Chief Governmental Relations Officer

Position:
Chief Governmental Relations Officer #1964

Location:

Springfield or Chicago

Union:
Exempt

Department:
Government Relations

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $127,340 - $168,725

Full Salary Range: $127,340 - $210,111

Office

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date:
December 22, 2025

Reporting to the State Superintendent, is responsible for directing activities for the State Legislative Relations and State/Federal Legislative Relations Departments; oversees the external policy work of the Agency while building and maintaining strong professional relationships with the districts, Governor’s office, legislators, media, and advocacy groups.

• Supervises and directs the day-to-day management of the State Legislative Relations and State/Federal Legislative Relations Departments.
• Represents the Agency at legislative hearings and meetings with legislative leaders and the Governor’s office.
• Oversees high profile legislation and manages sensitive situations on behalf of the Agency.
• Plans and develops a strong state legislative program and effectively coordinates legislative initiatives.
• Provides written summaries and recommendations of legislative action that may affect education and the Agency to the Superintendent or other agency staff.
• Responsible for leading the external policy work of the Board; will collaborate with agency partners, Board, and State Superintendent to develop and maintain educational policies for the State of Illinois.
• Responsible for the oversight of the development and implementation of the legislative agenda of the Board.
• Oversees the collaboration with the State Superintendent, Board and State Legislative Relations and State/Federal Legislative Relations Departments as it relates to the legislative agenda.
• Responds to all Board inquiries as it relates to legislative initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree, or a bachelor's degree plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional and/or administrative experience (in addition to the education requirements) in the area of legislative affairs.
• Experience in dealing with constituent inquiries from legislative offices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases and use software packages.
• An in‑depth knowledge of the General Assembly and the Legislative Process.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience in working in an electronic bill analysis tracking system.
• Experience in working with the various legislative support agencies and the Governor's Office of Management & Budget.

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.