Position Open: NJSBA Seeks Senior Policy Manager

The New Jersey School Boards Association is seeking a full-time senior policy manager to provide policy services to boards of education as part of its Member Services and Strategic Partnerships Division.

The starting salary is $100,000 per year.

About the Role

Manage and coordinate the Policy section of the Legal, Labor Relations, & Policy Services Department for the Association. Ensure incorporation of Association policy among governance bodies, membership and staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the policy manager. Provide written evaluation input to the director of Member Services and Strategic Partnerships.
• Manage the provision of assistance and information to all Association members in the areas of policy development and maintenance.
• Develop and implement training programs for members relevant to the responsibilities of the department.
• Ensure support to the general counsel and director of human resources in the update and maintenance of the Association’s internal and external policy manuals.
• Review for accuracy all departments’ communications concerning association policy.
• Manage the research, development and presentation of policy issue/process-oriented workshops and training programs, including policy update training and policy governance.
• Research, analyze and prepare background materials for association action on bylaws and resolutions before the Delegate Assembly and policy proposals before the board of directors and Legislative Committee and National School Boards Association.
• Support the revenue generating service Customized Policy Writing Services by:- Write/update manuals in compliance with signed contracts.
  
  – Work with contracted boards to revise policies and regulations, answer questions and assist with board – process in the approval of the finished product.
  
  – Proofreading and oversight of all finished projects.
  
  – Supervise the policy manager and outside policy writing consultants as necessary.
• Provide oral, written and electronic on-site help to districts to address policy related problems.
• Provide telephone, electronic and written help to NJSBA staff assisting members or interacting with the public.
• Analyze and interpret changes in educational statutes and code for their effect on district policy and integrate these changes into the Critical Policy Reference Manual.
• Update the Manual on Job Descriptions as necessary to keep current with statutory and code changes.
• Perform periodic sunset review of the Manual of Positions and Policies in Education and revisions as required by Delegate Assembly action.
• Identify emerging policy issues and research and prepare articles, sample policies and other written policy materials on such issues, including Policy Perspectives newsletter for customized manual customers.
• Plan, prepare, collect and disseminate policy clearinghouse materials.
• Plan, prepare, produce and disseminate information about policy services offered by the Association.
• Participate, as assigned, at the Delegate Assembly, board of directors, Association committees, task forces, liaison to outside agencies and state/national educational organizations.
• Participate in association meetings and conferences, as assigned.
• Provide ongoing review and input regarding the policy webpage.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Four years’ experience in public education or related field.
• Five years’ management and supervisory experience preferred.
• Three years’ experience in drafting policy required.
• Knowledge of virtual platforms like Zoom, Swoogo, Google meet, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Apps including Teams, Lists, SharePoint, One Drive, Forms and traditional Office Apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Preferred

Experience with Association Management System software

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Organization skills, time management and planning and research skills. Must be a team player and possess interpersonal skills to work with a variety of individuals. Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective presentations. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in written form. Must also demonstrate excellent grammar, punctuation, spelling and proofreading skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, members and the public. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities while adhering to deadlines. Knowledge of public education and school board governance required. Ability to work positively and professionally with Legal, Labor Relations and Policy Service Department members.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged period of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to walk, stand and drive and carry items up to 20 lbs.

NJSBA complies with all state and federal employment obligations including the “New Jersey First Act.” This Act requires all NJSBA employees, hired on or after Sept. 1, 2011, to currently reside in New Jersey or relocate within one year of their hire date.

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to a hybrid schedule, state health insurance, state pension, life insurance, dental insurance, flexible spending account, paid holidays and paid vacation.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by March 13, 2023.