations, and lawmakers.
• Plan and manage projects from planning through implementation with clear timelines.

Skills

Campaign experience

Advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strong communication

Policy analysis

Data tracking

Collaboration

Public speaking

Tools

VAN

PAC management tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Political Director

Full-time Regular VPSA Richmond, VA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1095

Salary Range: $81,000.00 To $114,000.00 Annually

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is the largest union of public-school employees in Virginia, advocating for education professionals and advancing public education. VEA advocates for policies that strengthen public schools, support school staff, and expand opportunities for all students. As a National Education Association (NEA) affiliate, we represent thousands of educators, support staff, and school employees across the Commonwealth. Our mission is twofold: ensuring all students receive quality public education while supporting our members' rights, working conditions, and professional growth.

Position Description:

The Political Director is responsible for coordinating and advancing the Virginia Education Association's political, electoral, legislative, and member engagement programs in support of public education and the association's mission. Working closely with the Director of Government Relations and Research, the Political Director helps implement year-round political and advocacy strategies, supports the operation of VEA's Political Action Committee (PAC) and related political programs, coordinates member engagement and advocacy efforts, and builds relationships with local leaders, coalition partners, elected officials, and community organizations to advance the association's legislative and political goals.

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, and proactive professional who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, and successfully move initiatives from planning through implementation in a fast-paced environment. Experience working with political campaigns, advocacy organizations, labor unions, or other membership-based organizations is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to public education, equity, and professional communication. This position is based at VEA Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, with regular travel throughout the Commonwealth, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate political and electoral activities that support pro-public education candidates and campaigns.
• Coordinate the operation, fundraising, and compliance activities of the VEA Fund and local PAC efforts.
• Coordinate member advocacy efforts around legislative and policy priorities, including lobby days and action campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, labor groups, community organizations, local leaders, and state lawmakers to advance common goals.
• Manage political, legislative, and member engagement projects from planning through implementation, including establishing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring timely completion.
• Develop and implement year-round political, electoral, and member engagement strategies that advance the association's legislative and political goals.
• Develop member communications that explain legislative outcomes, policy victories, and political impact in clear and accessible ways.
• Develop and lead trainings on advocacy, elections, PAC participation, and member political engagement.
• Coordinate digital advocacy and accountability campaigns and track engagement metrics to evaluate participation and program effectiveness.
• Plan and coordinate political, legislative, and member engagement events and programs.
• Maintain data management on the Voter Activation Network (VAN).
• Manage political, legislative, and member engagement projects from planning through implementation, including establishing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, ensuring timely completion, and evaluating outcomes.
• Support the integration of VEA's racial and social justice equity framework into electoral, political, and member engagement initiatives
• Maintain timely, professional communication with members, local leaders, candidates, coalition partners, elected officials, and internal staff.
• Support policy research, legislative analysis, and member education related to VEA legislative priorities.
• Other duties appropriate to the position assigned by the Director of Government Relations and Research

Salary and Fringe Benefits:

This position is covered by the Virginia Professional Staff Association (VPSA) collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and has a salary range of $81,949 - $114,138.

The position also includes a rich fringe benefits package, including:

• 95% employer-paid medical insurance,
• 100% covered employee-level dental and vision insurance,
• 100% employer-funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) account for medical and wellness expenses, and
• 18% automatic contribution to 401(k) with an additional 2% match.

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous people, people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding a candidate who shares our commitment to strengthening public education and advancing equity for students and school staff across Virginia.