Legislative & Public Affairs Officer Support & Planning Services Exempt, Pay Grade 17
The Legislative & Public Affairs Officer serves as Albemarle County Public Schools' federal, state and local legislative representative, responsible for tracking legislation that impacts K-12 education generally and Albemarle County Public Schools specifically. As part of these responsibilities, the Legislative & Public Affairs Officer analyzes and monitors legislation. The officer advises the school division’s senior leadership on and coordinates appropriate responses to legislation and legislation actions that impact the school division's mission and programs. An equal part of the officer's responsibilities is to manage the division's grant opportunities including a database on all grants received by the division, the identification of new grant opportunities, the writing of grant applications and donor stewardship. A smaller part of this position's responsibilities is the management of local government and community relations to generate awareness of and support for division programs and partnerships. Work is performed under general supervision. Essential functions include, and are not limited to the following:
- Attends legislative session to ensure bills and issues that may impact the school division are brought to the school board and staff for consideration;
- Manages relationships with local legislative offices;
- Coordinates legislator, School Board member and Board of Supervisor member visits to school division locations;
- Coordinates Superintendent and School Board member presentations to the business community and other community groups and partners;
- Attends School Board Meetings and is school division representative with the chamber of commerce;
- Obtains and evaluates relevant data, information, and perspectives from staff, interest groups, bill sponsors, members of the legislature and others as necessary;
- Gives presentations to a wide variety of local and regional businesses, community organizations and interest groups;
- Researches and writes monthly, annual and special reports on grants;
- Researches funding opportunities and writes grant proposals on behalf of Albemarle County Public Schools;
- Conducts research on and tracks state and national education legislation as needed on a year-round basis;
- Prepares impact statements as needed;
- Consults with officials of other divisions and departments on matters of mutual interest;
- Assists with media relations opportunities as directed by the Strategic Communications Officer.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major work in public administration, public affairs or closely related field and at least three years related experience in legislative processes, legislative consulting or public affairs required. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be eligible to be bonded so as to register as a lobbyist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must also possess a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Knowledge of legislative advocacy procedures, methods and techniques; thorough knowledge of state legislative process, activities and operations; local, state and federal government organizations and K-12 education issues Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent, demonstrated skill in writing and editing, in public speaking, and in the use of computer systems and software. Ability to independently conduct research in a wide range of subjects and to effectively analyze and present data in report form; ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with elected and appointed officials, the media, community and business leaders and School Board staff. Ability to exercise discretionary judgment and to make sound decisions; Ability to assess political situations and synthesize information quickly; Ability to work independently, with great attention to detail, and to follow through on projects to completion.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS: Work is performed in an office setting with frequent travel to the General Assembly during the legislative session and regular travel throughout the county to school sites. Requires, at times, working hours beyond the normal work hours and days. Frequent contact with the School Board, division superintendent, senior government officials, senior staff, and community and business partners is necessary.
SALARY: Hiring Range: $51,317 - $61,580/annual equivalent based on experience and education
Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with County School Board Policy, GCBA-R.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Until Filled |