Legislative director job description

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After the Ohio State Legislature created the $125M 2-year Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) educational savings account program, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) contracted Merit to inform parents, guardians, and businesses about the new opportunity and eligibility requirements. Merit developed and delivered support systems, workflows, and digital assets for the ACE program. ODE issued digital credentials to parents and guardians certifying student eligibility, enabling them to use the grants with service providers listed in the Education Marketplace, and the Ohio ACE app is a single destination to view account balances and submit claims.

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DPOR partnered with Merit to streamline licensing and digital credentialing for the more than 300,000 Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) partnered with Merit to streamline licensing and digital credentialing for the more than 300,000 professionals across more than 40 industries that are required to have a license to work. With Merit, those licenses are now digital, accessible, and easily verifiable by consumers and businesses.

Merit's salaries are competitive and transparent. Here's a look at our pay bands based on different roles.

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The Role
Salary Band: BD-2 $120,000 - $145,000
Salary Band: BD-3 $150,000 - $180,000

Merit is hiring a Senior Legislative Affairs Director to help build and execute Merit's legislative strategy as we rapidly scale our new Grants and Scholarships business line. This individual will report to the Executive Director of Grants and Scholarships and work closely with Merit's executive team. This is a unique opportunity for someone coming from a government relations background with expertise in education and/or government programs that provide financial assistance for individuals and organizations.

Though the initial focus of this role is on expanding Merit's Grants and Scholarships business line through state scholarships, microgrants and education savings account initiatives, the larger business line is focused on Merit's Verified Identity solutions driving broader access to public resources. In this role, you will be responsible for helping implement the current business line and Merit's larger direct verification initiative.

Merit is a startup environment where you will be expected to roll up your sleeves, take initiative, and get creative about finding solutions to challenges. This is a full-time, 100% remote role.

ResponsibilitiesCharged with helping to formulate and implement legislative strategy and achieving needed legislative reforms to accomplish legislative goals of the business line Meaningfully engaging with key stakeholders, including state legislators, staff and thought leaders Conduct and coordinate analysis of legislative issues Representing Merit at external meetings, including conferences and other events
Qualifications5+ years of experience in government affairs Deep policy expertise and implementation experience Experience cultivating relationships with invested stakeholders and advocacy groups Excellent verbal and written communication skills Commitment to expanding your skills by learning about Merit's other business lines, attending training sessions and professional development opportunities Innovative thinker who understands the importance of learning from failure and taking risks Team player who will collaborate with other team members to ensure that organizational goals are met You can travel up to 25% of the time, depending on the need
Preferred QualificationsExpertise in government benefit programs Familiarity with education scholarship programs 10+ years of experience in government affairs
At Merit, we don't just accept differences, we celebrate, support and value it for the innate benefit of our employees, the competitive advantage of our products, and the strength of the communities we are a part of. Merit is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We will do our best to accommodate any disabilities or special needs you may have.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is a bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths whose mission is to share best practices, speak with an informed voice on national policy and develop innovative solutions to improve citizens’ lives through state government and support the principles of federalism.

Through NGA, Governors identify priority issues and deal with matters of public policy and governance at the state and national levels. Our policy and research arm, the NGA Center for Best Practices, helps Governors find collective answers to common issues and assists in developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges. Our Government Relations team ensures that Governors are a strong voice in Washington, DC. NGA also provides total consultative services, including management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent Governors, their senior executive staff and their trusted advisors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR (ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE AND LAND MANAGEMENT)
The ideal candidate will have proven experience lobbying Congressional and Executive branch leaders on energy, environment, agriculture & land management, the ability to execute high stakes lobbying campaigns, and a strong legislative background and extensive network. The mission of the Government Relations department is to ensure that Governors’ views are represented in the development of federal policies, rules, and regulations. The individual will collaborate extensively with the Director, Government Relations, Government Relations staff and the NGA Center for Best Practices staff on legislative and policy activities and priorities related to NGA and its members. The position will have direct interaction with Governors’ staff, congressional offices, and the Administration.

Other important responsibilities of the Legislative Director, Government Relations include:

• Based in Washington, DC, the Legislative Director is responsible for influencing changes to Federal laws, policies and regulations by lobbying Congress and the Executive Branch on Governors’ priorities and issues related to energy, environment, agriculture and land management, including but not limited to:
  • Energy legislation and relevant federal regulations;
  • the Farm Bill;
  • reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act and other water infrastructure issues;
  • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation
  • key public lands and outdoor recreation legislation.
• Ability to support the NGA’s Economic Recovery and Revitalization Task Force, which has oversight of Infrastructure, State Stabilization, Energy, Environment, Land Management, and Taxes
• Proven ability to approach complex policy issues with a solution-oriented, strategic focus on issues that are of importance to the states and territories;
• Background in drafting, summarizing and advancing legislative and regulatory proposals;
• Effective at influencing public policy and an ability to communicate complex policy issues in a manner that is understandable to those with little or no knowledge of the issue(s);
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize, excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Effectively build relationships with key Congressional and Administration officials and communicate Governors’ legislative and regulatory priorities to Congress and federal agencies;
• Collaborate with Governors’ state/ federal representatives, state-federal contacts, and other state, territory, and local government organizations to maximize NGA’s federal lobbying activities;
• Assist Director and Government Relations team to develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence federal laws, policies and regulations affecting states and territories;
• Provide guidance to federal agencies to ensure rules do not go beyond federal standards and authority;
• Draft issue briefs, legislative memos and analysis policy statements, letters, comments, and other materials;
• Disseminate information and analysis to Governors’ offices in a timely manner on relevant issues;
• Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by Director, Government Relations.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy or related field. Eight to ten plus years working substantively on energy, environmental agriculture & land management issues. Lobbying or representation at a senior federal level, Governor’s office or Hill. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations. Hill experience preferred.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Effectively communicate in writing;
• Work independently, set priorities and handle multiple issues at the same time;
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to facilitate discussion and build consensus;
• Identify emerging public policy issues;
• Analyze federal legislation, policy and regulations; and understand the effect on states and territories; draft testimony and talking points;
• Collaborate and work in a team environment; and
• Travel, as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors’ daily and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer ( M/D/F/V ). NGA is committed to fostering an energetic, collaborative, diverse and inclusive workforce. We promote diversity and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, or any other legally protected factor. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.