Director of Policy Services and Legislative Affairs
Type of position: full-time, exempt; hybrid
Salary range: $80,000 – 95,000
Benefits include:
- 403(b) contribution by employer
- Health insurance and Flexible Medical Spending Account
- 4 weeks paid vacation
- 13 paid holidays
The Vermont School Boards Association is a small member-based, non-profit organization working to advance the essential work of school boards so that each and every student is supported in their educational journey. We do this through the development and provision of systems and resources that support school boards. The VSBA is currently seeking a full-time Director of Policy Services and Legislative Affairs, who will join our dynamic team (based in Montpelier).
Core Responsibilities: The successful candidate is open to continuing to grow and learn with excellent attention to detail, ability to work independently, sound judgment, ability to assume leadership responsibilities for various aspects of public policy and educational programs to school boards. This role assumes supportive leadership under the Executive Director and may have access to confidential or sensitive information. Responsibilities include:
- drafting model policies aligned with requirements in statutes and rules,
- responding to inquiries from school board members and administrators about school board policies and VSBA’s model policies,
- supporting local boards/administrators in response to inquiries,
- monitoring and communicating legislative activity,
- developing legislative reports, facilitating meetings, and assisting in legislative advocacy,
- conducting legal analysis and drafting testimony,
- reviewing the education law book proof annually,
- staffing committees,
- conferring with colleagues in various state-level offices, legal offices, etc.
- developing content for various communication strategies, and
- occasionally presenting and/or moderating workshops/webinars/meetings.
Knowledge and Experience: If you are passionate about the VSBA’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, please apply even if you don’t check all the boxes outlined in this section. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
- Familiarity with Vermont and federal education law and policy and the application to Vermont’s education system
- At least three years of experience drafting school board policies aligned with state and federal law and regulations
- At least three years of experience in governmental advocacy; experience in public education preferred
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school boards, school administrators, and other educational leaders
- Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, facilitation of workshops/webinars, and the use of social media platforms as engagement tools
- Proficiency with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Internet/e-mail.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, ability to work independently attending to both details and the big picture, and to organize multiple, complex projects simultaneously
- Creativity, strong analytical ability, and ability to organize and use time effectively
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred, especially Juris Doctorate.
Application Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit a resumé and a cover letter via email to klamb@vtvsba.org. Resumé reviews will begin on May 10, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
VSBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.