Director of Legislative Engagement

The Director of Legislative Engagement (DLE) will lead strategic engagement efforts within The Hunt Institute and across all partners states including but not limited to, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Missouri. The work of the DLE will be to engage stakeholders positioned to help The Hunt Institute scale its efforts to be the education policy “go to” for state-level officials. The DLE will work closely with the President & CEO, Chief of Staff and the Policy & Research team. The DLE will oversee the Virginia Legislative Liaison and The Institute’s regional consultants. The DLE will report directly to the Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and coordinates the flow of information and documents between the Virginia Legislators Liaison, Institute Consultants and Policy Analysts, and other stakeholder groups concerning specific engagement in and across Institute partner states.
• Drives the strategic expansion of The Hunt Institute’s network in Institute’s partner states—on the state and national level—including, but not limited to policymakers, education experts, peer organizations, funders, and strategic thought partners.
• Participates in the development of strategic plans for legislative outreach and engagement; drafts, reviews and facilitates the enactment of proposed outreach; monitors and tracks legislation in Institute partner states; and manages external communications.
• Establishes The Institute as a trusted, non-partisan resource for unbiased information and state and national expert connections.
• Reviews legislative correspondence and special requests for information prior to submission.
• Completes projects and assignments that facilitate continuing and expanded state engagement in new and existing partner states. Ensures proper preparation of all information, materials, documents, and reports before approval of the Chief of Staff.
• Coordinates with leadership team to plan work to be accomplished and gives direction to VLL and regional consultants based on goals and priorities identified.
• Represents The Hunt Institute at conferences and coalition meetings as requested.
• Participates in fundraising, visibility events, Foundation Board meetings, and other program activities as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree or minimum of seven to ten years’ relevant work experience in related field preferred;
• Experience on a political campaign or political staff is required;
• Knowledge of state level education policy required and knowledge of national education issues a plus;
• Ability to work independently without close oversight, while being a strong team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority both internally and externally;
• Proven success in developing mutually-beneficial relationships with policymakers as well as internal and external partners;
• A professional and resourceful style; the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time, managing a heavy workload;
• Strategic thinker and planner; strong project management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Proficient computer skills: MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; and
• Ability to travel approximately 30%.

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment.
• Hands-on, leads by example.
• Values diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining impeccable attention to details.
• Integrity/ethics beyond reproach.
• Constantly seeking to apply best practices.
• Willingness to work collaboratively and consider new ideas.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission, financial stability, and success.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At The Hunt Institute, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation.

To apply, please submit cover letter, along with a résumé and a writing sample (no more than 5 pages; sections from a longer paper can be submitted) to applicant@hunt-institute.org  with the subject line “Director of Legislative Engagement – your last name.” Position is open until filled. No phone calls, please.