Government Relations Director

Just Right Reader•Remote,

4d•$170,000 - $200,000•Remote

About The Position

Just Right Reader is seeking a Director of Government Relations to spearhead its state government engagement strategy. This role involves managing relationships with lobbyists, policymakers, and public agencies nationwide. It is a unique position at the intersection of government affairs, education, policy, relationship development, and strategic growth. The Director will engage with priority states, working with local lobbyists to build relationships across various government sectors, including Departments of Education and agencies focused on early childhood, health and human services, corrections, juvenile justice, workforce development, and family services. The role also includes overseeing and coordinating the company's network of state lobbyists to ensure alignment with company priorities and effective engagement with decision-makers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to navigate government institutions, understand political and policy landscapes, establish credibility with senior public officials, and articulate Just Right Reader's literacy solutions in a compelling manner that aligns with agency and legislative priorities. A background in education is crucial, requiring the candidate to act as an education expert while employing the strategic skills of an experienced government relations professional.

Requirements

Experience in government relations, public affairs, education leadership, public policy, state government, or a closely related field.
Strong understanding of how state governments operate, including legislative processes, state agencies, budgeting, appropriations, and public-sector decision-making.
Experience developing relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, agency executives, or legislative leaders.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence outcomes without direct authority.
Executive presence and the ability to represent an organization credibly in high-level government settings.
Excellent verbal communication, presentation, writing, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to quickly understand complex policy and organizational issues and translate them into practical engagement strategies.
Comfort working independently and building structure in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, generally 50% or more.
Meaningful familiarity with the K-12 education landscape, which could include Superintendent or district executive leadership, State Department of Education experience, education policy or advocacy work, government relations work within an education organization, or senior leadership within an education nonprofit, curriculum provider, or education technology company.
Experience working directly with school districts, state education leaders, or public education systems.
Ability to speak credibly about literacy, curriculum, district priorities, educational funding, student outcomes, and the challenges facing public education leaders.

Responsibilities

Connect Literacy to Public Policy Priorities: Understand stakeholder priorities and challenges, identify alignment with Just Right Reader's solutions, and connect literacy to key public sector needs such as family engagement, early childhood development, intervention, workforce readiness, juvenile justice, community health, educational equity, and student achievement. Lead early-stage discovery and positioning conversations with agency leaders and policymakers. Coordinate internally with sales and executive leadership for formal commercial or contracting stages. Develop briefing documents, talking points, presentations, proposals, and other materials for government engagement. Advise executive leadership on emerging government opportunities, risks, and developments.
Build Relationships Across State Government: Develop trusted relationships with legislators, legislative staff, governors' offices, agency executives, policy advisors, and other government stakeholders. Engage leaders across Departments of Education and other relevant state agencies (early childhood, corrections, health, family services, workforce, etc.). Participate directly in meetings arranged through lobbyists and government relations partners. Serve as a credible, polished representative of Just Right Reader in meetings with senior government officials. Develop briefing documents, talking points, presentations, proposals, and other materials for government engagement.
Navigate Legislative, Budgetary, and Funding Pathways: Identify legislative, appropriations, grant, budget, procurement, and agency funding mechanisms for statewide or agency-level initiatives. Work with lobbyists and internal stakeholders to understand legislative calendars, budget cycles, committee structures, procurement requirements, and decision-making processes. Help advance opportunities requiring legislative action, agency approval, budget allocation, grant funding, or stakeholder support. Maintain visibility into changing political and funding environments. Recognize and manage long and unpredictable timelines for state government opportunities, maintaining consistent engagement. Develop institutional knowledge of state and agency decision-making processes to enhance government engagement effectiveness over time.