Vice President, Midwest State Government Relations

Strada Education Foundation champions programs, policies, and partnerships that strengthen connections between education and employment, with a focus on expanding economic opportunities for individuals facing the greatest barriers to success through postsecondary education and training (PSET). The Vice President, Midwest State Government Relations will be pivotal in advancing Strada’s policy goals by leading advocacy efforts across the Midwest region to advance our mission and impact.

This role requires a deep understanding of state government operations, with a strong emphasis on workforce development, post-secondary education, and economic growth. As the primary liaison, the Vice President will engage with state legislatures, governors’ offices, state agency leaders, and advocacy partners. The role involves developing and executing comprehensive advocacy strategies, while building coalitions that advance Strada’s mission at the state level.

Strada Education Foundation is a national nonprofit social impact organization that supports programs, policies, and organizations that strengthen connections between education and employment in the U.S., with a special focus on helping those who have faced the greatest challenges securing economic opportunity through postsecondary education or training (PSET). Our new strategic plan focuses on five strategic pillars: clear outcomes, quality coaching, affordable PSET, work-based learning, and employer alignment. 

We work with partners in education and training, nonprofit organizations, industry, startups, and public policy. We leverage strategic philanthropy, investments, research, communications, advocacy, and collaborating organizations as tools to help advance equitable pathways to opportunity. Strada aspires to be a nonprofit partner of choice working with education and training providers and leaders, policymakers, and peer organizations. Strada offers a dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring professional environment that provides learning and professional development opportunities, both within the organization and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Advocacy Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Robust advocacy strategies are developed and executed across multiple Midwest states, leading to progress on key legislative or regulatory objectives related to workforce development, post-secondary education, and economic development.
• Early wins or significant movement on policy goals are evident, and new opportunities for engagement are identified and pursued.

2. Coalition Building and Partnership Management:

• Effective partnerships and coalitions are built and maintained with advocacy organizations, policymakers, and key stakeholders across the Midwest region.
• Strada is recognized as a trusted partner in the region, with strong relationships that are driving progress on advocacy goals.

3. Policy Development and Analysis:

• Timely and insightful policy/legislative analysis informs Strada’s state-level advocacy efforts, contributing to the successful navigation of emerging policy/legislative opportunities and challenges.
• Legislative proposals and regulations are consistently reviewed and prioritized for action, aligning with Strada’s broader 5 pillar policy framework.

4. Relationship Building with State Leaders:

• Strong, direct relationships are established with key governors, legislative leaders, state agency heads, and staff, positioning Strada as an influential voice in the region's policy discussions.
• These relationships have resulted in increased access to key decision-makers and opportunities to shape policy in alignment with Strada’s mission.

Travel and Regional Engagement:

• Consistent, impactful engagement with stakeholders across the region through travel and in-person meetings, with a demonstrated ability to manage regional coverage effectively while building meaningful connections.

The Person: Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in state government relations, lobbying, or working within a state legislative branch.
• Proven expertise in policy issues related to workforce development, postsecondary education, and economic development.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with advocacy partners, state legislatures, governors, and state agencies to drive policy initiatives.
• Established network of relationships with policymakers and key influencers across the Midwest region.
• Grantmaking experience and coalition-building expertise are preferred.