Chief of Governmental Affairs

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

Please note: The salary range listed in this job description is a base salary. Applicants eligible for years-of-service adjustments or shift differentials may exceed salary range listed above.

Job Location: This position will be located at 205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

• Serves as legislative liaison for the Department and represents the Department before the legislature, education-related organizations, and other governmental agencies.
• Manages and coordinates policy development and legislative review functions for the Department.
• Serves as the Department’s primary point of contact and legislative liaison to the governor’s office by providing weekly updates on legislation relating to education.
• Maintains an updated database of all legislation relating to education, which may have an impact on the Department or Missouri public schools.
• Oversees the drafting of legislation in conjunction with the Department’s Chief Counsel, and legislative research staff. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with the Missouri governor’s office, the House of Representatives and Senate leadership, bill sponsors, appropriate legislative committee members and their legislative assistants; provides bill sponsors with concise fact sheets and any other materials, including amendments. Serves as point of contact and answers legislator inquiries regarding the Department’s policies and procedures.
• Monitors the progress of each assigned bill by consulting with the bill sponsor, the secretary of the assigned committee, and appropriate legislative research staff.
• Represents the Department at all hearings and monitors floor action on assigned bills; and provides hearing summaries or briefings to the Commissioner and others as requested.
• Identifies, engages, and works with Department subject matter experts to provide timely and accurate information to and engage with policymakers and influencers.
• Addresses and responds to constituent concerns and questions regarding the Department from legislators, legislative staff, and other local and state officials.
• Operates within a political environment and exercises sound judgment, political sensitivity and personal resourcefulness in responding to requests.
• Full job description available upon request.

Qualifications - All you need for success Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in public administration, political science, education, or related field.

OR

• Minimum four years’ experience in state government or closely related policy experience.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

If you have questions about this position please contact: hr@dese.mo.gov

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Human Resources at (573) 751-9619, through Missouri Relay System at (800) 735-2966, or via email at hr@dese.mo.gov.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 2nd Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

To Our Applicants with Disabilities: For assistance with any phase of the Department process, please notify the Director of Human Resources at (573) 751-9619. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate special needs. TTY/TDD Relay Missouri service (800) 735-2966.

Notice to Applicants: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.