Public Policy & Advocacy Director

Job Description

Overview of Position:

The Public Policy & Advocacy Director is responsible to work collaboratively to develop and execute the public policy agenda and implement the advocacy goals of the Association.
The Public Policy & Advocacy Director operates under the overall direction of the Executive Director and the governing documents of the Association, including the Mission Statement, Strategic Outcomes, Equity Plan, annual goals, board policies, and the employee handbook.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
• Develop the public policy positions for approval by the Board and membership in collaboration with the Executive Director and Government Affairs Committee
• Staff the Government Affairs Committee & public policy workgroups
• Participate in the drafting of proposed legislation with the Executive Director
• Create & execute a strategy for statewide advocacy in collaboration with leadership team
• Coordinate & facilitate legislative session updates
• Develop advocacy materials including fact sheets, toolkits, action alerts, and social media
• Plan & execute grassroots advocacy campaigns to advance or oppose legislation and government policy
• Coordinate public policy forums
• Conduct & provide policy advocacy training for school leaders and other charter school stakeholders
• Identify compelling stories that promote chartering and public policy issues
• Coordinate the Charter School Champion Award program
• Identify & secure authors from both political parties for the Association’s legislation
• Attend & monitor appropriate legislative and conference committee meetings to ensure Association’s positions are represented
• Track and monitor legislation supported & opposed by the Association
• Actively promote or oppose & provide testimony on legislation in accord with policy positions
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with legislators year round
• Organize and facilitate meetings between school leaders & legislators throughout the year
• Plan and execute annual “Charter School Day @ Capitol”
• Coordinate & prep charter school advocates to testify at legislative hearings
• Establish & cultivate partnerships with other education advocacy groups to support the Association’s public policy agenda.
• Register as a lobbyist & submit required lobbying reports to the MN Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board on time.

Other Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Special Notes Due to the Nature of the Position:
• Given the nature of the position in relationship to legislative advocacy and lobbying, the Policy & Advocacy Director must be available throughout the legislative session.
• As a registered lobbyist, the Policy/Advocacy Director is prohibited by law from making any political contributions during legislative sessions.
• As a registered lobbyist for the Association, the Policy/Advocacy Director is prohibited from consulting, advising, or working on the political campaign of candidates for the legislature or Governor without prior approval of the Executive Director.

Accountability: The Public Policy/Advocacy Director is accountable to the Executive Director

Qualifications

Qualifications:
• Four-year degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other staff & organizations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – including storytelling skills
• Experience as a public spokesperson & policy advocate
• Ability to analyze & articulate legislative proposals & communicate them to a variety of audiences
• Ability to do a “quick study” on an array of issues and summarize the issue for others.
• A broad understanding of state & federal policies that pertain to charter schools & public education
• Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously & to adjust to frequently changing demands
• Excellent advocacy and grassroots organizing skills
• Ability to build relationships with relevant policy partners, and coalition-building skills for action
• Experience analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory language
• Commitment to advancing public charter schools, public school choice, & educational equity

Position Classification:
• Full-time exempt position.
• Salary Range - $75,000 - $85,000 depending on experience
• Benefits include: 11 paid holidays, paid leave, medical, dental, life insurance and up to 5% matching contribution to Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA).

Institution Description

About Minnesota Association of Charter Schools: The MN Association of Charter Schools, as a membership organization, advocates for fair and just education policies for students in charter schools, supports charter school innovation, quality, and accountability, and facilitates cooperation in Minnesota’s charter school community to promote equitable opportunities and excellence in education for students. MACS actively encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Our organization values diversity in all its forms and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment for everyone.

Application Instructions/Comments

Application Deadline: Position OPEN until filled

How to Apply: Address Cover Letter, Resume and three (3) references to Joey Cienian, Executive Director. Email it to: joey@mncharterschools.org and genevieve@mncharterschools.org