Director of Legislative Affairs

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (EOE) works to connect all Massachusetts residents with an education that creates opportunities. While Massachusetts' students rank first in the nation on many educational measures, the Executive Office of Education strives to strengthen the foundations of education reform, empower schools and educators, and develop pathways to college and careers so all students in the Commonwealth can succeed, regardless of their zip code.

The Executive Office of Education (EOE) is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, and collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.   

About the Role

The Director of Legislative Affairs (LD) supports the Chief of Legislative Affairs and Strategic Initiatives by managing major legislative policy projects for EOE and its agencies: Early Education and Care, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Higher Education, and the Children's Trust to ensure alignment with the Administration's vision by serving the all Massachusetts residents with a high-quality education regardless of their circumstance, zip code or socioeconomic status. The LD manages processes that require coordination with agency and secretariat staff, including but not limited to notifications to elected officials and their offices regarding grant notifications and public events, communication with elected officials regarding funding for local projects, review of legislative reports, and developing and maintaining a legislative tracker. The LD also contributes to the development of materials for Secretary and staff-level engagements with elected officials. The LD contributes to the review of pending legislation, policies, budgets, legislative commission reports, and other actions taken by the Legislature that impact EOE and its agencies' strategic priorities, funding, and legal obligations. The LD also directly engages with elected officials and staff on various inquiries that EOE receives and attempts to address them in a timely and accurate manner.

 Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions 

• Develop materials for review by the Chief of Legislative Affairs and Strategic Initiatives to brief the Secretary, the Chief of Staff, the Undersecretary, and other senior EOE staff for engagements with elected officials.
• Contribute to review of all funding vehicles for earmarks, line-item language and intent, outside section policy development, and other legislative vehicles that impact EOE and its agencies.
• Facilitate development of stakeholder outreach plans on major announcements of key initiatives to external stakeholders, elected officials, municipal officials, and other stakeholders identified; research legislative topics as needed.
• Actively participate in coordinating policy issues between the Executive Office and the three Departments within the Secretariat, which are the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Department of Early Education and Care.
• The Director of Legislative Affairs will work to ensure that there is consistency with Administration policies in the Executive Office and Secretariat Departments and will work to ensure that political and legal implications are factored into all decisions and strategies.
• Ensure policy development and analysis are integrated and strategic; decision-making processes are collaborative and effective, and working relationships between the Executive Office and Secretariat Departments are coordinated and productive.
• Review legislative reports drafted by EEC, DESE, DHE, and commissions chaired by EOE or its agencies and communicate with the Governor's Office regarding these reports to facilitate their approval.
• Coordinate and oversee the communications process with elected officials and their offices (municipal, state, and federal when necessary) related to grant notifications, event notifications, earmarked funds, and miscellaneous questions from legislative offices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion.
• Strong understanding of the Massachusetts legislative and budget process.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with early childhood, K12, and/or higher education policy or practice.
• Proven ability to effectively manage dispute and conflict resolution areas.
• Demonstrates maturity and ability to navigate politically sensitive situations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging needs and ensure accurate, timely responses to legislative inquiries and constituent concerns.

To Apply 

Interested candidates should submit the following for the Director of Legislative Affairs requisition:

• Resume 

• A cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position 

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to [email protected]

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.