Maryland State Education Association
 

Organizational Specialist
Government Relations Lobbyist

Based in Annapolis, MD

 

Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) is the Maryland affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA). MSEA is a union and professional association headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland representing 75,000 educators and school employees working in Maryland’s public schools. MSEA is dedicated to improving the teaching and learning experience; negotiating professional compensation and advocating for increased education funding and working conditions for public school employees; promoting academic achievement for all students; and protecting labor, civil and human rights for all.

JOB SUMMARY: The Organizational Specialist - Government Relations Lobbyist serves as a lobbyist and policy analyst for MSEA. This position will lead in specific issue areas of education policy and will have a dynamic and evolving issue portfolio based on the priorities and needs of Maryland educators and students. The position will ensure effective representation of MSEA members in Maryland’s education communities, and within local, state, and federal government agencies.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises and advocates on legislative and regulatory proposals that impact education policy and public school employees.
• Builds relationships and actively engages and monitors the work of the State Board of Education, Interagency Commission on School Construction, the Board of Public Works, and other boards and commissions. 
• Writes, edits, and delivers testimony to the Maryland General Assembly and the Executive Branch.
• Serves as principal resource, trainer, consultant and advisor to staff, members, assigned committees, councils and boards on aspects of education policy. Advises in specific areas of education policy, regulatory processes, fiscal matters, and policy implementation. 
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships among members and coalition partners to support the association’s legislative and political goals.
• Attends meetings of local affiliate governing boards to develop our legislative agenda and build support among those board and local affiliate members.
• Supports the political action work and outreach for assigned county affiliates related to political organizing, advocacy, the MSEA Fund for Children and Public Education, and any coordinated legislative activities.
• Assists assigned local affiliates with the candidate recommendation process for federal, state, and local candidates for public office.
• Works extended hours including weekends and evenings, when necessary, in order to perform assigned responsibilities. Some driving within the state of Maryland may be required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, labor relations, public policy, or equivalent required; graduate degree in education, labor relations, or political science preferred, or law degree desirable.
• Three years (minimum) of experience in teaching, education policy, lobbying and/or general organizing.
• Working knowledge of state and local education policy and school operations.
• Working knowledge of the Maryland state laws governing political action.
• Familiar with the federal, Maryland state and local government personalities, agencies, and committees. 
• Ability to exercise discretion, independent judgment, initiative and resourcefulness.
• Ability to influence, motivate or lead persons or groups in gaining compliance with Association objectives by persuasion or negotiation.
• Ability to identify and analyze complex data, and plan and carry out work projects while altering and refining the methods and techniques to be used.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of discretion and maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive correspondence and data of major importance.
• Ability to work independently within the association, with affiliates and outside organizations/agencies for the accomplishment of association goals.
• Ability to interact effectively and frequently with individuals and groups both inside and outside the Association in moderately unstructured situations.
• Ability to motivate members to advocate for the association’s public positions, particularly during the legislative session.
• Ability to perform duties with a high level of efficiency and accuracy on deadline.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication.
• Experience working in Microsoft Office suite environment.
• Has or can obtain a valid US driver’s license that complies with the state of Maryland.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct knowledge and working relationship with the Maryland General Assembly and Executive Branch
• Experience in political or issue-organizing campaigns.

Compensation
Salary: The starting salary range for this position is $95,160 to $143,547 and is linked to the 2024-2025 collective bargaining agreement.
Date of Employment: As soon as possible 
Submission deadline: Open until filled
Email address: careers@mseanea.org 

To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter and employment application to the email address above. Applications can be downloaded from the MSEA website at marylandeducators.org. All applications must be typed.

MSEA is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
MSEA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at MSEA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or disability.