GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
The Government and Legislative Relations Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact between the School Division and members of the Virginia General Assembly and public education associations. This position monitors legislative and regulatory activity affecting public education; communicates the School Division’s legislative priorities; and supports the Superintendent and School Board in advocacy, compliance awareness, and relationship-building efforts.
The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of Virginia’s legislative process, public education policy, and the role of local school divisions within the Commonwealth, while maintaining a strictly non-partisian and professional approach.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions:
- Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, budget items, and regulatory actions at the state and federal levels that impact public education.
- Track bills, committee actions, amendments, and funding proposals during the Virginia General Assembly session and throughout the interim.
- Prepare summaries, impact analysis, and briefing materials for the Superintendent, School Board, and senior leadership.
- Serve as the School Division’s official liaison to Virginia legislators, legislative staff, and relevant state agencies.
- Communicate the School Division’s legislative priorities, positions, and concerns in a professional and non-partisan manner.
- Coordinate meetings, briefings, and school visits for legislators and policymakers.
- Represent the School Division at legislative receptions, hearings, workgroups, and education-related forums assigned.
- Act as the primary liaison to various public education associations such as the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) and the National Rural Education Association.
- Coordinate the School Division’s participation in association advocacy efforts, conferences, and legislative days.
- Collaborate with regional school divisions to align messaging and shared legislative priorities when appropriate.
- Provide monthly legislative updates and reports to the School Board members and division leadership.
- Assist in developing legislative agendas, position statements, and advocacy materials approved by the School Board.
- Support School Board members and administrators in understanding legislative issues and budget impacts.
- Ensure compliance with ethics and public transparency requirements.
- Support long-term legislative strategy development aligned with division goals.
- Participate in the Superintendent's weekly Senior Leadership staff meetings and other meetings as assigned by the Superintendent.
- Perform related duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
Additional Duties:
- Performs other related work as required.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Education, Public Administration, Communication, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, and public policy specific to public education.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Virginia legislative process and state education governance.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear policy summaries and presentations.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, association leaders, and internal stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines - especially during legislative sessions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working for or with a Virginia school division, state agency, or public education-focused organization.
- Familiarity with K-12 funding formulas, the state budget process, and education accountability systems.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- In-depth understanding of public education policy issues.
- Political acumen and sound judgement.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Ability to communicate complex legislative issues to a diverse audience.
- High level of discretion and professionalism.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of office equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Work Environment:
The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.