Deputy Director of Government and Policy Affairs
The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) seeks a Deputy Director of Government and Policy Affairs to help lead the government relations and policy work of the union.
NCAE is a democratic, member-driven, union of public-school staff. We are teachers, counselors, custodians, principals and more who come together to achieve the schools our professions, students and communities deserve. We are one of the fastest growing affiliates of the 3 million members strong National Education Association.
Position Summary:
The Deputy Director serves as one of NCAE’s registered lobbyists and is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with state lawmakers and the broader policy community and frequently represents the organization's interests before the North Carolina General Assembly, Department of Public Instruction, and other governing bodies. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the legislative process, excellent communication skills, proven ability to work collaboratively with various internal and external stakeholders, and commitment to NCAE’s mission, values, and goals.
NCAE members’ strategic plan priorities are to grow our union, lead our professions and restore the promise of public education and our democracy. The ideal candidate will be passionate about and possess the relational leadership, policy, and strategic skills to identify and execute opportunities that advance us toward our 2030 goals.
Core Responsibilities:
Stakeholder and Member Engagement (40%):
- Build and maintain relationships with legislators, government officials, and key stakeholders
- Serve as a spokesperson for the NCAE legislative issues, ensuring clear and consistent communication with external audiences and internal audiences, including members and staff
- Manage, prepare, and deliver presentations, briefings, trainings, and reports on and in support of legislative activities, including for members, staff, board members and stakeholders
- Draft and review legislative proposals, position papers, and testimony
- Represent the organization and NCAE’s positions in meetings with policymakers, at legislative hearings and to regulatory agencies
- Monitor and analyze legislative developments and trends that may impact the union, members, and public-school communities
- Provide timely communication to NCAE leadership regarding political and policy developments
- Coordinate activities, including, but not limited to member-lobbying, with the Deputy Director of Political and Community Organizing to legislative and organizational objectives
- Assist the Associate Executive Director and NCAE’s Executive Leadership team in creating and executing comprehensive strategies to advance NCAE’s policy goals
- Work closely with the Organizing departments, Communication, and Legal/Advocacy teams to align legislative strategies with NCAE’s Strategic Plan and broader organizational goals.
- Provide guidance and support on political, legislative and policy matters throughout NCAE, and its affiliates as needed
- Manage daily operations and staff as assigned, including the work of a Policy Analyst
- Ensure assigned staff’s activities are aligned with strategic objectives
- Manage and coordinate resources, such as research and grants, from the National Education Association, foundations and allies for legislative activities and strategic projects
Policy Advocacy (30%):
Leadership and Collaboration (15%):
Staff and Resource Management (15%):
Qualifications
Required:
- Dedication to the mission, values, and interests of NCAE, including but not limited, to public education and the labor movement.
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field or significant experience. A Juris Doctor or other advanced degree is preferred.
- 5 years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or a related field
- At least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and government operations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Able to travel outside of the Raleigh area on occasion and can adopt a schedule that includes irregular and long hours particularly during legislative session and elections.
Preferred:
- Experience working with a membership-based organization
- Experience developing and delivering training on complex topics to an adult audience and leadership development
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of educational, fiscal, or labor policy as it relates to public education
We would be thrilled if the candidate
- Current or former public-school educator
- Demonstrated commitment to racial and educational justice
- Is excited to elevate the voice of public-school staff to achieve policy wins and build lasting power for public school educators that improves our schools and communities.
How to apply:
- Required Materials: Please submit your resume, at least 3 references, and a short writing sample that demonstrates skills relevant to this role to
- Writing Sample Instructions: Please provide a short description of the context of your writing sample.
- Application Deadline: Applications accepted until filled
Logistics:
Location: Must live in North Carolina or willing to relocate. Has the ability and willingness to travel
Compensation:
- Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- 100% employer paid healthcare coverage for the employee
- 100% employer paid dental and vision coverage for the employee and family
- Employer provided FSA/HRA monies
- 401k Plan
- Pension Plan (if a temp. position-not eligible until 1/1 or 7/1 after 1 year of service)
- Cell phone and internet reimbursement
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
- Relocation costs
- Paid holidays, employer paid life and LTD coverage, voluntary life insurance
- A generous personal, sick, and annual leave policy
NCAE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected.
Current and former/retired NCAE members and applicants committed to a strong public educators’ association who meet many, but not all, of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call Angela Schell in Human Resources @ 919-755-5541.
