Government Relations Director 2 - Washington Service Center - Hillsboro

Mac's List•Hillsboro, OR

46d•$147,251 - $156,286

About The Position

The Government Relations Director leads NWRESD's policy, legislative, and advocacy functions. This position is responsible for shaping and executing strategies to advance the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and equity commitments through effective engagement with local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as external stakeholders. The Director advises and intervenes on policy and regulatory risks and opportunities; ensures NWRESD's interests are represented in public discourse; and helps build capacity internally (across departments and with partner districts) to engage in advocacy aligned with NWRESD's strategic direction and values. Operating with significant autonomy and in complex political contexts, the Director must exercise strong judgment, high integrity, responsiveness and strategic foresight. NWRESD Context and Strategic Alignment NWRESD provides regional services in teaching and learning, technology, special education, equity & family partnerships, early learning, workforce development and more. NWRESD values student success, equity, partnership and innovative service and seeks a government affairs leader who can integrate those commitments into policy strategy. The Director should understand how local, regional, state and federal legislation, funding, and regulatory shifts affect service providers, regional agencies and school districts in NW Oregon.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, education policy, education or a related fi eld (master's preferred).
At least 5 years' experience in government affairs, legislative advocacy, public policy, or related fi elds, ideally with education or regional entity experience.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly across the region, to Salem and periodically to national forums.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities is preferred.
Deep commitment to multiculturalism, equity and antiracism with demonstrated success centering those principles in policy and advocacy work preferred.
Demonstrated success in infl uencing legislative or regulatory outcomes, coalition building and stakeholder engagement.
Strong analytical ability in interpreting legislation, rulemaking and policy impacts.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills (including testimony, policy briefs, public presentations, etc.).
Strong analytic and legislative research skills.
Persuasive writing, public speaking, and testimony capability.
Ability to build bipartisan and collaborative relationships.
Political acumen, negotiation, and confl ict resolution ability.
Capacity to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and shifting agendas.
Experience with coalition building and consensus-based strategies.
Adept at strategic planning, political judgment and navigating complex or contested environments.
Ability to collaborate across departments, component school districts, labor associations and community partners.
Experience working with Education Service Districts (or regional service agencies) preferred.
Trust & Integrity - Builds credibility inside and outside NWRESD through transparency, ethical conduct and consistent follow-through.
Effective Communication - Can translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences (district staff, board members, community, legislators, etc.).
Equity-Centered & Inclusive - Elevates marginalized voices, ensures policy strategies refl ect equity goals, and pursues justice-minded outcomes.
Strategic Vision - Anticipates trends, shapes proactive policy initiatives, and identifi es opportunities beyond immediate crises.
Organizational Perspective - Understands how policy decisions affect NWRESD's district partners and program areas; aligns advocacy with organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Serve as principal public policy advisor to the Senior Director of Communications, Superintendent, NWRESD Board of Directors and various leadership teams.
Develop, implement and monitor NWRESD's legislative and advocacy agenda, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic plan.
Track, analyze and forecast local, state and federal legislation/policy, administrative rules and regulatory changes. Prepare timely updates, memos and impact analyses for internal and external stakeholders.
Act as NWRESD's representative in interactions with state legislature, Oregon Department of Education, federal agencies, local governments and policy groups.
Cultivate and sustain relationships with elected offi cials, agency staff, education associations, intermediary organizations and community stakeholders.
Lead coordination of testimony, committee briefi ngs, advocacy materials, public comment and coalition advocacy efforts.
Provide professional development, leadership and guidance to NWRESD staff, various Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), partner districts and other stakeholder groups on policy, advocacy and legislative processes.
Collaborate with Communications, Equity & Family Partnerships, Research/Assessment, Finance and other departments to craft messaging, data framing and policy narratives.
Ensure NWRESD's compliance with lobbying laws, ethics rules, disclosure requirements and recordkeeping.
Represent NWRESD at conferences, regional/state forums, task forces and working groups relevant to education policy and service delivery.
Oversee the Government Affairs portfolio budget and resources, including external contracts or consultants, when needed.
Monitor performance and impact of advocacy initiatives; refi ne strategies and report outcomes to leadership.
Maintain confi dentiality, professionalism and political neutrality, where appropriate.
Other duties as assigned.