Senior Political Director

MCPSA seeks a talented and experienced Senior Political Director to help build an advocacy and political agenda that will protect and create the conditions necessary for charter public schools in Massachusetts to thrive. The leader in this newly created role will help MCPSA build a strong political operation that helps grow political support for charters and advance the advocacy agenda of its member schools. In addition to creating and executing the agendas for MCPSA’s entire 501(c)3 political program (as well as oversight of political activities through its 501(c)4), the Senior Political Director will also represent MCPSA externally among elected officials and other key stakeholders to build strong coalitions to move its work forward.

This is a great opportunity for experienced political operatives interested in elevating the voices of Massachusetts charter public school parents and supporters in the political arena, while engaging a diverse group of elected officials and key stakeholders to realize critical policy goals that will allow the state’s charter public school sector to continue to thrive.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy and campaign strategy

• Build and execute MCPSA’s political and advocacy strategy, and oversee compliance management for the Advocates for Massachusetts Charter Public Schools, MCPSA’s 501(c)4
• Collaborate and communicate frequently with the Directors of Communications and Government Affairs to ensure seamless integration of MCPSA's political activities
• Work with the Director of Communications to combine MCPSA’s communications and advocacy work, with a focus on digital engagement and mobilization
• Keep the Director of Government Affairs abreast of MCPSA’s state-level policy and political priorities, as well as the advocacy agenda for member schools
• Help make campaign recommendations and political endorsements; develop campaign work proposals that include scopes of work, budgets (including spending allocations), and timelines for all campaign work
• Serve as an external point person for current and prospective MA elected officials and key stakeholders
• Maintain up to date databases on legislative districts and elected officials to track support of charter schools and legislative and policy opportunities and victories

Relationship Building and Coalition Management

• Manage existing, and build new, relationships with MA elected officials; foster these relationships to stay abreast of new political developments, opportunities, and threats
• Identify opportunities to leverage and deploy MCPSA staff to engage with elected officials to further MCPSA’s political goals

Management

• Manage and coach the Grassroots Advocacy Director; provide the necessary support to ensure the achievement of ambitious outcomes and the development of the skills necessary to execute on advocacy and volunteer goals, as well as mobilization efforts
• With support from the Grassroots Director, ensure strong input, engagement and participation from MCPSA’s member schools

Location: MCPSA is a virtual organization with team members working remotely. This position will include travel throughout the state, a driver's license and access to a vehicle, and may require irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends. This position is remote, with a strong preference for leaders who reside in Massachusetts.

Requirements

The most competitive candidates for this position will have many of the the following experiences and skills:

• Passion for and commitment to helping the Massachusetts charter public school sector thrive
• Successful and progressively responsible campaign experience (e.g. Political Director, Field Director or Manager), or issue advocacy or interest group work (e.g., PAC or 501(c)4 Director). Political fundraising, direct lobbying, and legislative advocacy experiences are all pluses. Familiarity and/or experience with the MA political landscape is a must.
• Track record of creating and executing plans and/or campaigns to reach short- and long-term goals
• Demonstrated success in managing direct reports or teams
• Superb relationship building skills with the ability to build consensus, engage a wide range of stakeholders and allies, and navigate complex community and political dynamics
• Able to synthesize and translate complex political language or strategy to gain broad appeal and generate calls to action
• Ability to execute autonomously in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent communications skills (written and oral)
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Benefits

MCPSA offers a competitive compensation package, including five weeks of paid time off, annual bonus, health, dental, life and disability insurance, and retirement contributions. The base salary range for this position is $120,000 -$140,000.

Notice of non-discrimination:

The Massachusetts Charter Public School Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to hire staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. MCPSA does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. MCPSA strongly encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply, recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to achieving our purpose.