Director of Government Relations

Defending Educationformerly Parents Defending Education has retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search.

Please contact Angel Fimbres-Barcelo at for any questions or referrals regarding the role.

Title: Director of Government Relations
Location: Washington D.C. (Remote-friendly but must be available for in-person meetings and events in the D.C. area)

Who We Are:
Defending Education is a national grassroots organization working to restore schools at all levels from activists imposing harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building investigative reporting litigation and engagement we fight indoctrination in classrooms and on campus to promote the reestablishment of a quality non-political education for all students.

Defending Education (DE) is hiring a Director of Government Relations to lead its engagement with Congress the federal government and state governments. This is a mission-critical role for someone who thrives in policy believes in parental rights and wants to shape the future of education at the national level.

The Director of Government Relations will drive DEs outreach to Congress the Department of Education and key stakeholderstranslating the organizations priorities into meaningful conversations strategic relationships and where appropriate legislative solutions. This person will work across both DE (501c3) and PDE Action (501c4) and will be a key architect in how the organization communicates its work in Washington.

Were looking for someone who knows the Hill understands the stakes in education and can move from policy brief to power meeting without breaking stride.

What Youll Do:

• Develop and execute a smart proactive outreach strategy to Congress and federal agencies
• Build and maintain high-value relationships with education staffers administration officials and coalition partners
• Lead federal events briefings and meetings that showcase DEs work and mission
• Draft compelling statements letters quotes and policy documents that drive our message home
• Propose and advance legislative ideas and frameworks aligned with DEs goals
• Manage DEs federal affairs associate and state affairs director
• Contribute to DEs long-term strategic planning
• Stay ahead of federal education policy changes and translate them into clear actionable guidance for DE and its parent network
• Work with researchers and attorneys to craft model policies
• Represent DE in media as needed

What You Bring:

• 5 years of experience in a congressional office federal agency or relevant government relations role
• A strong grasp of education policy and the challenges parents and students face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skillscomfortable in both a staff briefing and a national op-ed
• Organizational chops and attention to detail (you follow through without fail)
• A self-starter mentalitysomeone who can drive their own priorities and also support the broader mission
• Comfort working across 501c3 and 501c4 spaces

This role is perfect for someone who sees education as a cornerstone issue for our country and wants to be part of a growing mission-driven team fighting to make sure schools work for studentsnot systems.

Required Experience:

Director