Director, Government Relations (Midwest Region)

A pioneer in K-12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 10 million students in all 50 states. For more information, visit amplify.com.
Amplify seeks a full-time Government Relations Director (Midwest Region) to develop and implement state government relations strategies with the goal of broadening student and teacher access to Amplify programs. The Director will cultivate existing relationships with high level state officials in the Midwest while establishing new ones. These relationships include but are not limited to governors, legislators, chief state school officers, state board of education members, and state/national education advocacy organizations. As needed, the Government Relations Director will also hire and supervise contract lobbyists and other staff.
Ideal candidates are located in the Midwest, and are familiar with education issues facing states and districts in the region. They are also goal-oriented, strong communicators, who enjoy working with policymakers from a variety of political affiliations. They thrive in fast-paced environments, and are eager to make high-quality programs available to students and teachers through public sector engagement. Applicants should have a history of lobbying success with education policy and appropriations initiatives. The ideal candidate should also be recognized as being proactive, and approaching work with strong attention to detail and a positive attitude, especially in challenging times. Finally, they are motivated by the work that Amplify is doing to make real change in the world of education.
"Amplify's COVID-19 vaccination policy requires all staff to provide proof of vaccination for in-person meetings unless an approved exemption is provided. "
** This position can work remotely.
Responsibilities:

• Cultivate existing relationships while developing new positive relationships with state executive and legislative branch leaders who have oversight of major policy and assessment decisions
• Monitor and influence legislation and regulations to attain organizational objectives
• Build and implement state-level advocacy strategies to highlight teacher and student support for Amplify's core and supplemental programs, assessments, and digital learning tools
• Create data-focused presentations for policymakers to show how Amplify product impacts students and teachersPrepare and/or deliver legislative or state board of education testimony
• Represent Amplify at state and/or national policymaker meetings and conferences
• Supervise state-level contract lobbyists
• Adhere to state and federal lobbying and gift laws and ensure records are updated regularly
• Communicate clearly and consistently with internal colleagues on major workstreams to ensure goal and strategy alignment
• Produce internal reports and presentations, when needed, including legislative analyses
• Travel regularly (35-50%) for in-person meetings

Basic Qualifications:

• B.A. degree in public administration, public policy, business administration, education or similar majors
• 5+ years of government relations experience as a lobbyist or prior legislative or policy work in state or federal government
• Experience working with senior-level government state officials, including governor offices, legislatures, boards of education, departments of education, or other education and workforce agencies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in public administration, public policy, business administration or education
• 7-10 years of lobbying experience or employment with senior-level government officials
• Experience working on state and/or federal education policy issues
• Demonstrated experience establishing strong state-level partnerships
• Excellent communications skills

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To that end, we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Amplify is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
This position may be funded, in whole or in part, through American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds.
Amplify Education, Inc. is an E-Verify participant.