Political Director / Government Relations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is the largest union of public-school employees in Virginia, advocating for education professionals and advancing public education. VEA advocates for policies that strengthen public schools, support school staff, and expand opportunities for all students. As a National Education Association (NEA) affiliate, we represent thousands of educators, support staff, and school employees across the Commonwealth. Our mission is twofold: ensuring all students receive quality public education while supporting our members' rights, working conditions, and professional growth.

Position Description:

The Political Director is responsible for coordinating and advancing the Virginia Education Association's political, electoral, legislative, and member engagement programs in support of public education and the association's mission. Working closely with the Director of Government Relations and Research, the Political Director helps implement year-round political and advocacy strategies, supports the operation of VEA's Political Action Committee (PAC) and related political programs, coordinates member engagement and advocacy efforts, and builds relationships with local leaders, coalition partners, elected officials, and community organizations to advance the association's legislative and political goals.

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, and proactive professional who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, and successfully move initiatives from planning through implementation in a fast-paced environment. Experience working with political campaigns, advocacy organizations, labor unions, or other membership-based organizations is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to public education, equity, and professional communication. This position is based at VEA Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, with regular travel throughout the Commonwealth, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate political and electoral activities that support pro-public education candidates and campaigns.
• Coordinate the operation, fundraising, and compliance activities of the VEA Fund and local PAC efforts.
• Coordinate member advocacy efforts around legislative and policy priorities, including lobby days and action campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, labor groups, community organizations, local leaders, and state lawmakers to advance common goals.
• Manage political, legislative, and member engagement projects from planning through implementation, including establishing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring timely completion.
• Develop and implement year-round political, electoral, and member engagement strategies that advance the association's legislative and political goals.
• Develop member communications that explain legislative outcomes, policy victories, and political impact in clear and accessible ways.
• Develop and lead trainings on advocacy, elections, PAC participation, and member political engagement.
• Coordinate digital advocacy and accountability campaigns and track engagement metrics to evaluate participation and program effectiveness.
• Plan and coordinate political, legislative, and member engagement events and programs.
• Maintain data management on the Voter Activation Network (VAN).
• Manage political, legislative, and member engagement projects from planning through implementation, including establishing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, ensuring timely completion, and evaluating outcomes.
• Support the integration of VEA’s racial and social justice equity framework into electoral, political, and member engagement initiatives
• Maintain timely, professional communication with members, local leaders, candidates, coalition partners, elected officials, and internal staff.
• Support policy research, legislative analysis, and member education related to VEA legislative priorities.
• Other duties appropriate to the position assigned by the Director of Government Relations and Research

Minimum Qualifications:

· Minimum B.A. or B.S. degree or substantial relevant professional experience.

· At least 3 years’ experience in electoral, civic engagement, or political campaigns, with some relevant connection to community, labor, or other non-candidate politics

· Excellent writing and communication skills

· Results-focused and organized

· Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and execute strategic political and campaign plans

· Ability to create excellent working relationships with many stakeholders, including local leaders, partners, legislators, candidates, and campaign staff

· Familiarity with political data, the latest technologies, and best practices in the field, such as V(oter)A(ction)N(etwork)

· Ability to lead the work through a racial and social lens

· Ability to work and travel on evenings and weekends

Salary and Fringe Benefits:

This position is covered by the Virginia Professional Staff Association (VPSA) collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and has a salary range of $81,949 - $114,138.

The position also includes a rich fringe benefits package, including:

• 95% employer-paid medical insurance,
• 100% covered employee-level dental and vision insurance,
• 100% employer-funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) account for medical and wellness expenses, and
• 18% automatic contribution to 401(k) with an additional 2% match.

Application Procedure:

Please apply on our Careers section on our webpage.

A Note to Potential Candidates

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous people, people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding a candidate who shares our commitment to strengthening public education and advancing equity for students and school staff across Virginia.