Strategic Government Relations Director

Youth Guidance; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Short-term disability

Life insurance

401k

Wellness program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Youth Guidance seeks a Director of Government Relations to lead state and local government affairs in Illinois and Chicago, driving public funding strategies, partnerships, and policy advocacy. The role requires strong relationships with elected officials and public-sector stakeholders, Hybrid work, and close collaboration with senior leadership.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 8–10+ years in government relations, with proven results in securing public investments and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8-10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, government, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of results.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois and Chicago government, legislative and appropriations processes, and the public policy landscape; established relationships within Illinois government strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing relationships with elected officials, government leaders, coalitions, and other external stakeholders.
• Experience advancing public funding or revenue goals through government relations, appropriations, advocacy, or related strategies.
• Strong strategic judgment and ability to translate complex policy, political, and funding developments into actionable organizational strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead government relations strategy. Develop and execute a proactive government relations and public policy strategy aligned with Youth Guidance's strategic priorities, programmatic goals, and public funding needs.
• Build and steward government relationships. Develop strong relationships with elected officials, government agency leaders and staff, and other influential public-sector stakeholders, building champions for Youth Guidance and its programs.
• Advance and protect public investment. Own government relations efforts that support renewing ambitious public revenue funding and partner with the Director of Government Funding & Partnerships, Finance, Program leadership, and external lobbyists to identify, pursue, protect, and grow public funding opportunities.
• Monitor and influence the policy environment. Track relevant legislative, budget, regulatory, and policy developments; assess implications for Youth Guidance; and develop strategies to advance organizational priorities and respond to emerging opportunities or risks.
• Lead advocacy and external engagement. Develop and execute advocacy strategies, including policymaker engagement, site visits, coalition participation, targeted communications, and other activities that strengthen Youth Guidance's influence and visibility with public-sector audiences.
• Serve as a senior organizational representative. Represent Youth Guidance with elected officials, government agencies, coalitions, community partners, and other external stakeholders, effectively communicating the organization's impact, priorities, and policy perspective.
• Collaborate across External Affairs and the organization. Work closely with Development, Marketing & Communications, Programs, Finance, Evaluation, and other teams to ensure government relations strategy is integrated with broader organizational priorities and external messaging.
• Provide strategic government relations counsel and support in other Youth Guidance markets as needed, helping local leaders assess opportunities, navigate government relationships, and advance organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree

8-10+ years of experience in government relations/public policy/advocacy

Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois and Chicago government

Relationship building with elected officials and public-sector stakeholders

Strategic judgment to translate policy developments into organizational strategy

Job description

Youth Guidance seeks a Director of Government Relations to lead state and local government affairs in Illinois and Chicago, driving public funding strategies, partnerships, and policy advocacy. The role requires strong relationships with elected officials and public-sector stakeholders, Hybrid work, and close collaboration with senior leadership.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 8–10+ years in government relations, with proven results in securing public investments and