Director of Goverment Relations

Director of Government Relations

The Director of Government Relations will play a key role as the legislative liaison for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. This position requires a proactive approach to advocate for innovative policy solutions, manage legislative relationships, and facilitate the successful implementation of new appropriations and programs.

This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with no remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

This position has been designated as executive management and is exempted from the civil service rules established by the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field, and three years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or a related area. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of relevant experience for each year of the required education.

Special requirements include being currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future, successful completion of a pre-employment background check, and possession of a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.

Essential functions include legislative liaison, policy advocacy, legislative relationship management, legislation management, program implementation, professional demeanor, innovation, efficiency, and superior customer service.

Essential competencies include effective communication, taking a proactive approach and working independently, collaborating as a team player, demonstrating excellent planning and organizational skills, possessing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, and knowledge of technology and ability to use it to maximize efficiency and services.

Supervisory responsibilities include managing and leading the team, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, providing training and development, ensuring compliance, managing resources, communicating with management, and resolving conflicts.

Physical demands include long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone, ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time, operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, ascending / descending stairs 25% of the time, and ability to lift to 25 lbs. Cognitive requirements include clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, sustained focus and attention to detail, adaptability and mental flexibility.

Occasional (up to 10%) in-state / out-of-state travel may be required.

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.