Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) has a long history of serving the educational needs of the Portland community, with roots dating back to the 19th century. We are an educational cooperative that provides a wide variety of programs and services on a regional basis to school districts in Multnomah County and beyond. MESD is instrumental in building a powerful and equitable system that serves students from birth to age 21.
Working together with our eight district components on behalf of nearly 85,000 students, we respond to the unique and pressing needs of local school districts and communities. Over 100 languages are represented across MESD. Each school district has different needs, and we offer a broad spectrum of solutions.
We facilitate inter-organizational coordination among education, social service, health care, and employment training agencies.
See the full job description and apply on School Spring (Job ID 5046781): https://multnomah.schoolspring.com
Reports To: Superintendent
Classification/Range: Confidential Contract / SPA01
Schedule: 240 days per fiscal year
Salary Range DOE: $129k - $153k
Application Deadline: Preferred by April 4, 2025 - Open Until Filled
PURPOSE:
The administrator for government relations serves as the liaison to elected officials and executive agency staff on behalf of the school districts of Multnomah County, under the administrative supervision of the Superintendent and in consultation with the superintendents of the Multnomah County school districts. This person plans, directs and executes a comprehensive, proactive government affairs and lobbying strategy, advancing the goals of the Multnomah County school districts with local, county, regional, state and federal governments, elected officials, and staff.
NATURE & SCOPE
The Administrator for Government Relations oversees government affairs and lobbying efforts for the Multnomah County school districts and advises the superintendents on overall impact of policy, legislation, and public funding decisions The position conducts research, monitors legislation and influences legislation and funding impacting Multnomah County schools.. The administrator builds relationships with local, state and federal elected officials to influence policy and advocate for the District’s policy positions.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:
Communication: Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner
Regional Perspective: Lead, be involved in, and supportive of legislative initiatives for the school districts of Multnomah County
Vision and Strategy: Proactively align organizational goals with political and policy opportunities, engaging executive-level leaders in the process
Relationship Building & Networking: Serve as a key point of contact for government partners while also facilitating opportunities for component district administrators and board members to advocate directly
Political and Legislative Knowledge: Guide Multnomah County districts in effective advocacy efforts, identify funding opportunities, and secure draft legislation/rules as needed. Understanding of both legislative and administrative policy-making processes.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Knowledge of local, state and federal legislative and executive processes.
Knowledge of public affairs and project management and planning principles and practices.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills with a variety of audiences and with diplomacy and tact.
Ability to collaborate and communicate with those who may have conflicting interests.
Familiarity with education policy issues and ability to analyze and interpret legislation and policy documents.
Ability to effectively persuade, advocate and negotiate with local, state and federal leaders.
Ability to engage communities who have not been traditionally represented in policymaking processes in advocacy efforts.
Strong research, analytical, interpersonal, organizational, follow-through and motivational skills.
Strategic thinker and self-starter; ability to work independently.Ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds
Ability to work efficiently and with accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; effectively managing multiple priorities and projects at once.
Strong technology skills for communication, research, data gathering and reporting activities.
Performs all duties in accordance with applicable Board policies and District and legal requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Works directly with superintendents to identify priority legislative and government relations’ issues and develop supporting action plans.
Works collaboratively with the Superintendent and the Director of Communications to align advocacy efforts, craft clear and compelling messages, and effectively engage stakeholders.
Monitors and influences legislation and policy activities, updates and advises the superintendents about relevant policy proposals and actions, working with staff to analyze potential impacts and response in the districts’ interest.
Develop and implement advocacy plans to build support for key initiatives; recommend, implement and promote the public policy activities, including advocacy priorities, positions, and strategies.
Provide training and support for component district board, staff and families advocacy efforts.
Coordinates government relations’ strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including District and association leadership, statewide advocacy organizations including COSA, OSBA, OEA, and OSEA, as well as OSNA, OSAA, ONA, AFSCME, and others as needed. Engages and advises constituents both inside and outside the districts in support of the governmental agenda.
Communicates and advocates the districts’ priorities to local, regional, state and federal elected officials and staff.
Serves as the districts’ leadership liaison for legislators, their staff and regulators.
Develops, coordinates and manages strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for the districts’ missions and goals.
Assures timely and accurate actions and responses to legislative and regulatory requests.
Researches and drafts briefing materials, letters, talking points, agendas, legislative summaries, factsheets, reports, testimony and other communications for meetings or hearings with local and state leaders.
Plans, directs and implements events and activities to support the districts’ governmental relations’ goals such as, campus visits, meetings, advocacy events, and town halls.
Participates as the districts’ representative in meetings with local, state and federal officials.
Provides technical assistance to the districts’ staff on government relations’ issues.
Provides support to districts’ staff in securing support letters from partners and elected officials as part of funding requests and grant applications.
Drafts and disseminates regular and targeted policy and legislative updates for the superintendents and school district leadership.
Maintains effective working relationships with school personnel and community members.
Actively seeks out and engages with linguistically diverse audiences.
May supervise administrative and technical/support staff, casual employees and independent contractors.
Complies with all procedures outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct and Annual Notices for Education Practitioners, Teachers, Support Staff, Administrators, Substitutes Handbook; and all other Multnomah ESD Policies and Procedures.
Responsible for reporting lobbying activities as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
Develop and monitor a master calendar that tracks meetings, hearings, testimony and other items of importance to the districts’ legislative program.
Prepare and oversee the preparation and maintenance of a variety of plans, presentations, reports, records and files related to assigned activities; lead special projects as assigned.
Represent Multnomah County school districts in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Excellent interpersonal relations skills in working with diverse groups, individuals, and organizations
Effective written and spoken communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build effective coalitions
Demonstrated project organization and time management skills
Demonstrated commitment to equity and the success of all students
Ability to respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
Proven ability to provide excellent customer service
Highly motivated and works well independently and as part of a team
Ability to effectively facilitate strategy-setting with executive level leaders
LICENSING/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience.
Minimum of five (5) years government relations experience with local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory groups, lobbying, coalitions, testimony, etc.
