Senior Manager of Government Relations - 1.0 FTE - Prophet Center

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, kloewen@pps.net, 503-916-3337 x63337
ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, jbuno@pps.net, 503-916-3360
Director of Civil Rights: Dr. Bobby Cruz, bcruz@pps.net, 503-839-3660

Accessibility Statement

Basic Function:

Oversee the state and federal (and some local issues) government relations portfolio. Plan, develop and implement action plans regarding proposed legislation including advocacy of the District's interests with legislators and other governmental officials; research, coordinate and communicate programs to support the District's strategic plan and vision, key programs and initiatives. Use research, engagement and policy development activities to identify and apply effective approaches for building the District's legislative agenda and policies focused on and centering racial equity and advance PPS' commitment to its theory of action in policy and legislative priorities. Foster healthy dialogue with the PPS Leadership and Elected Officials and their staff that advance racial equity and social justice. Advise the Board of Education and Senior Leadership in the development of proposals and strategies to advocate for PPS priorities across all government levels.

Representative Duties:
The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

• Lead the development and implementation of the District’s legislative agenda, including proactive development of legislation affecting the District.
• Serve as liaison to all levels of government officials and their staffs, implementing the District’s public affairs strategies to address inquiries made by elected and governmental officials and their staffs.
• Develop and manage strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies to increase their understanding of and support for Portland Public Schools.
• Plan and implement events and other activities to support PPS’ government relations goals, such as briefings, school visits and events, and meetings. Executes lobbying events in accordance with campaign plans.
• Collaborate with internal staff and elected officials to introduce bills on behalf of the district as needed as well as ensuring coordination and alignment of external affairs engagement with overall organizational strategies.
• Conduct research and determine techniques to gather and compile data regarding legislation. Write reports and present findings.
• Develop, or lead the development of, a wide range of materials in support of PPS’ government relations strategies and priorities, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters.
• Collaborate with the student engagement team and the district’s student council to train and support students in legislative advocacy and initiatives.
• Regularly track and monitor legislation affecting the District, including frequent updates to the Board of Education and senior leadership.
• Consult with District personnel, of other public agency staff, and contract lobbying firms regarding legislation relevant to the District.
• Monitor and oversee the progress of special legislative projects and activities. Assist with the development and implementation of special projects, such as, but not limited to, levy and bond measures.
• Represent the District at education coalition meetings and community meetings and events.
• Make oral presentations to disseminate information regarding legislative initiatives affecting the District.
• Participate in, and sometimes establish, coalitions of support amongst interest groups and stakeholders to gain approval for District programs.
• Oversee contracts with lobbyists and consultants to advance legislative priorities, local campaigns, and general public relations work.
• Support Board of Education and senior leadership when strategic planning in advancing priorities, addressing challenges, or responding to potential bills or other legislative activities.
• Provide consultation and partnership in securing government level grants (such as federal IRA, statewide grants, etc.).
• Lead the local option levy committee, provide research, recommendations, and information as necessary; participates in the school bond accountability committee.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Racial Equity and Social Justice Commitment by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy, the PPS RESJ Framework and Plan, and the PPS RESJ Partnerships Investment Strategy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized “E”, which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Urban public school landscapes including policies, politics, education practices and funding
• Experience working in state legislature
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey information to a variety of audiences (e.g., large groups, staff meetings, executive briefings, public board meetings, memos)

Ability to:

• Define and implement effective administrative practices
• Quickly master new technology and systems
• Strong analytic and systems thinking necessary to interpret data to inform goals and strategy, as well as build infrastructure where none exists
• Coordinate and manage complex cross-functional projects with multiple competing priorities or perspectives
• Build relationships across all organizational levels and functions
• Manage ambiguity, risk, and changing direction of projects and strategies
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and management skills and high professional standards for work quality
• Work effectively in high-pressure situations that require sound decision making
• Engage, inspire, and influence people

Education and Experience:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in political science, law, education, business or public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Five (5) or more years of experience in an administrative or staff position requiring responsibilities analyzing legislative processes and coordinating advocacy events and working directly with and maintaining effective relationships with elected and government officials.
• Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements:

• Work hours regularly include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities and meetings and district.
• Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver’s license.

Working Conditions:
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with regular visits to government offices around Portland and Salem. Work hours regularly require on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities, meetings and district, school and student functions.

Hazards: Potential conflict situations.
Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, bending at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying office equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to use a computer keyboard; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.

FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented
Salary Grade: 37; $110,741 - $132,230
Work Year(s): 260

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635