Chief Governmental Relations Officer

CHIEF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS OFFICER #1964

Reporting to the State Superintendent, the Chief Governmental Relations Officer is responsible for directing activities for the State Legislative Relations and State/Federal Legislative Relations Departments; overseeing the Agency’s external policy work while building and maintaining strong professional relationships with districts, the Governor’s office, legislators, media, and advocacy groups.

• Supervise and direct the day-to-day management of the State Legislative Relations and State/Federal Legislative Relations Departments.
• Represent the Agency at legislative hearings and meetings with legislative leaders and the Governor’s office.
• Oversee high‑profile legislation and manage sensitive situations on behalf of the Agency.
• Plan and develop a strong state legislative program and effectively coordinate legislative initiatives.
• Provide written summaries and recommendations of legislative action that may affect education and the Agency to the Superintendent or other agency staff.
• Lead the external policy work of the Board; collaborate with agency partners, Board, and State Superintendent to develop and maintain educational policies for the State of Illinois.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the legislative agenda of the Board.
• Coordinate with the State Superintendent, Board, and the State/Federal Legislative Relations Departments regarding the legislative agenda.
• Respond to all Board inquiries regarding legislative initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of relevant professional experience (copy of transcripts required at time of application).
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional and/or administrative experience in legislative affairs.
• Experience dealing with constituent inquiries from legislative offices.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases and use software packages.
• In‑depth knowledge of the General Assembly and the Legislative Process.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience working in an electronic bill analysis tracking system.
• Experience working with the various legislative support agencies and the Governor's Office of Management & Budget.

Seniority Level: Executive

Employment Type:

Full‑time

Job Function:
Business Development and Sales

Industry: Education Administration Programs

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.

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