Government Affairs Executive Director

Stride, Inc.

35d•Remote

About The Position

The Government Affairs Executive Director leads all major activities associated with government affairs and public affairs activities for selected states. Reporting to the Vice President, Government Affairs, this high visibility role requires oversight of company interests through strategic and tactical management of a diversified team of contract lobbyists, consultants, and company functional areas of interest. Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Direct and manage strategy and tactics of a diversified team of state lobbyists and consultants in coordination with employees of company functional areas of interests; Oversee contract lobbyists and consultants supporting the Company; Cross-functional support of the company’s areas of interest impacted by government policies at the state legislative, administrative and regulatory levels; Enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences; In-depth knowledge and monitoring of proposed legislation to determine possible effects on company interests in selected states; Develop and maintain strategic relationships with legislators and other public officials through participation in local, state and national events and meetings of legislative, administrative and policy organizations and campaigns; Manage consultants, advocacy initiatives, and projects to advance Company reputation and public affairs goals; Serve as a representative for the Company at conferences, meetings, forums, seminars, and other events; Build coalitions and expand relationships with key decision-makers, policymakers, and federal, state and local elected officials; Subject matter expert for press releases and messaging collateral in order to state the company’s views and to inform policymakers of impacts of proposed legislation considered desirable or undesirable; Author editorials and op-eds; actively engage in social media conversations, and serve as spokesperson for the Company in panels, conferences, and media.

Requirements

Seven (7) to Ten (10) years of successful leadership experience in lobbying, political campaigns, legislative affairs, and regulatory policy at the state level including extensive experience identifying and building relationships/working with key government leaders affecting legislation
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Business Administration, Management or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
A keen interest/knowledge of education policy as it relates to affording parents educational options
Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal) along with considerable tact and diplomacy to effectively address all levels
Exceptional personal and professional integrity
Strong people management skills and open leadership style with ability to effectively lead/manage multiple projects
Actively seeks out, participates in and accepts collaborative thinking and problem solving
Extremely organized, ability to prioritize, self-directed, process-oriented and hands-on with the ability to dig into the details when necessary
Strategic thinker able to position the organization for the future, conceptualize critical trends, identify changing market demands and implement tactically
Creative, innovative and “out-of-the-box” thinking skills; systems thinker
Understands impacts of decisions on all aspects of the business
Strong business acumen, intelligence and capacity
Proactive, high energy, problem solving mentality, data driven with strong analytical and decision-making skills
Strong work ethic, achievement oriented with a “failure is not an option” mentality
High level of commitment to team and company values
Professional appearance and presentation
Ability to travel up to 50% or more of the time within assigned states
Ability to clear required background check

Responsibilities

Direct and manage strategy and tactics of a diversified team of state lobbyists and consultants in coordination with employees of company functional areas of interests
Oversee contract lobbyists and consultants supporting the Company
Cross-functional support of the company’s areas of interest impacted by government policies at the state legislative, administrative and regulatory levels
Enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences
In-depth knowledge and monitoring of proposed legislation to determine possible effects on company interests in selected states
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with legislators and other public officials through participation in local, state and national events and meetings of legislative, administrative and policy organizations and campaigns
Manage consultants, advocacy initiatives, and projects to advance Company reputation and public affairs goals
Serve as a representative for the Company at conferences, meetings, forums, seminars, and other events
Build coalitions and expand relationships with key decision-makers, policymakers, and federal, state and local elected officials
Subject matter expert for press releases and messaging collateral in order to state the company’s views and to inform policymakers of impacts of proposed legislation considered desirable or undesirable
Author editorials and op-eds
Actively engage in social media conversations, and serve as spokesperson for the Company in panels, conferences, and media