Job Title:           Lobbyist

Classification:   Subcontractor

Reports to:        Superintendent/Deputy Superintendent of Operations

Acts as a liaison between Topeka Public Schools and the State Legislature, as well as with various government agencies.  Uses communications and media relations approaches in their lobbying efforts.  Creates effective relationships with critical parties involved in the school district's interest.  Strives to influence opinion leaders and participates in advertising campaigns.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Juris Doctorate degree or a Master's Degree in Education or Business is preferred.  A Bachelor's Degree in Communications or a related field is required.
• Knowledge of legal matters, media relations, communications and public relations is required.
• Five years' experience as a lobbyist at the State government level or higher.
• Registered or can register as a lobbyist with the State of Kansas.
• Proficient knowledge of the legislative process.
• Able to advocate for the school district on the local, county, state, and federal government levels.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence others.
• Availability to attend events and meetings outside normal work hours.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute annual lobbying strategies for Topeka Public Schools that formulate legislative positions and lobbying initiatives after analyzing the education programs and student affairs of each school/program in the School District.
• Develop relationships and collaborate with various federal, state, county, and local government officials, and other civic parties involved in the interests of Topeka Public Schools.
• Represent Topeka Public Schools and ensure position and policies are shared with government officials and groups having similar interests.
• Research and report to the Board of Education any proposed legislation and how those might affect the district.
• Respond to requests for assistance/information from the School District to the State Legislature and other state agencies or legislative bodies or associations.
• Plan and coordinate meetings between the School Board, the School District's leadership team, and elected government officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals and allow officials to respond to School District concerns.

Other Job Functions:

• Assists with the preparation of news releases and informational pamphlets and conducting of news conferences in order to state the School District's views and to inform the public of features or proposed legislation considered desirable or undesirable.
• Testifies at applicable legislative committee and subcommittee hearings, other federal and state agencies, or public hearings to enlist support for School District interests.
• Maintains a database of education-related legislation that includes all bills categorized according to subject area for the purpose of making this information available on the School District's website.
• Attends and represents the School District at state and national association meetings.  
• Instructs School Board members in lobbying techniques.

Physical/Emotional Requirements:

The incumbent may be required to use the following requirements during any part of the working day: 

Speaking, hearing, visual, reading, writing, word processing, mobility, consistency of temperament, ability to work with a variety of problems at the same time, stamina for long working hours and in stress-producing environments.

Other Considerations:

• Must provide services with flexible hours and days during the legislative session.
• Commits to only providing lobbying services to Topeka Public Schools as the exclusive school district client during the contracted period of time.

Disclaimer:

The performance responsibilities of this position are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities assigned by the Board of Education, the Superintendent, or direct supervisor, or his/her designee.