Director of Public Policy at National Association of State Procurement Official – Lexington, Kentucky

JOB TITLE: Director of Public Policy

EMPLOYER: National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)

DEPARTMENT: Legal

LOCATION: Remote

REPORTS TO: Chief Legal Officer

GRADE: 31

SALARY RANGE: $113,550-$139,100

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Legislative Analysis will serve as the National Association of State Procurement Officials’ (NASPO) primary expert on public policy initiatives. An individual in this role must maintain knowledge of and engagement with local, state, and federal legislative/public policy environments that impact public procurement. This position combines legislative tracking, strategic analysis, and member engagement to advance NASPO’s mission and support its members. Collaboration with NASPO’s leadership and members is expected.

ABOUT EMPLOYER: The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement by promoting best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. NASPO ValuePoint is NASPO’s cooperative purchasing division that facilitates cooperative public procurement solicitations using a Lead State Model. Learn more at www.naspo.org and www.naspovaluepoint.org.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor:

o Monitor, research, and analyze the impact of state and local policy, legislation, rules, and regulations.

o Monitor, research, and analyze the impact of federal policy, legislation, rules, and regulations.

o Monitor, research, and analyze the impact of foreign legislative and policy initiatives and their potential impact on US procurement.

• Develop:

o Develop federal and state policy priorities and strategies to execute those priorities in conjunction with leadership, membership, and the Board of Directors.

o Coordinate with strategic partners, stakeholders, and other departments to develop materials relevant to the promotion of NASPO’s policy priorities and strategic initiatives.

o Draft position statements, testimony, and communications to members, policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders.

o Author white papers, statements, official comments, testimony, and blog postings to advance NASPO’s thought leadership and advocacy.

o Design and deliver training programs or webinars for NASPO members, staff, and strategic partners on emerging policy trends and advocacy techniques.

• Promote:

o Respond to member inquiries on policy issues.

o Coordinate members, strategic partners, stakeholders, and students to advocate in support of policy priorities and strategic initiatives.

o Provide technical assistance to members concerning the role of advocacy and policy to support their programmatic missions, including procurement modernization.

o Establish a broad range of relationships with strategic partners and policymakers across local, state, and federal government entities.

• As a member of the Legal Team, this position will also:

o Collaborate on and support the review and revision of operational and Board of Directors policies.

o Work with internal staff and external resources from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories.

o Advise the CLO and other senior corporate officers on a variety of issues.

o Support internal audit and corporate compliance programs.

o Support in-person and virtual NASPO events by attending, presenting, and contributing content, as needed.

o Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (You will not be considered for the position unless the following requirements are met, regardless of other qualifications).

• Juris doctorate, or a master’s or doctorate degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or related social science.

• 3+ years of experience working in public policy, legislative affairs, advocacy, or a closely related field within a government or nonprofit environment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the local and state levels (with some knowledge at the federal level).

• Subject-matter policy expertise related to state public procurement and cooperative purchasing.

• Must be able to travel, as required. This position requires the individual to work from a home office and travel frequently.

• Flexibility and adaptability in changes to workload, including project timelines, priorities, tasks, processes, and direction.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including the occasional weekend and evenings, as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong written and verbal communication, including experience with policy writing, briefs, reports, and testimony.

• Research, analytical, and critical thinking skills; ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.

• Project and stakeholder management: ability to manage multiple policy projects, coordinate coalitions, and meet deadlines.

• Relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders (policymakers, strategic partners, and stakeholders).

• Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other web-based applications.