As the Public Affairs Director at Bezos Academy, you will design the plan and drive the execution of our policy advocacy and lobbying efforts to increase access to preschool for children living in under-resourced and low-income communities nationwide. You will build our public affairs function from scratch, serving as the organizational leader for our engagement strategy for policymakers and elected officials in local, state, and federal government. You will report to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, joining the team that drives Bezos Academy’s national growth strategy. You bring expertise influencing policy decisions, ideally around childcare or education, and especially in state government. You have had prior success influencing legislation as a registered lobbyist as well as managing consultants who lobby on your behalf. You are an effective relationship builder who has a track record of collaborating with industry associations and industry groups. You have previously worked for, or partnered with, a fast-growing, ambitious, mission-driven organization, and the scrappy energy of a start-up environment is what fuels you. Grounded in our   leadership principles , the strategies you create and deliver will enable us to scale our mission. You demonstrate exceptionally strong leadership skills, an ability to develop trusting and authentic partnerships across lines of difference, at all levels, and you know how to lead a rapidly growing and diverse organization through challenge and change. You expertly use information and relationships as well as direct experience to generate insights, while ensuring policy advocacy and lobbying efforts drive successful outcomes. Your critical contributions will help us achieve our vision of expanding preschool education for children across the country, creating ripples of impact for generations to come. ................................................................ MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree Ten or more years of relevant experience, including at least five years of experience building and leading an organization’s policy advocacy work directed at state government Demonstrated success as a lobbyist and managing lobbying consultants to influence legislation Experience informing state regulations Exceptional ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing across all lines of difference and with audiences with divergent interests Track record of successfully influencing organizational decision-making at all levels, including senior leaders Ability to travel up to 25% of the time PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree in public policy, Juris Doctor, or another relevant advanced degree Experience developing new policy advocacy strategies and programs for an organization in an early-stage (start-up) or experiencing rapid growth Direct experience influencing early childhood education or childcare policy Prior work on federal policy advocacy Experience working in the nonprofit or education sectors Experience driving public affairs for a high-profile individual or brand

Are you energized by developing legislative strategy?  Is influencing policy through advocacy one of your gifts? Do you love the fast-paced world of governmental affairs? Our six-state trade association is looking for a Vice President, Legislative Affairs to strategize and lead credit union advocacy efforts in Arizona.  We are looking for someone with proven competency in strategic thinking, plan development, and execution. We offer a smart working environment which provides flexibility and choice for our team members.  Employees have the flexibility to work where it makes sense for them to accomplish their work in support of the organization’s priorities.  This position does require the employee to be in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Key responsibilities include, but not limited to: Effectively advocate for credit union interests before Arizona State Legislature and Executive level elected officials. Supervise and manage the development and implementation of effective Arizona lobbying strategies, in collaboration with other Association staff and contract lobbyist(s). Strategize, review, develop, and proactively advance legislation that is beneficial to Arizona credit unions by working in collaboration with contract lobbyists and other Association staff, committees, state issues work groups and applicable task forces. Develop high-quality relationships with statewide executive level elected officials and Arizona state legislators. Identify emerging legislative and industry developments that can or must shape state specific policy statements and issue agendas on behalf of the Association. Lead the Arizona Government Affairs Committee and Arizona State Issues Work Groups (SIWG) as well as other applicable task forces to establish an agenda for future focused credit union advocacy in Arizona. Modernize, further develop, and implement grassroots and grasstops key contacts programs to maintain and bolster the ground game of Arizona credit union advocacy and respond to critical issues. Serve as treasurer of AZ-CUPAC and ensure timely reporting of all sunshine and election reporting. Strategize, set budgets, and coordinate with the Association’s grassroots team in order to support elected officials or candidates who support Arizona credit unions in future elections. Act as the envoy and voice of Arizona credit union members both within the Association, and with all external groups to ensure state-specific issues are well represented. Support Association members through direct engagement at credit unions in their local communities and by representing the Association at relevant meetings and events. Regularly connect with Arizona credit union members to discuss state specific issues to ensure issues, policies and sensitive areas are at the forefront for communications and actions of the Association. The perfect candidate has superb communication skills, the ability to grasp complex subjects and a background in legislative affairs, lobbying or politics. Experience with financial institutions is a plus.  The ideal candidate will be intrepid, have a four-year degree in political science, or other related field or the equivalent work experience and have a passion for the legislative arena.  Five to seven years’ experience evidencing a background in lobbying, public policy, legislative affairs, or grassroots coordination.  You must have proven competency in strategic thinking, plan development, and execution. Three years minimum experience effectively working with the state legislature. Salary ranges from $88,000 – 110,000 depending on experience. This position is eligible for a variable pay program which has a potential 10% of base salary earnings.  Employees (and dependents 50%) are covered by medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability.  Employees are eligible to enroll in our 401k plan.  New employees will accrue 15 days of vacation and 8 days of paid time off. In addition, employees will enjoy eleven paid holidays and two floating holidays.  GoWest Credit Union Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.