Manager of Government Relations

Position Summary

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven Manager of Government Relations to support and advance the organization's state and federal advocacy efforts on behalf of special education leaders and students. This is a new position.

This position works closely with the Executive Director, association leadership, volunteer committees, members, contract lobbyists, and advocacy partners to coordinate legislative strategy, policy analysis, communications, relationship‑building, and member engagement.

The Manager of Government Relations will help expand MAASE's advocacy capacity by monitoring policy developments, translating complex information into clear and useful resources, coordinating advocacy activities, and strengthening relationships with policymakers and education partners.

• Monitor state and federal legislation, regulations, budgets, and education policy developments.
• Analyze proposed legislation and policy changes and communicate their implications for special education leaders.
• Draft legislative summaries, policy briefs, testimony, position statements, and advocacy materials.
• Support legislative hearings, advocacy campaigns, and meetings with policymakers.
• Attend legislative committee meetings, hearings, State Board of Education meetings, and other public meetings.
• Monitor national policy developments and communicate relevant updates to association leadership and members.

• Coordinate and support MAASE's Advocacy Committee and related work groups.
• Prepare meeting agendas, materials, notes, and follow‑up action items.
• Coordinate legislative visits, advocacy events, coalition activities, and the Special Education Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. (annually)
• Support the implementation of advocacy campaigns and grassroots engagement opportunities.
• Develop systems and processes that strengthen MAASE's ongoing advocacy efforts.

• Develop legislative updates and advocacy communications for members, board members, and staff.
• Translate complex legislative information into clear, actionable summaries.
• Assist with conference sessions, presentations, webinars, newsletters, and advocacy resources.
• Prepare talking points, presentations, and briefing materials for organizational leaders.
• Collaborate with communications staff to ensure advocacy messaging is timely, accurate, and consistent across platforms.

• Collaborate closely with MAASE's contract lobbyist and advocacy partners.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with legislators, legislative staff, education organizations, coalition partners, and state agencies.
• Represent MAASE professionally in meetings, hearings, coalition activities, and public events.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand MAASE's advocacy influence.

• Support implementation of MAASE's legislative platform and annual advocacy priorities.
• Track progress toward advocacy goals and prepare reports for leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities using Asana and other organizational tools.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, professional development, conferences, and organizational events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, education, communications, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Two or more years of experience in education policy, government relations, public affairs, nonprofit advocacy, legislative work, or association management.
• Strong written, verbal, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy information into clear, accessible communications.
• Experience coordinating committees, stakeholder groups, meetings, or advocacy initiatives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the…