Government Relations Director : Massachusetts

Massachusetts Teachers Association

Government Relations Director

Based in Quincy, MA

The Massachusetts Teachers Association is seeking a Director of Government Relations who is a dynamic leader with a strong background in advancing a policy agenda through legislative and political campaigns, and has a deep commitment to public education, pre-K through higher education. This position will report directly to the Executive Director-Treasurer.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) is a union of 110,000 public school and college educators dedicated to defending public education as a fundamental right, protecting union rights, and building a just society. The MTA works to advance the quality and equity of public education in Massachusetts by securing the working conditions and professional respect and autonomy of educators, which improves learning conditions for all students, advocating for full funding for public education, and participating in broad coalitions to improve the lives of our students and their families.

The MTA has been charting a new direction for the past several years to build power through rank and file organizing and leadership development in order to grow stronger than ever despite assaults on public sector unions, to assure that the contractual, legal and professional rights of MTA members are enforced, and to challenge education “reforms” which serve to privatize public education and have undermined educator professionalism and the student learning experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Legislative and Political Advocate and Strategist

• Leads collaborative efforts with stakeholders (members, leaders, committees, and staff) to develop and implement MTA’s legislative and political programs and campaigns.
• Directs MTA’s lobbying strategy and cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with key leadership in the Massachusetts Legislative and Executive branches.
• Collaborates with other MTA divisions — particularly Communications, Legal, and Affiliate Services — to execute effective legislative and electoral campaigns with high visibility and credibility both within MTA membership and in the general public.
• Supports the NEA’s federal legislative agenda by assisting the NEA in lobbying the Massachusetts Congressional delegation when requested.

Visionary Leader

• Collaborates with the President, Vice President, and Executive Director-Treasurer to develop new strategies for building a strong rank and file led union in a post-Janus world, and ensures Division alignment and capacity with the vision, mission, and strategic plan.
• Develops, in collaboration with other MTA divisions, a grassroots strategy that empowers members to engage in the political and legislative process.
• Partners with community coalitions to promote MTA’s legislative and political goals.

Effective Manager

• Plans, coordinates, and manages the daily operation of the Government Relations Division, supervising five staff, to fulfill the mission of the MTA and meet established goals and objectives.
• Oversee MTA’s direct mail program, polling, and other research to build support both within the membership and in the public eye for quality and equity in public education.
• Oversee the MTA’s political action committee and independent expenditure committees, ensuring compliance with all relevant campaign finance laws.
• Fosters an inclusive work environment that develops leadership and mentorship opportunities for a diverse staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five years of management experience including but not limited to the ability to manage, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate programs and personnel.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in designing and implementing legislative and political campaigns.
• Has no statutory prohibitions related to registering as a legislative and executive agent.
• Commitment to a public education system that provides all children with the quality education they deserve, and demonstrated understanding of the negative impact of privatization and high stakes accountability measures on quality and equity in public education.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of grassroots organizing and leadership development as it relates to building collective power and winning in the legislative and political arena.
• Willingness to work long hours, nights and weekends, and to travel statewide and sometimes nationally, as required.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.

Apply HERE!

Open until filled.

The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value our diverse workforce and welcome applications from minorities, veterans, women, and persons with disabilities.

Salary, commensurate with experience, is highly competitive with a generous benefit package.

*MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion*