[Hiring] Director of Government Relations @Just Right Reader

Role Description

Just Right Reader is hiring a Director of Government Relations to lead our state government engagement strategy and manage relationships with lobbyists, policymakers, and public agencies across the country. This is not a traditional sales role. It sits at the intersection of government affairs, education, policy, relationship development, and strategic growth.

The Director will enter priority states with the support of local lobbyists and develop relationships across the broader state government ecosystem. That may include Departments of Education as well as agencies focused on early childhood, health and human services, corrections, juvenile justice, workforce development, family services, and other areas where literacy and educational outcomes intersect with public priorities.

The Director will also oversee and coordinate Just Right Reader's network of state lobbyists, ensuring that each partner understands the company's priorities, identifies the right decision-makers, opens strategic doors, and maintains momentum between meetings.

The strongest candidate will know how to navigate government institutions, quickly understand the political and policy environment within a state, establish credibility with senior public officials, and translate Just Right Reader's literacy solutions into compelling opportunities aligned with agency and legislative priorities.

Education experience remains central to the role. We are looking for someone who can engage government leaders with the credibility of an education expert while operating with the strategic instincts of an experienced government relations professional.

Qualifications

• Experience in government relations, public affairs, education leadership, public policy, state government, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of how state governments operate, including legislative processes, state agencies, budgeting, appropriations, and public-sector decision-making.
• Experience developing relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, agency executives, or legislative leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Executive presence and the ability to represent an organization credibly in high-level government settings.
• Excellent verbal communication, presentation, writing, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to quickly understand complex policy and organizational issues and translate them into practical engagement strategies.
• Comfort working independently and building structure in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, generally 50% or more.

Requirements

• Candidates must also bring meaningful familiarity with the K-12 education landscape. This could come through:
• Superintendent or district executive leadership.
• State Department of Education experience.
• Education policy or advocacy work.
• Government relations work within an education organization.
• Senior leadership within an education nonprofit, curriculum provider, or education technology company.
• Experience working directly with school districts, state education leaders, or public education systems.
• Candidates should be able to speak credibly about literacy, curriculum, district priorities, educational funding, student outcomes, and the challenges facing public education leaders.

Benefits

• At Just Right Reader, we're transforming how children learn to read. You'll be part of a passionate, growing team committed to educational equity, literacy innovation, and joyful learning.
• Mission-driven company focused on improving literacy and education outcomes.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.