Director of State Government Affairs

Summary

Join Code.org, a leading nonprofit in K-12 computer science education, as a State Policy Manager. You will manage relationships with state leaders, develop and lead policy campaigns, and build coalitions to expand access to computer science education. This role requires experience in state government affairs and policy development, a passion for the mission, and the ability to work across political parties. You will develop strategies, communicate policy agendas, and build relationships with various stakeholders. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on education policy.

Requirements

• Main experience should be in working directly with legislators and governors’ education advisors and/or with state boards of education and state departments of education
• Experience with and solid understanding of the legislative process or policy development process within state education authorities
• Demonstrated ability to work across political parties and ideologies
• Passion for our mission
• At least a Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in developing or implementing state level policy
• Experience in passing and/or influencing legislation at the state level
• Ability and willingness to travel. You will be managing multiple states and should expect to travel up to 30% of the time
• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Pass a pre-employment background check
• Be willing to travel a minimum of two times per year for team events

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead campaigns and state-based coalitions in states that you are responsible for
• Develop and update policy positions
• Speak publicly at events, including testimony before state authorities and interviews with the media
• Communicate policy agenda to various audiences (stakeholder groups, legislators, Governors and staff, educators, media, etc.), tailoring messaging for each
• Develop relationships with institutions of higher education that are building a K-12 computer science teacher pipeline
• Craft, coordinate and lead policy-related events with policy makers and/or partner organizations
• Develop and maintain relationships with the computer science community including educators, leaders, corporate partners, and non-profits with shared goals
• Create and manage grassroots support for policy-related efforts
• Coordinate state policy efforts internally and with partners

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of experience in government relations/advocacy/policy development in education, preferably at the state level
• Expertise in and/or knowledge of computer science or technology education
• Background or experience in lobbying, working as a legislative staff member and/or working in the Executive Branch

Benefits

• Technology subsidy consistent with our Bring Your Own Device environment
• Flexible, engaging, and remote working environment
• Paid time off: 3 weeks vacation annually, sick leave, and 'winter break' office closure the two weeks that include Christmas and New Years
• Medical, dental and vision premiums paid at 100% for FT positions and their dependents
• Option to participate in 403b retirement plan
• Annual professional development stipend
• The opportunity to help students learn better and change the face of computer science
• A unifying approach in a divided world