SparkWheel, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on removing barriers preventing students and their families from being successful in school and in life. We believe there is a spark that lives inside each of us, and we are here to fuel that spark!

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Title: Vice President of Policy and Government Relations
• Reports to: Chief Development Officer
• Department: Policy and Government Relations, External Relations Division, Central Office
• Location: Remote within Agency network
• Classification & Status: Exempt, Full-Time
• Work Schedule: 40-hour work week, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the President & CEO and Chief Development Officer, the Vice President of Policy and Government Relations provides direction, guidance, and implementation in the strategic engagement of local, state, and federal officials. Will monitor relevant state and federal legislation, government agencies, policy, and seek out funding opportunities. Funding opportunities are inclusive of legislative appropriations and passing along information on upcoming government RFP’s which may be of interest to the Programs Team and competitive grant opportunities which may be of interest to the Development Team. The position will collaborate with external government relations consultants, to establish, implement, and achieve the related goals and objectives. Will lead the creation of policy and advocacy positions in collaboration with the President and CEO, Chief Development Officer, and Board members. Will chair a standing board committee, related to policy and government relations. Other responsibilities include supporting a comprehensive, proactive government relations strategy that advances the agency’s mission and goals with local, state, and federal officials. Works collaboratively with the Senior Director of Tribal Services regarding tribal government relations. The position requires intermittent, mostly local travel within the network area, with limited travel outside of the network area. The position is responsible for helping implement the vision and goals of SparkWheel as articulated by the President & CEO.
 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Government Relations

• Develop and manage strategies for strengthening relationships with local, state, and federal officials, and government agencies. This will include creating state-specific and federal government relations plans and advocating for and securing non-grant based public funding.
• Supports agency expansion and replication efforts.
• Help identify priority legislative and government relations issues relevant to the agency.
• Conduct and attend meetings with government officials and staff, communicating and advocating for agency priorities.
• Establish and maintain outstanding working relationships with government officials and staff.
• Maintain presence in Statehouses during the legislative session.
• Monitor legislative committee schedules and attend relevant legislative committee meetings.
• Identifies, implements, and directs opportunities for testimony, briefings, and meetings with state legislators, agencies, and other governmental bodies as well.
• Monitor policy reporting outlets to identify opportunities that may support sustainability and expansion efforts.
• Travel as needed to Washington D.C. to engage federal elected officials, their staff, and government agencies.
• Must register as a lobbyist with the appropriate state office and must complete all required application and reporting materials. Will perform direct lobbying of key members of the legislature to advance the priorities of the agency.

• Works with outside consultants and vendors to monitor and carry out policy actions as directed by the Executive Committee and the Board. Manages lobbying consultants and activities related to government relations.
• Attend local, state, and regional gatherings, especially when elected officials are anticipated to participate in such events.

Policy Monitoring and Analysis

• Lead the creation of policy and advocacy positions in collaboration with the President and CEO and Board members. Review requests for legislative advocacy from partners or other organizations. Make recommendations for outcomes to CDO. Work with relevant partner agencies to implement advocacy of various policy positions.
• Chair and manage a standing board committee related to policy and government relations, as one is designated by the board of directors.
• Monitor pending and enacted legislation and legislative activities at federal and state levels for relevant information. Notify the CEO of legislative activities related to our work. States to be monitored will be decided in consultation with the Chief Development Officer (CDO), and the Chief Program Officer (CPO), and CEO
• Monitor policy and funding activities from federal departments, such as USDOE, USHHS, and state departments, such as DOEs, HHS, Commerce. States to be monitored will be decided in consultation with the CEO and the Chief Program Officer (CPO).
• Create and keep updated PGR Policy and Procedures Guidebook.
• Attend policy forums and briefings to gather information that may be useful to the organization. Work with other departments to strategically implement language and practices in emerging policy fields.

Other Position Functions

• Manages the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of any Policy and Government Relations staff, AmeriCorps Members, Interns.
• Serves as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for collaborating with organizational leadership in creating the organization's overall vision, mission, values, beliefs, and strategic goals.
• Serves as a staff liaison and works closely with the board of directors, informing, assessing, and addressing issues that affect the organization.
• Develops required reports for the SparkWheel board and executive leadership, as directed by the President & CEO.
• Departmental budget management.
• Provide publication content, as requested.
• Provide general training and support in government relations and policy to staff, as requested.
• Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
• Develops, promotes and practices teamwork in all activities.
• Advocates, promotes and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all day-to-day interactions.
• May represent the agency at various activities, events, and forums, as directed by the President & CEO.
• Other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualifications:

• At least 6 to 8 or more years of experience in senior government, legislative and/or corporate public relations or government affairs roles.
• At least 4 to 6 or more years of government relations experience.
• At least 3 years of nonprofit/public sector management experience preferred.
• At least 3 years of public or private sector policy work experience preferred.
• Direct lobbying experience is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of computer applications such as word processing, Excel, electronic data tracking, internet, web sites, Facebook, etc.
• Demonstrated superior written and oral communication skills.

Physical Demands:

• Work Environment: Office, Remote Office, and Community
• Lifting Requirement: 25 pounds
• Travel Requirements:
  • Recurrent overnight and day travel expected, including conferences, meetings with state officials and other stakeholders across existing and planned service regions and nationally
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Transportation
  • Auto insurance
  • Pass various background checks

OTHER POSITION INFORMATION

Mandated Reporter:

HOW TO APPLY