Executive Director of Government Relations

Executive Director of Government Relations

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is recruiting for an Executive Director of Government Relations responsible for designing, directing, and implementing the legislative, regulatory, and public policy agendas for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Serving as a principal strategic advisor to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and senior leadership of the Agency, this Executive Director is the primary agency liaison to the General Assembly, the Governor's Office, the Secretary of Education, and the State Board of Education.

The Executive Director of Government Relations would be responsible for the following duties:

• Partner with Agency leaders to conceptualize, draft and champion forward-thinking legislative proposals to advance the Administration's strategic vision.
• Lead the agency's comprehensive review, real-time tracking, and rigorous analysis of all early childhood and K-12 education legislation introduced during the General Assembly session.
• Serve as the primary VDOE liaison with members of the General Assembly. Provide technical assistance, communicate final Agency positions and negotiate amendments with legislators.
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with lawmakers, legislative staff, the Office of the Governor and Secretary of Education, various education associations and other advocacy groups in order to advance Administration priorities.
• Support the implementation of new legislative requirements with departments throughout the Agency.
• Provide executive oversight to the staff and Director supporting the State Board of Education.
• Supervise the development of informal and formal guidance documents, policy memos, and interpretation materials to help local school divisions implement state and federal laws and regulations effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of Virginia Legislative and Regulatory Processes, of the General Assembly session, legislative seasons, bill tracking, and budget development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Education Policy and Governance
• Comprehensive knowledge of early childhood and K-12 education policy, state federal regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of State Agency and Board Operations, of how the VDOE interfaces with the Governor's Office, the Secretary of Education, and the State Board of Education.
• Proven ability to provide technical assistance to policy makers, champion policy changes as needed, negotiate complex legislative text with lawmakers and staff, and maintain strong working relationships across political and organizational lines.
• Skill in deploying rapid-response processes to review, track, and analyze complex bills, including projecting their fiscal and operational impacts on the agency and Virginia school divisions.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills needed to draft legislative proposals, bill analyses, deliver technical testimony, and advise senior executives and Board leadership.
• Strong management skills to direct a diverse team of policy analysts, regulatory coordinators, and program specialists, while fostering collaboration throughout the Agency.
• Ability to navigate highly sensitive political environments and build cross-functional coalitions with diverse education associations, advocacy groups, and state officials.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload, particularly during the legislative session, adapt to rapid changes, and meet urgent timelines during the General Assembly session.
• Ability to translate newly enacted laws into clear, actionable implementation plans and oversight mechanisms, work collaboratively with colleagues to implement and report on legislation.

Additional Considerations

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Education Policy, Public Administration, Law, Communications, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree (MPA, MPP, M.Ed. in Policy) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
• Previous experience directly leading and managing professional teams (analysts, coordinators, or directors) and administering state-level programs.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is…