Government Relations Director 2 - Washington Service Center - Hillsboro
 Northwest Regional Education Service District | |
 United States, Oregon, Hillsboro | |
 Nov 20, 2025 | |
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Northwest Regional Education Service District is an equal opportunity employer; committed to building an inclusive community and an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are proud to be an antiracist organization. We work to understand how racial ideology is manufactured and how it impacts the lives of our staff and those we serve. In line with our commitment to disrupting systemic racism, we acknowledge that research shows that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and women are significantly less likely to apply for some positions, believing they must meet every qualification as described in the job description. At NWRESD, we value representation, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We know that sometimes that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described below. Position Title: Government Relations Director 2 Department: Office of the Superintendent Location: Washington Service Center (or as assigned) Reports To: Senior Director of Communications FLSA Status: Exempt Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented Compensation: Administrator Salary Schedule $147,251 - $156,286 DOE Work Days: 235 NW REGIONAL ESD'S MISSION STATEMENT: In Partnership with the communities we serve, Northwest Regional ESD improves student learning by providing equitable access to high quality services and support. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Government Relations Director leads NWRESD's policy, legislative, and advocacy functions. This position is responsible for shaping and executing strategies to advance the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and equity commitments through effective engagement with local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as external stakeholders. The Director advises and intervenes on policy and regulatory risks and opportunities; ensures NWRESD's interests are represented in public discourse; and helps build capacity internally (across departments and with partner districts) to engage in advocacy aligned with NWRESD's strategic direction and values. Operating with significant autonomy and in complex political contexts, the Director must exercise strong judgment, high integrity, responsiveness and strategic foresight. NWRESD Context and Strategic Alignment
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully,an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. A bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, education policy, education or a related fi eld (master's preferred).
2. At least 5 years' experience in government affairs, legislative advocacy, public policy, or related fi elds, ideally with education or regional entity experience. 3. Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly across the region, to Salem and periodically to national forums. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: 1. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
2. Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities is preferred. 3. Deep commitment to multiculturalism, equity and antiracism with demonstrated success centering those principles in policy and advocacy work preferred. 4. Demonstrated success in infl uencing legislative or regulatory outcomes, coalition building and stakeholder engagement. 5. Strong analytical ability in interpreting legislation, rulemaking and policy impacts. 6. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills (including testimony, policy briefs, public presentations, etc.). 7. Strong analytic and legislative research skills. 8. Persuasive writing, public speaking, and testimony capability. 9. Ability to build bipartisan and collaborative relationships. 10. Political acumen, negotiation, and confl ict resolution ability. 11. Capacity to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and shifting agendas. 12. Experience with coalition building and consensus-based strategies. 13. Adept at strategic planning, political judgment and navigating complex or contested environments. 14. Ability to collaborate across departments, component school districts, labor associations and community partners. 15. Experience working with Education Service Districts (or regional service agencies) preferred. ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 1. Trust & Integrity - Builds credibility inside and outside NWRESD through transparency, ethical conduct and consistent follow-through.
2. Effective Communication - Can translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences (district staff, board members, community, legislators, etc.). 3. Equity-Centered & Inclusive - Elevates marginalized voices, ensures policy strategies refl ect equity goals, and pursues justice-minded outcomes. 4. Strategic Vision - Anticipates trends, shapes proactive policy initiatives, and identifi es opportunities beyond immediate crises. 5. Organizational Perspective - Understands how policy decisions affect NWRESD's district partners and program areas; aligns advocacy with organizational goals. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Include the following. Performs some or all of the following tasks. Other Duties may be assigned . The duties listed below are not inclusive, but characteristic of the type and level of work assigned for this position. The duties listed below are representative of the type and level of work assigned for this position. Other duties may be assigned. A. Serve as principal public policy advisor to the Senior Director of Communications, Superintendent, NWRESD Board of Directors and various leadership teams. NWRESD believes that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success. The administration reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary that still reflect the essential functions of the department. It is our expectation that every employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the ESD's goals. Equal Opportunity Employer Northwest Regional Education Service District is an equal opportunity employer; committed to building an inclusive community and an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are proud to be an antiracist organization. We work to understand how racial ideology is manufactured and how it impacts the lives of our staff and those we serve. Northwest Regional Education Service District is proud to be an antiracist, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment, selection, and employment without regard to race, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, religion, veteran or military status, or any other category protected under the law. Northwest Regional Education Service District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment procedures for individuals experiencing a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at hrhelp@nwresd.k12.or.us. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limitations in their speech may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900. FISCAL CONTROL CODE: 3604 JOB POST ID: 3324 | |