Strategic Illinois Government Relations Director

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

PSLF eligibility

401(k) plan

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Youth Guidance is seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead Illinois and Chicago public policy efforts and secure public funding for our programs. You will build relationships with officials, manage lobbying partners, and translate policy opportunities into measurable outcomes.

This is a senior, hybrid role reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer. Based in Chicago with regular local travel to Springfield and other Youth Guidance locations, you will work across teams to align

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8-10+ years in government relations, public policy or advocacy with proven results.
• Strong knowledge of Illinois/Chicago government, budgeting, and appropriations processes.
• Proven success building relationships with elected officials, coalitions and stakeholders.
• Experience advancing public funding or revenue goals through advocacy.
• Strategic judgment to translate policy and funding developments into organizational actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead government relations strategy aligned with Youth Guidance priorities and public funding needs.
• Build and steward relationships with elected officials, agencies, and public-sector stakeholders.
• Advance and protect public investment; pursue and grow funding opportunities with partners.
• Monitor policy developments; assess implications and craft relevant strategies.
• Lead advocacy and external engagement with policymakers, coalitions, and communities.
• Represent Youth Guidance with officials, agencies, and partners; communicate impact and priorities.
• Engage senior leadership and boards in advocacy and relationship-building efforts.
• Collaborate across External Affairs and the organization to align messaging and priorities.
• Provide strategic government relations counsel in other Youth Guidance markets as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Government relations

Public policy

Advocacy

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Youth Guidance is seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead Illinois and Chicago public policy efforts and secure public funding for our programs. You will build relationships with officials, manage lobbying partners, and translate policy opportunities into measurable outcomes.

This is a senior, hybrid role reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer. Based in Chicago with regular local travel to Springfield and other Youth Guidance locations, you will work across teams to align