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NJPSA/FEA Employment Openings and Opportunities

NJPSA SEEKS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The NJ Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) seeks a talented, driven individual with experience in advocacy, legislation, education law, or education policy to serve in the newly created role of Assistant Director of Government Relations. The Assistant Director will be part of the expanding NJPSA Government Relations Department.

JOB TITLE:  Assistant Director of Government Relations

LOCATION:  Monroe Township, New Jersey

COMPANY:  New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association

ABOUT US:  The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association/Foundation for Educational Administration (NJPSA/FEA) is a membership organization and professional learning resource for school principals, assistant/vice principals, supervisors and directors. NJPSA/FEA is an innovative association that not only assists educational leaders in the performance of their jobs but helps them do their jobs better, supporting members across New Jersey with a wide array of membership services and meaningful professional learning opportunities.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Government Relations, the Assistant Director of Government Relations will serve as an association lobbyist before the United States Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey State Legislature, the New Jersey State Board of Education, and all other state and federal governing bodies involved in issues impacting NJPSA members and public education. In this new role, the Assistant Director will assist in the analysis of legislation and regulations, the development of association positions, views on education policy, and the implementation of the Government Relations activities of the Association. The Assistant Director will promote association positions with state, county, and local association members and NJPSA committees. The Assistant Director will assist in association efforts to strengthen the NJPSA-PAC, the political action committee of the Association.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters or J.D. preferred
  • Experience as a lobbyist or direct experience in education policy or government processes required
  • Knowledge and experience with the workings of state and federal government
  • Demonstrated understanding of educational issues
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Demonstrated experience and ability to collect, analyze and organize data from multiple sources
  • Demonstrated networking skills

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Department Operations:

  • Assists the Director of Government Relations and other Government Relations team members in department activities
  • Assists in the preparation and annual filing of required lobbying disclosure and financial reports to state and federal agencies
  • Coordinates member activities and outreach to support association advocacy activities

Lobbying Activities:

  • Operates as a registered lobbyist for the Association at the state and federal level.
  • Researches and analyzes legislative bills, administrative code, and policy issues affecting public education and school leaders
  • Assists the Director of Government Relations with the development of association strategy and positions on legislation, administrative code, political issues, and related matters
  • Reports and advises the Association’s Officers, Board of Directors, and Council on legislation, administrative code, political issues affecting the membership, and development of the Association’s legislative agenda
  • Prepares and presents association testimony and positions before the U.S. Congress, the N.J. State Legislature, the State Board of Education, the Governor’s Office and executive agencies, and other regulatory agencies impacting public education and association membership
  • Serves as a Federal Relations Coordinator to the national associations affiliated with NJPSA as needed
  • Advocates for the goals of NJPSA’s Advocacy Agenda
  • Meets directly with legislators, public officials, state and federal policymakers, and critical staff members to advocate the association’s positions on proposed legislation and education policy issues
  • Assists in the operation of the NJPSA-PAC, the independent political action committee for association members
  • Represents the association in coalition work with other education associations, government agencies and advocacy groups
  • Serves on government advisory boards, committees, and commissions as assigned

Committee Work:

  • Serves as staff liaison to the NJPSA Legislative Committee, Critical Issues Committee and other association committees as assigned
  • Assists in interpreting substance and impact of proposed legislation and policy issues to other association committees as requested
  • Works with all association committees to solicit member input and feedback on proposed legislation or policy

Membership Activities:

  • Assists in the planning and coordinating membership outreach on key issues
  • Regularly attends and speaks at county and regional meetings to update association members on current legislative and policy issues
  • Organizes, directs, and communicates with members through regular news updates, the weekly Government Relations news update, and action alerts
  • Assists association members in the development and presentation of testimony on behalf of the association
  • Assists county organizations in the organization of local legislative events

Publications:

  • Writes articles for NJPSA website, weekly Government Relations update, and publications
  • Drafts and issues legislative Action Alerts for the membership on emergent issues impacting the membership via electronic communications systems
  • Works collaboratively with the NJPSA Communications department on legislative issues

Professional Development and Interdepartmental Activities:

  • Assists in the organization, coordination, and oversight of the NJPSA Annual Legislative Conference
  • Assists in the presentation of a legislative issues program at the NJPSA/FEA Fall Convention annually
  • Works with the FEA on the development and presentation of professional learning programs to members on current educational topics as appropriate
  • Collaborates with other association departments to ensure the effectiveness of Association activities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  This is a full-time position that will work on a hybrid work schedule which requires in-office presence at least three times a week.  Public speaking skills, leadership ability, interpersonal skills, the ability to meet deadlines, efficient performance in hectic environments, written skills, and technology skills are critical factors for success in this position.

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive salary
  • Benefit package includes vacation days, sick days, personal days, medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance and a 401k,
  • NJPSA contributes 8% to the 401k after one year of service with no employee match required,
  • Dynamic and collaborative work environment
  • Hybrid work schedule (in person/remote)

Join our team and be part of a fast-paced and innovative organization that is shaping the future of education!  Apply now to become an Assistant Director of Government Relations at the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and cover letter to Assistant Executive Director Denise Hecht-Berger and Director of Government Relations Debra Bradley at dhecht@njpsa.org and dbradley@njpsa.org respectively by January 15, 2025.  Include “Assistant Director of Government Relations” in the subject line.