Director of Government Relations

ABOUT BEC

Founded in 2001, the Basic Education Coalition (BEC) is a group of leading organizations working together to promote economic development and stability globally through education. By leveraging our collective technical expertise and government relations efforts, BEC members raise a unified voice to advocate to US policymakers on Capitol Hill and decisionmakers in the administration for increased support to basic education and to improve equitable access to inclusive, quality learning opportunities around the world.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Government Relations will advance the objectives of the Coalition and have principal responsibility for developing and executing the Coalition’s policy and advocacy strategies. The Director of Government Relations, under the supervision of BEC’s Board of Directors and in partnership with the Director of Outreach and Communications, leads the Coalition’s work in three main areas: (1) U.S. Government Policy and Advocacy; (2) Coalition Management; and (3) Coordination with Partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

U.S. Government Policy and Advocacy

• Maintain a robust, bipartisan network of champions within Congress (including Members of Congress, key staff, and relevant committees) and key administration counterparts, especially within USAID’s Center for Education.
• Develop and implement the Coalition’s annual policy and advocacy strategy to secure U.S. funding for international basic education, advance relevant legislation on Capitol Hill, and cultivate champions for international basic education across Capitol Hill and the administration. Actions may include (but are not limited to) planning and executing:
• Capitol Hill lobby days, briefings and receptions; international congressional staff delegation trips to visit U.S.-funded basic education programming; individual appropriations-related meetings with relevant House and Senate offices; external communications reacting to key administration and congressional updates; and annual appropriations request submissions to relevant House and Senate offices
• Monitor and analyze relevant legislation and key legislative activity on Capitol Hill alongside relevant policies, strategies, and guidance documents from the administration. Provide legislative analysis, policy backgrounders, and/or other internal communications on these policies/documents, as needed.
• Advise and coordinate the Coalition’s input and advocacy on international basic education-related legislation, policy, and guidance documents, including by providing written and verbal feedback on policy proposals, communicating policy positions, and building internal and external coalitions to advance key initiatives.  

Coordination with Partners

• Organize and convene the Coalition’s monthly members’ Steering Committee meetings. Maintain strong working relationships with policy and advocacy representatives from across the Coalition’s membership and with other organizations working to advance US work in international basic education.
• Convene regular consultations with Coalition members and the USAID Center for Education, as well as other stakeholders, on the implementation of international education programs, funding, and policy, as needed.
• Leverage the Coalition’s implementing expertise and technical Working Groups to inform policy recommendations with evidence and research.
• Represent the Coalition at events and meetings held by the Coalition’s member organizations, Congress, the administration, and other relevant advocacy groups.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other coalitions, issue-based advocacy organizations, government officials, and representatives of multilateral institutions to advance strategic policies and priorities.

Coalition Management

• Share responsibilities with the Director of Outreach and Communications for management of a successful 501(c)3 organization, including shared management and administration of Coalition finances and operational responsibilities.
• In collaboration with the Director of Outreach and Communications co-lead semi-annual meetings with the Coalition’s Board of Directors to provide updates on the Coalition’s policy and advocacy strategy and related goals, and recap successes, challenges, and progress made during the interim months.
• In collaboration with the Director of Outreach and Communications, plan, organize, and lead Coalition events, including working group meetings, public events, briefings, Coalition happy hours and receptions, and other member engagement activities.
• In collaboration with the Director of Outreach and Communications, recruit new members and respond to membership inquiries.
• Draft and submit grant proposals, as needed, in coordination with the Director of Outreach and Communications and the Board of Directors Co-Chairs, to showcase bilateral basic education program implementation overseas and build bipartisan support for international basic education on Capitol Hill.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to the Coalition’s mission: Promote and expand equitable access to quality international basic education so that all children and youth learn and thrive.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 to 8 years relevant policy, advocacy, or legislative work experience in related field, including:
• Experience or knowledge of U.S. budget and appropriations process; and
• Experience or knowledge of U.S. Government policy on international education and familiarity with key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to design and implement policy and advocacy goals and strategies, including in coalition settings.
• Motivation and willingness to take initiative, build and sustain a network of active members, explore opportunities for new partnerships, develop relationships across a diverse set of internal and external partners, and assume responsibility for executing activities.
• Superior organizational skills and acute attention to detail; ability to solve problems, set priorities, meet deadlines, and handle a variety of responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking.

REPORTING

The Basic Education Coalition is an independent 501(c)3 hosted by InterAction. This position will be based in Washington, D.C. and the incumbent will report to the Co-Chairs of the BEC Board of Directors.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The Basic Education Coalition provides competitive salaries and benefits through InterAction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

TO APPLY

Please e-mail your resume, cover letter, and salary requirement to basiceducationcoalition@gmail.com with the subject line BEC: Director of Government Relations. The position will remain open until filled and candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period. Due to the volume of applications, only finalists will be notified.