WHO WE AREOur Mission: We coach and support students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college as transformational leaders in order to forge a just and equitable society. College Success Foundation believes in respecting, upholding, and reflecting diversity and is committed to becoming an anti-racist organization. By leading with equity, and utilizing an anti-racist lens in our work, we center diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. We believe students win when we have a high- performing culture that is committed to eliminating barriers to student achievement. Our passion is fostering educational equity, making college accessible and affordable to underserved students from low-income families. POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Government Relations & Advocacy will be responsible for government relations and advocacy that support the College Success Foundation's mission and objectives by maintaining relationships with key government officials and utilizing his or her knowledge and experience in the political landscape. This position will coordinate lobbying efforts on CSF's behalf and ensure alignment with the organization's strategic priorities and activities. The Director will work out of the Bellevue office with substantial interface in Olympia and across the state. This position will provide leadership in developing and implementing comprehensive state, district and local government funding and advocacy efforts, and community engagement strategies in partnership with the organization's EVP, CEO, CSF-WA Eds, CSF-DC staff, as well as contract lobbyist(s). PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The items listed in this section are the primary duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.
- Propose and execute strategies and tactics to support CSF's efforts seeking to impact and influence legislators, their staff and Committees, as well legislative and policy proposals that may impact CSF.
- Support the CEO, board, alumni and leadership team members through the development of briefing documents and talking points for public appearances and key meetings.
- Liaise with multiple state agencies and the WA State Governor's office.
- Lead CSF's advocacy efforts on behalf of our mission population of students.
- Develop, build and enhance a broad range of relationships with key policymakers and their staff, policy analysts, thought leaders, and decision makers, on behalf of the organization.
- Provide recommendations for state and district-level action in response to policy and budget proposals.
- Partner with CSF's External Relations team, and program staff, as well as the CEO and EVP to support legislative requests, as appropriate.
- Compile, review, and analyze relevant data and information, and develop policy alternatives and recommendations.
- Write, edit and disseminate reports, briefings and other presentations to a variety of audiences and constituents.
- Plan and coordinate production of various government relations publications, collateral, material to support organizational advocacy as well as legislative asks.
- Interface and coordinate with contract lobbyists or lobbying teams.
- Lead CSF's robust coalition partnership and engagement strategy
QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values both work experience and education and realizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.
- Bachelor's degree required, degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law or related area of study or Master's degree preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in government relations.
- Existing relationships with key WA policymakers and staff.
- Understanding of the government funding landscape, including experience with appropriations processes or securing public funding.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered. Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience working with or within government entities, including knowledge of legislative processes and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong background in analyzing policy proposals, understanding their implications, and communicating complex information clearly.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, legislators, and community leaders.
- Proven track record of developing and executing advocacy strategies to influence policy decisions.
- Experience crafting messaging and materials for government audiences, including policy briefs, position statements, and testimony.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, community groups, and advocacy coalitions.
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
- Experience researching and writing policy briefs, memoranda and talking points.
- Exhibits intelligence, decision making skills, charisma, and influence.
- Experience lobbying or willingness to lobby on behalf of CSF.
- Strong understanding of education and school finance policy in Washington and at the federal levels including current state and national civil rights and educational reform agendas and movements.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, creativity, initiative, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and the internet.
- Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, respecting individual differences, and serving diverse populations.
- Develops and deepens an understanding of the principles of equity and justice, applies the principles, and serves as a champion, role model, and active participant for equity and justice activities, programs, and initiatives.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The College Success Foundation is committed to fostering an organizational culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary duties and responsibilities of this job. Therefore, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the interview process or to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of this role, please contact Human Resources. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Operate office equipment such as computers, servers, networking devices, and other hardware components.
- Repeatedly move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or carry heavy equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Perceive, inspect, and assess data at close range.
- Communicate information and ideas to create understanding and exchange accurate information.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Role operates in a moderately quiet office environment.
- This position requires Washington state residents if assigned to a Washington based location. If this position is assigned to a District of Columbia based location, the resident must reside in the District of Columbia.
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including special events, pre-planned weekends and evenings.
- Uses collaborative software for communicating with others and attending virtual meetings.
- Frequent travel and reliable transportation are required.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT The position may change based upon the needs of the program and/or organizational needs and available funding. In compliance with federal and state regulations, College Success Foundation maintains a drug free environment and all successful applicants must pass a drug screen prior to hire. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.