Government & Legislative Relations Liaison

Government & Legislative Relations Liaison

Henry County Public Schools – Martinsville, Virginia

Job : 5495535

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: Jan 12, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Government and Legislative Relations Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact between the School Division and members of the Virginia General Assembly and public education associations. This position monitors legislative and regulatory activity affecting public education; communicates the School Division’s legislative priorities; and supports the Superintendent and School Board in advocacy, compliance awareness, and relationship‑building efforts.

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of Virginia’s legislative process, public education policy, and the role of local school divisions within the Commonwealth, while maintaining a strictly non‑partisan and professional approach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, budget items, and regulatory actions at the state and federal levels that impact public education.
• Track bills, committee actions, amendments, and funding proposals during the Virginia General Assembly session and throughout the interim.
• Prepare summaries, impact analysis, and briefing materials for the Superintendent, School Board, and senior leadership.
• Serve as the School Division’s official liaison to Virginia legislators, legislative staff, and relevant state agencies.
• Communicate the School Division’s legislative priorities, positions, and concerns in a professional and non‑partisan manner.
• Coordinate meetings, briefings, and school visits for legislators and policymakers.
• Represent the School Division at legislative receptions, hearings, work groups, and education‑related forums assigned.
• Act as the primary liaison to various public education associations such as the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) and the National Rural Education Association.
• Coordinate the School Division’s participation in association advocacy efforts, conferences, and legislative days.
• Collaborate with regional school divisions to align messaging and shared legislative priorities when appropriate.
• Provide monthly legislative updates and reports to the School Board members and division leadership.
• Assist in developing legislative agendas, position statements, and advocacy materials approved by the School Board.
• Support School Board members and administrators in understanding legislative issues and budget impacts.
• Ensure compliance with ethics and public transparency requirements.
• Support long‑term legislative strategy development aligned with division goals.
• Participate in the Superintendent’s weekly Senior Leadership staff meetings and other meetings as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Education, Public Administration, Communication, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, and public policy specific to public education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Virginia legislative process and state education governance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear policy summaries and presentations.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, association leaders, and internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines – especially during legislative sessions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working for or with a Virginia school division, state agency, or public education-focused organization.
• Familiarity with K‑12 funding formulas, the state budget process, and education accountability systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• In-depth understanding of public education policy issues.
• Political acumen and sound judgement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and…