Director of Government Relations

WSAA Director of Government Relations

The WSAA Government Relations plays an important role in Wisconsin public education as the voice of our 4400 members. A deep commitment to public education and a passion for advocacy is essential in this role. Qualifications, compensation, and other essential elements for this position are detailed below.

The Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership for legislative and governmental advocacy on behalf of Wisconsin PreK-12 public education. This position serves as the primary liaison with legislators, state agencies, education associations, and other stakeholders to advance policy priorities in school finance, curriculum and instruction, special education, and human resources. The Director monitors legislative and regulatory developments, develops advocacy strategies, coordinates organizational responses, and advises executive leadership on the impact of public policy decisions affecting students, staff, and school systems.

The ideal candidate would be deeply invested in Wisconsin public education with a strong interest in public policy.

• Develops and implements legislative and governmental relations strategies that advance organizational priorities for PreK-12 public education, with emphasis on school finance, curriculum and instruction, special education, and human resources.
• Monitors state and federal legislation, administrative rules, budget proposals, and regulatory actions; analyzes potential impact and communicates implications to executive leadership and other internal stakeholders.
• Serves as the primary representative and advocate with legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, education organizations, coalitions, and community partners.
• Prepares policy analyses, position statements, testimony, briefing materials, talking points, and advocacy communications in support of legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Coordinates advocacy efforts with internal leaders and subject‑matter experts to ensure consistent messaging and timely response to proposed policy changes.
• Builds and maintains productive relationships with policymakers, agency officials, school leaders, and professional associations to strengthen support for public education priorities.
• Advises district or organizational leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory developments and recommends strategic courses of action.
• Plans and facilitates meetings, presentations, and events with policymakers and stakeholders to promote understanding of public education needs and priorities.
• Collaborates with school and district leaders to identify emerging issues and develop policy positions.
• Supports grassroots advocacy by organizing outreach, mobilizing stakeholders, and helping communicate legislative priorities to staff, families, and community partners, as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable lobbying, ethics, campaign, reporting, and public disclosure requirements.
• Prepares regular updates and reports regarding legislative activity, advocacy efforts, outcomes, and recommended next steps.
• Performs other duties related to governmental relations, policy development, and executive support as assigned.

• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and budget processes affecting public education at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Knowledge of key issues in school finance, curriculum and instruction, special education, labor relations, staffing, licensure, and educator workforce policy.
• Knowledge of lobbying laws, ethics requirements, public records considerations, and advocacy best practices.
• Skill in analyzing legislation, regulations, and policy proposals and translating complex information into clear recommendations.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare testimony, briefing papers, correspondence, and presentations.
• Strong relationship‑building, negotiation, facilitation, and coalition‑building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively in a fast‑paced political environment.
• Ability to manage…