Sr. Program Administrator, Government Affairs

About MESD:

Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) has a long history of serving the educational needs of the Portland community, with roots dating back to the 19th century. We are an educational cooperative that provides a wide variety of programs and services on a regional basis to school districts in Multnomah County and beyond. MESD is instrumental in building a powerful and equitable system that serves students from birth to age 21.

Working together with our eight district components on behalf of nearly 85,000 students, we respond to the unique and pressing needs of local school districts and communities. Over 100 languages are represented across MESD. Each school district has different needs, and we offer a broad spectrum of solutions.

We facilitate inter-organizational coordination among education, social service, health care, and employment training agencies.

Reports To: Superintendent

Classification/Range: Confidential Contract / SPA01

Schedule: 240 days per fiscal year

Application Deadline: Preferred by April 4, 2025 - Open Until Filled

PURPOSE:

The administrator for government relations serves as the liaison to elected officials and executive agency staff on behalf of the school districts of Multnomah County, under the administrative supervision of the Superintendent and in consultation with the superintendents of the Multnomah County school districts.  This person plans, directs and executes a comprehensive, proactive government affairs and lobbying strategy, advancing the goals of the Multnomah County school districts with local, county, regional, state and federal governments, elected officials, and staff. 

NATURE & SCOPE

The Administrator for Government Relations oversees government affairs and lobbying efforts for the Multnomah County school districts and advises the superintendents on overall impact of policy, legislation, and public funding decisions The position conducts research, monitors legislation and influences legislation and funding impacting Multnomah County schools.. The administrator builds relationships with local, state and federal elected officials to influence policy and advocate for the District’s policy positions.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

1. Communication:  Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner
2. Regional Perspective:  Lead, be involved in, and supportive of legislative initiatives for the school districts of Multnomah County
3. Vision and Strategy: Proactively align organizational goals with political and policy opportunities, engaging executive-level leaders in the process
4. Relationship Building & Networking: Serve as a key point of contact for government partners while also facilitating opportunities for component district administrators and board members to advocate directly
5. Political and Legislative Knowledge: Guide Multnomah County districts in effective advocacy efforts, identify funding opportunities, and secure draft legislation/rules as needed. Understanding of both legislative and administrative policy-making processes. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Knowledge of local, state and federal legislative and executive processes.
2. Knowledge of public affairs and project management and planning principles and practices.
3. Exceptional oral and written communication skills with a variety of audiences and with diplomacy and tact.
4. Ability to collaborate and communicate with those who may have conflicting interests.
5. Familiarity with education policy issues and ability to analyze and interpret legislation and policy documents.
6. Ability to effectively persuade, advocate and negotiate with local, state and federal leaders.
7. Ability to engage communities who have not been traditionally represented in policymaking processes in advocacy efforts.
8. Strong research, analytical, interpersonal, organizational, follow-through and motivational skills.
9. Strategic thinker and self-starter; ability to work independently.Ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds 
10. Ability to work efficiently and with accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; effectively managing multiple priorities and projects at once.
11. Strong technology skills for communication, research, data gathering and reporting activities.
12. Performs all duties in accordance with applicable Board policies and District and legal requirements.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Works directly with superintendents to identify priority legislative and government relations’ issues and develop supporting action plans.
2. Works collaboratively with the Superintendent and the Director of Communications to align advocacy efforts, craft clear and compelling messages, and effectively engage stakeholders.
3. Monitors and influences legislation and policy activities, updates and advises the superintendents about relevant policy proposals and actions, working with staff to analyze potential impacts and response in the districts’ interest.
4. Develop and implement advocacy plans to build support for key initiatives; recommend, implement and promote the public policy activities, including advocacy priorities, positions, and strategies. 
5. Provide training and support for component district board, staff and families advocacy efforts.
6. Coordinates government relations’ strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including District and association leadership, statewide advocacy organizations including COSA, OSBA, OEA, and OSEA, as well as OSNA, OSAA, ONA, AFSCME, and others as needed. Engages and advises constituents both inside and outside the districts in support of the governmental agenda.
7. Communicates and advocates the districts’ priorities to local, regional, state and federal elected officials and staff.
8. Serves as the districts’ leadership liaison for legislators, their staff and regulators.
9. Develops, coordinates and manages strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for the districts’ missions and goals.
10. Assures timely and accurate actions and responses to legislative and regulatory requests.
11. Researches and drafts briefing materials, letters, talking points, agendas, legislative summaries, factsheets, reports, testimony and other communications for meetings or hearings with local and state leaders.
12. Plans, directs and implements events and activities to support the districts’ governmental relations’ goals such as, campus visits, meetings, advocacy events, and town halls. 
13. Participates as the districts’ representative in meetings with local, state and federal officials.
14. Provides technical assistance to the districts’ staff on government relations’ issues.
15. Provides support to districts’ staff in securing support letters from partners and elected officials as part of funding requests and grant applications.
16. Drafts and disseminates regular and targeted policy and legislative updates for the superintendents and school district leadership.
17. Maintains effective working relationships with school personnel and community members. 
18. Actively seeks out and engages with linguistically diverse audiences.
19. May supervise administrative and technical/support staff, casual employees and independent contractors. 
20. Complies with all procedures outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct and Annual Notices for Education Practitioners, Teachers, Support Staff, Administrators, Substitutes Handbook; and all other Multnomah ESD Policies and Procedures.
21. Responsible for reporting lobbying activities as required by local, state, and federal regulations. 
22. Develop and monitor a master calendar that tracks meetings, hearings, testimony and other items of importance to the districts’ legislative program. 
23. Prepare and oversee the preparation and maintenance of a variety of plans, presentations, reports, records and files related to assigned activities; lead special projects as assigned.
24. Represent Multnomah County school districts in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities
25. Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Excellent interpersonal relations skills in working with diverse groups, individuals, and organizations
2. Effective written and spoken communication skills
3. Demonstrated ability to build effective coalitions
4. Demonstrated project organization and time management skills
5. Demonstrated commitment to equity and the success of all students
6. Ability to respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
7. Proven ability to provide excellent customer service
8. Highly motivated and works well independently and as part of a team
9. Ability to effectively facilitate strategy-setting with executive level leaders

LICENSING/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience.
2. Minimum of five (5) years government relations experience with local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory groups, lobbying, coalitions, testimony, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Administrator for Government Relations works primarily within an office building. Regular travel within and outside the District will be required with occasional statewide or out-of-state travel. Attendance at meetings or activities outside of the normal workday will also be required, including frequent, prolonged, and irregular hours including evening and weekend time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to sit and/or drive for four (4) plus hours per day
2. Ability to make repetitive hand-movement, such as typing, for three (3) plus hours per day
3. Ability to lift and/or move up to 10 lbs regularly
4. Ability to sit at a computer for long durations 

BENEFITS: 

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
• Three medical insurance plan options: 
• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA), or
• Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Selection of one annual additional benefit option: 
• Two (2) additional Floating Holidays 
• One (1) additional Floating Holiday AND $500 MESD Paid contribution to a Section 125 Medical Flexible Savings Account 
• One (1) additional Floating Holiday AND $500 paid contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)* 
• $1000 MESD paid contribution to their Section 125 Flexible Spending Account 
•  $1000 MESD paid contribution to their Health Savings Account (HSA)* 

*Employee must be enrolled in a HSA-eligible medical plan through MESD

• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off and [full-year staff only] vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development 

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position carries/does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions  of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be  considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned,  including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that  there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender,  sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status,  genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. 

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as  required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may  contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance.  Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Salary : $129,000 - $153,000