Position

The Virginia Legislative Liaison (VLL) will lead strategic engagement efforts within the Commonwealth, including building and maintaining relationships with Virginia policymakers and leading brand management/marketing, and network development.  The work of the VLL will be to engage stakeholders positioned to help The Hunt Institute scale its efforts to be the education policy “go to” for state-level officials in Virginia and beyond. The VLL will work closely with the President & CEO, Chief of Staff and the Policy & Research team. The VLL will report directly to the Chief of Staff.

Location

• The VLL will be based in Virginia (Richmond area preferred) and will be a remote, work-from home position with travel to Durham, NC for in-person meetings with Institute team as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop multi-year strategic engagement plan for Virginia that aligns with The Institute’s overall strategic plan and organizes networking efforts of staff across the team.


• Drive the strategic expansion of The Hunt Institute’s network in Virginia—on the state and national level—including, but not limited to policymakers and education experts such as organizations, funders, and strategic thought partners.


• Serve as an ambassador for The Institute and its programming to key stakeholders in Virginia.


• Build new, and bolster existing, relationships with members of the Virginia General Assembly and their legislative aides.


• Increase The Institute’s visibility at the Virginia General Assembly—including regular informational visits with legislators and attendance at committee meetings and hearings as needed.


• Establish The Institute as a trusted, non-partisan resource for unbiased information and state and national expert connections.


• Facilitate key conversations with The Hunt Institute President & CEO and key legislators as needed to sustain credibility and reinforce rapport.


• In coordination with the policy team, track education issues of importance and interest to Virginia legislators, with an eye towards how The Institute can help provide counsel on best practices and how specific issues may overlap or conflict.


• Work with Policy team to develop materials that are relevant, timely, and informative for legislators.


• Drive attendance at The Institute’s events in Virginia and increase participation of Virginia stakeholders at The Institute’s national events.


• Represent The Hunt Institute at conferences and coalition meetings as requested.


• Participate in fundraising, visibility events, Foundation Board meetings, and other program activities as requested.


• Accept and complete any other task or duty as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree or minimum of five years’ relevant work experience in related field preferred; knowledge of education policy in Virginia required and knowledge of national education issues a plus;


• Ability to work independently without close oversight, while being a strong team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority internally and externally;


• Proven success in developing mutually-beneficial relationships with internal and external partners;


• A professional and resourceful style; the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time, managing a heavy workload;


• Strategic thinker and planner; strong project management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented;


• Proficient computer skills: MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);


• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; and


• Ability to travel approximately 25%.

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment;


• Hands-on, leads by example;


• Values diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives;


• Ability to multi-task while maintaining impeccable attention to details;


• Integrity/ethics beyond reproach;


• Constantly seeking to apply best practices;


• Willingness to work collaboratively and consider new ideas; and


• Commitment to the organization’s mission, financial stability, and success.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At The Hunt Institute, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation.

To apply:  (link removed)