Career Center

The Vice President, External Affairs oversees NSTA’s portfolio of advocacy, communications, marketing, competitions, and external partnerships.  The individual has direct responsibility for legislative affairs and partnership and manages a team that implements media relations, public affairs, communications and marketing. This individual will lead our work developing and maintaining relationships with key constituents externally. This positions reports to the Executive Director and is part of the leadership team, which directs NSTA’s strategy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy, Advocacy and Legislative Affairs– 40%

• Monitor and analyze policy and legislation affecting science and STEM education at the federal level and develop NSTA position(s) and response(s) when appropriate.
• Anticipate emerging government, public, or community/social issues of importance and position NSTA to address those issues.
• Serve as the trusted, internal thought leader on public policy matters, including driving the development of policy positions and strategies to advance the interests of educators of science.
• Oversee and develop all outreach activities at the federal level, including letters, issue briefs, position papers, model legislation, testimony, and grassroots advocacy activities.
• Develop and distribute legislative updates to members and other stakeholders. Query science educators on their needs. Answer all related inquiries.
• Provide concise, clear communications to senior management and state leaders necessary for critical policy decision-making and to inform them with respect to potential challenges/opportunities related to potential government action.
• Oversee, develop and implement a national outreach initiative to inform science educators and others about the new federal education law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Work with the Department of Education and science supervisors, teachers etc. to ensure equitable treatment of science education under ESSA Title programs.
• Develop NSTA position statements, including management of the queue. Identify and recruit writing teams to produce position statements and assist with writing as needed. Manage editing and review process. Ensure that the positions are disseminated to key stakeholders.

Public Affairs and Media Relations – 10%

• Guide development of public relations strategy for all NSTA programs. 
• Monitor and analyze key issues pertaining to science education. 
• Partner with the Communications team to develop PR plans and press materials, including talking points, messages, press releases, and statements on specified association news and events.
• Work with outside public relations agencies as necessary.

Marketing/Communications – 10%

• Guide development of comprehensive marketing/communication strategies to communicate to NSTA’s various audiences about the Association’s products and services.
• Partner with communications, marketing, and digital engagement teams to coordinate and streamline messaging for all NSTA initiatives across all platforms and deliver a consistent user/brand experience.
• Assist in developing messaging for emails, website copy, social media, and e-newsletters.
• Develop talking points, messages, and speeches for leadership, as needed.
• Oversee e-newsletters.

Partnerships – 20%

• Identify, cultivate and manage relationships with regional and national partner organizations that support NSTA’s strategic goals.
• Partner with state and local organizations to develop resources for grassroots advocacy activities with NSTA members at the local and state level.
• Represent NSTA with outside groups and coalitions with legislative interest in science education. Develop effective legislative and lobbying strategies with these groups to further promote science education.
• Assist competition staff in maintaining strong relationships with external partners and funders.

Management – 10%

• Develop annual work plans for all areas of responsibility in collaboration with direct reports and colleagues.
• In partnership with the finance department and other executive staff, develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring that all aspects of the department’s work are designed, budgeted, organized and staffed to achieve maximum success.
• Collaborate in the collection and analysis of program evaluation data. Develop reports summarizing the impact of projects and programs.
• Deliver on short-term and long-term objectives that advance NSTA’s impact and sustainability.
• Supervise 4 staff in Communications/ Marketing and Competitions departments.

SKILLS

1. Strategic Thinking
2. Project Management
3. External Relationship Development and Management
4. Excellent Verbal and Communication Skills
5. Organizational Leadership

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge of political and advocacy ecosystem in science education policy.
• Understanding of strategies in communication and marketing that drive impact and results.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills, and a natural ability to build relationships.
• Strategic and creative thinker. Able to see the bigger picture, set goals and deliver results.
• Careful fiscal manager.
• Collaborative team player who brings a customer service approach to internal relations.
• Experienced supervisor who empowers leaders at all levels and fosters a culture of respect that is welcoming and inclusive to a wide range of individuals.
• Well-established in the education arena.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Science, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or other related fields.
• 7-10+ years’ experience in federal policy, education, a related social sector, and policy advocacy.

POSITION LOCATION

While the organization is currently working remotely, the employee will need to be located in the DMV area and able to work at the Arlington HQ to attend meetings in Washington DC and surrounding environs.

The employee will be required to participate on distant meetings that will require minimum air travel. 

To apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to hr@nsta.org 

NSTA requires all employees to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment, unless entitled to an accommodation.  If you receive an offer of employment, it will be made contingent upon satisfaction of this requirement, and you will be required to show proof that you are fully vaccinated or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.  Please do not provide information about your vaccine status or whether you are seeking an exemption with your resume, cover letter & salary range expectation submission.