Director Of Government Relations And Public Policy

This position is responsible for the development of the department's legislative agenda, serves as the designated public lobbyist on legislative and agency initiatives and coordinates the implementation of state law and agency rules at the direction of ADE's leadership team.
Serves as the point of contact on legislative and regulatory matters and will communicate ADE's interests with various federal, state and local leaders, stakeholders and advocates on education policy matters.
Monitors all legislative proceedings and seeks input from the appropriate ADE program personnel to best represent the department's position on legislative and regulatory proposals.
Provides oversight and coordinates all GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND PUBLIC POLICY activities with the Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Legislative Assistant.
Occasional travel may be required for this position.
Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Collaborates with the ADE's executive leadership on PUBLIC POLICY strategy and develops the department's advocacy plan and legislative agenda to meet legislative and regulatory goals.
Monitors and reports on Federal and State legislative and policy priorities and recommends agency actions accordingly.
Advocates on legislative and regulatory issues through private meetings, public presentations and through building coalitions to meet strategy objectives.
Represents the department at legislative hearings and serves as the point of contact for interactions with state and local leaders.
Builds and strengthens relationships with federal, state and local leaders, stakeholders and advocacy groups, including legislative members and staff, and regulatory agency representatives.
Manages and works collaboratively with ADE's Legislative Assistant for Government Relations and Public Policy to develop ADE's legislative agenda, conduct research on policy issues and communicate the agency's position on legislative and regulatory measures.
Provides support to the department's executive team on policy objectives.
Represents ADE at legislative and stakeholder meetings on legislative AND PUBLIC POLICY matters.

Knowledge in:
Knowledge of organization and resource management, policy development, and legislative process
Understanding and overview of the legislative process
General knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Skills in:
Public speaking
Effective writing and communication
Strong interpersonal skills - ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners and internal teams
Ability to:
Ability to interpret Arizona Revised Statutes
Communicate effectively to all levels of agency leadership, external stakeholders, and legislative committees
Research, review, and draw interpretations from public laws and rules
Think critically and make objective determinations
Manage multiple projects and meet simultaneous deadlines

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree
State of Arizona legislative-related working experience
Supervisory/leadership experience

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.

Having trouble applying for this position?

Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.