Director, Government Relations

What do you do all day?

At NMSI, our people mean everything to us. They are the lifeblood of the organization. Without our staff, NMSI is just an idea. The Director of Government Relations will develop a state and federal governmental relations strategy to further STEM education policy. This role will maintain and build relationships across state and federal government.

This role reports to the VP of Public Affairs and is a regular full-time position that can be performed from anywhere in the contiguous United States. Occasional travel is required for in-person meetings and conferences.

What are the details?

• Develop the strategy for State and Federal government relations for the organization
• Develop messaging to influence State and National government leaders around STEM education policy as it relates to NMSI's mission
• Maintain relationships with State and Federal government leaders and conduct regular briefings on NMSI's programing and impact
• Regularly oversee interactions with outside consultants and lobbyists
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant policies nationally and by state - with partners ECS
• Lead analysis of proposed legislative policies and help determine the potential impact on the organization
• Share state and federal policies and insights on STEM education across the organization
• Advocate for NMSI programs and services with State and Federal government entities
• Represent the organization at key education policy gatherings and convenings
• Draft legislative specifications, white papers, letters, and testimony in support of policy ideas
• Other duties as assigned

What are we looking for?

• Education & Experience You have at least five years of direct, high-level experience in working with and maintaining relationships with state or federal government officials or departments.
• Communication:
• Inclusive You can work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or job typeor any other factor that makes us unique!
• Organized & Productive You are a master at planning your day and not letting distractions come in between meeting your goals
• Reliable You can work effectively with minimal supervision, but you also know when to ask for help
• Flexible You are comfortable working in an ambiguous environment with competing priorities; you're willing to travel a few times throughout the year when necessary
• Growth Mindset You learn from failure and crave feedback because you know that it makes you better; you are also not afraid to give feedback to your manager or colleagues
• Tech Savvy You embrace technology as a tool to enhance your work effectiveness but not a tool to replace hard work

What do we offer?

The hiring salary range for this position is $111,961 to $128,755, and the salary offer will be commensurate with experience. We take pay equity seriously and work hard to ensure our team members are paid fairly regardless of their gender, race, or other demographic backgrounds. In addition to a competitive salary with the potential for an annual pay increase, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including paying roughly 85% of employee-only medical, dental, and vision benefits plus a large portion for dependents. Staff are eligible to participate in 401(k) after 90 days of employment, with up to a 6% employee match, fully vested on day one of participation in the plan. Other benefits for full-time employees include referral and performance-based annual bonuses, telecommunications stipends for eligible remote employees, 20+ paid holidays annually (including a week-long winter break), and a generous PTO policy starting at 12 days per year. We strive to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff members can show up as their authentic selves, participating in DEI-focused learning opportunities and employee-led affinity groups.

Want to learn more?

The is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming math and science education in today's classrooms and ensuring that all students have the knowledge and skills to thrive in the global economy of the 21^st century. Founded in 2007, NMSI began by dramatically improving student participation and success in rigorous Advanced Placement math, science and English courses in 85 courses across seven states. Today, NMSI has scaled its proven program to serve more than 1.5 million students, 50,000 teachers, 1,000 high schools and 45 universities across 40 states and is having a demonstrable and lasting impact on student outcomes. Go to to learn more.

Offered candidates must pass county, state, and federal-level criminal background checks as a condition of employment. Positions with fiduciary responsibilities, including roles that involve handling money or contracts, executive officers, and those with access to sensitive material such as payroll information must also pass a personal credit report as permissible under the FCRA and applicable state laws.

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NMSI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.