The Manager of State Government Relations will manage a multistate portfolio for Save the Children Action Network (SCAN)’s early childhood education (ECE) campaign. Working in partnership with in-state teams and lobbyists, the Manager will develop and implement strategies to advance initiatives within target states/municipalities. He/she will oversee the development and management of relationships with state and local legislative bodies, executive offices, and organizations that align with SCAN’s ECE priorities in those states. The Manager will ensure close coordination and collaboration with SCAN’s in-state mobilization staff. The Manager will also work across SCAN departments and with Save the Children’s United States Programs (USP). The Manager is also responsible for supporting the Director of State Government Relations with policy research and tracking and reporting of legislative affairs and activities.
Manage ECE Issue Portfolio (35%)
- Manage the ECE issue portfolio in several of SCAN target states/municipalities, identify legislation to advance policy priorities, and execute legislative and funding strategies to advance ECE priorities.
- Develop legislative and funding strategies in coordination with the State Director of Government Relations, lobbyists, and in-state teams.
- Collaborate with existing ECE coalitions and support their strategies when aligned with SCAN’s priorities.
- Coordinate with SCAN Mobilization team to engage grassroots network of advocates within the state with elected officials.
Develop and Manage External Relationships (25%)
- Oversee the development and management of bipartisan and bicameral relationships in state and local officials with a focus on key committees of jurisdiction and members in leadership. This includes, but is not limited to, relationships with governors, mayors, city and county executives, and other relevant agencies.
- Build and maintain external relationships with partner organizations to align legislative priorities and identify overlaps.
Support State Government Relations Director (25%)
- Lead policy research under the supervision of the State Director to develop state policy papers and other state and local research documents.
- Educate state and local targets on SCAN’s ECE legislative priorities.
- Support the State Director in developing public education initiatives through sharing SCAN’s policy positions and Save the Children’s reports and holding briefings, among other efforts, to position SCAN as a strong advocate and thought leader in the ECE space on the state and local level.
Internal Coordination with SCAN and USP (15%)
- Work closely with the Director of Federal Government Relations for ECE to ensure federal and state strategy are coordinated and appropriately aligned.
- Work with SCAN’s Mobilization team to identify areas of need to generate grassroots and grasstops support for influencing state and local policy.
- Partner with SCAN’s Communications team to determine and implement communications strategies to influence key state and local decision-makers through earned and social media, among other tactics.
- In conjunction with the political team, identify possible state and local targets or initiatives to support or oppose.
- Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in area of expertise
- Ability to multi-task and adapt in a constantly-changing environment that is similar to a start-up company.
- Able to manage complex projects and prioritize tasks
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Experience translating research to policy priorities and implications for advocates, leadership team, and elected officials
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional level of early learning education programs and policies
- Ability to build and strengthen partnerships
- Knowledge of legislative process
- Demonstrated success engaging with and obtaining buy in from stakeholders
- Can see the big picture without overlooking the details
- Capacity to think quickly on his/her feet
- Bachelor Degree.
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious