Job Description
Do you have a passion for children and education? Would you like to positively impact families in need of help? We want to speak with you!
Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.
The Assistant Director of Government Services plays a key role in advancing the organization’s policy and legislative priorities in support of Florida’s education choice movement. This position leads strategic initiatives to engage, mobilize, and coordinate advocates, including overseeing outreach and participation at key events.
As a senior member of the Policy and Government Services team, the Assistant Director serves as a collaborative leadership partner, helping to drive the organization’s mission and impact. This role reports directly to the Senior Director of Government Services.
Location: Remote role with regular travel around Tallahassee, Florida, and surrounding areas.
Key Responsibilities:
• Represent the organization at committee meetings, legislative sessions, hearings, and movement-related events.
• Monitor and track all hearings, briefings, and meetings related to the three chambers and FLDOE, as needed.
• Schedule, prepare for and attend legislator meetings in district offices and in the Capitol building, in conjunction with the Senior Director of Government Services.
• Assist in the creation of the organization’s strategy, including managing the research and preparation of ideas to advance the organization’s policy priorities as well as the outreach strategy.
• Engage and network within the Florida legislative process building relationships with key stakeholders to support the organization.
• Track, monitor, summarize, and report on all education-relevant bills being filed that may impact the school choice movement and/or scholarship programs.
• Prepare and distribute legislative data and materials, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with organizational needs.
• Coordinate and organize parent advocate participation for events, meetings, and legislative activities.
• Lead and manage delegation meetings to support effective legislative representation and advocacy efforts.
• Document and maintain detailed notes during committee meetings in collaboration with the legislative team.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with education choice leaders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Attend, support, and help lead internal and external events, representing the organization with professionalism and clarity
• Provide day to day supervision and guidance to staff, ensuring tasks are completed accurately, on time, and in alignment with organizational goals.
• Ability to travel regionally and statewide with little notice.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Demonstrated success and a proven track record in professional/life experience in specific job functions, projects, or industries. Military service can substitute for professional experience and/or formal education requirements.
• 3+ years of related work experience OR demonstrated success and a proven track record in professional/life experience in specific job functions, projects, or industries, and military service can substitute for the formal education requirements.
• Primary duties require regular onsite presence in Tallahassee, with additional travel across the state to support events and organizational activities.
• Residence in Tallahassee, Florida, or surrounding areas is required.
You’ll Stand Out If You Have:
• A bachelor’s degree in political science or related field.
• Master's Degree in Public Administration or related field.
Key Competencies:
• Demonstrates critical Transformation and Leadership skills and abilities: True Collaboration; Focusing on Outcomes: Owning and effectively solving problems for today and the future; Empathetic Leadership; Adaptability and Resilience; Emotional Intelligence/CEM skills and Continuous Development/Continuous Improvement Mindsets.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Implementation/execution skills (time management, multi-tasking, organizing projects and people).
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Strong self-management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to follow through.
• Works well under pressure, professional demeanor, and strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Judgment and decision-making skills; solution-driven problem solving.
• Interpersonal skills; negotiating, listening, diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate Cognitive Emotional Management competencies.
• Ability to travel to events across the state with little notice.
Interview Process:
• Veriff Identity Verification
• Recruiter Video Interview
• Video Interview with Hiring Manager
• Video Interview with Senior Leader Team Member
Why you’ll love working here:
• Award-Winning Culture:
We’ve been named one of the Best Companies to Work For four years in a row by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group and honored as one of the Healthiest Companies by Florida’s First Coast Worksite Wellness Council. Fast Company recognized us as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators—proof that we foster an environment where big ideas and bold thinking are encouraged.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA, FSA, and Lifestyle Spending Accounts. We also offer a competitive 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Harmony:
Remote work options and unique time-off programs—including 14 paid holidays, Care and Parental Leave, and our Flexible Leave policy.
• Growth & Development:
From mentorship programs to management training and professional development opportunities, we invest in your career journey every step of the way.
• Supportive Professional Environment:
Our dedicated coaching team is here to help you succeed, and employee-led committees give you a voice in shaping our workplace. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s how we work.
Working Conditions and Equipment Use:
• Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment - not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance may be required, depending on role responsibilities.
• Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.
• Frequent use of office machines to include telephone, computer, and printer.
Step Up For Students is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity & inclusion in the workplace.
