Washington Government Affairs Director

THE ROLE
Your role stands at the intersection of government affairs and the effort to make positive changes in educational equity and racial justice in Washington. As a key member of Stand’s Washington team at a moment of tremendous need and opportunity, you will be responsible for advocacy and direct lobbying in the statehouse and working with stakeholders to advocate for our supported policies. You will play a leading role in policy development and implementation of priority laws. And you will help set election strategy in state-level campaigns. Through your dedication and passionate approach to the role, you get the opportunity to work with colleagues who not only care deeply about justice and equity but who are bold and strategic and take responsibility for achieving substantial progress toward our mission every year.

This is a remote position, must live in the Seattle metro area with the ability to travel around King County and to Olympia.

THE ORGANIZATION
Stand for Children is a unique catalyst for education equity and racial justice, to create a brighter future for us all.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Advocacy and Direct Lobbying

• Research, write, and present legislation that supports Stand for Children’s focus areas.
  • Lobby relevant stakeholders to advocate for our supported policies and initiatives, including in the areas of educational and justice equity.
  • Build, lead, and/or participate in coalitions of partner organizations to develop and implement policy initiatives and achieve campaign successes that advance equity, education funding, and racial justice.
  • Plan and work closely with Stand for Children staff to drive statewide education and engagement campaigns to develop an understanding of and support for Stand Washington priority policy goals.
  • Build and cultivate effective partnerships with legislators on both sides of the aisle, education leaders, relevant state agencies, and organizations.
  • Engage young people, parents, educators, and other community members to participate in the development of and advocacy for effective policy solutions.

Implementation

• Monitor and advocate for the effective implementation of priority laws and budget line items to ensure they reach the classroom and/or community as intended, in alignment with Stand for Children’s Implementation Framework.
• Act as the state education and juvenile legal system policy expert and contribute to a marketing and communications strategy that allows parents, educators, and community members to understand and act upon policy proposals.

Electoral Strategy

• Set strategy and lead Stand for Children’s involvement in state legislative and statewide electoral campaigns. Work with the Executive Director to develop candidate endorsement and electoral strategies.
• Manage the candidate endorsement process, the political contribution process, and effective involvement in campaigns.
• Educate endorsed candidates for political office on Stand’s priority issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passionate commitment to Stand for Children’s mission.
• Proven commitment to racial equity and experience with applying a racial equity lens to policy strategy.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in policy development and advocacy in Washington state.
• Knowledge of state-level education policy and/or justice policy preferred.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and effective partnerships, as well as demonstrated skill with persuasion and influence.
• Ability to deliver, receive, and incorporate direct feedback, effectively and respectfully.
• Professional maturity and integrity, high level of self-direction, and sense of urgency.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to juggle multiple and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, especially about making complicated ideas compelling and accessible to the public.
• Comprehensive analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to plan and implement in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• It requires regular travel to Olympia, WA, a valid driver’s license, and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to be stationary for extended periods and to travel to in-person meetings. Ability to lift more than 10 pounds, on occasion; May require climbing stairs.

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $99,409 - $124,262 commensurate with experience. Generous benefits.

Stand for Children consists of two separate entities. Stand for Children, Inc., a grassroots membership organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, and Stand for Children Leadership Center, a leadership development organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3)

Stand for Children and Stand for Children Leadership Center provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or marital status. We are committed to a diverse and culturally inclusive workplace in which our differences broaden our awareness, enrich our daily experiences and contribute to our collective strength . We predominantly partner with low-income communities of color. Therefore, though race and other legally protected characteristics are never used to make final hiring decisions, we place a particular focus on recruiting staff members who share the backgrounds of the communities we serve.

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