Legislative Liaison - Unclassified

This is a continuous posting and will remain open until a candidate has been selected, however, MDE will begin screening applications on September 15, 2024. Applicants should submit materials prior to this date to assure that their application is considered. MDE anticipates the selected candidate starting work on or shortly after January 6, 2025. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan. MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels. Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful. As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service. Office of Public and Governmental Affairs is the official source of news, information, and outreach involving the Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education programs, policies, and initiatives, as well as the liaison between the department and state and federal legislators. The office oversees:

• Media relations with local, state, and national television, radio, print, and online media on newsworthy department programs, policies, initiatives, and actions
• Government relations – helps provide technical assistance and guidance to members of the state and federal legislatures regarding education policies and systems in Michigan
• Web design, development, approval, and maintenance of content on the Michigan Department of Education’s website, the state’s electronic face on education to the world
• Strategic planning on department initiatives and message development
• Internal communications tools and strategies to share department and state government information to management and staff, including all-staff meetings, employee newsletters, and the department’s Intranet online information resource
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and responses

Primary Physical Work Address - Position is located at the John Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement. Position Summary – This position serves as the legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This position participates in and reports on all aspects of the development, passage, and implementation of state legislative and regulatory initiatives necessary to carry out the mission of the department. Legislative Liaison Position Description- Unclassified Position THIS IS AN AT-WILL POSITION SALARY RANGE: $89,180.00 - $128,334.00 State of Michigan Benefits: This position requires possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher, in any major. Preference given to applicants with experience in the legislative and policymaking process, or those with experience in education policy. Please review the position description for the full list of responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your submittal is considered complete with the following required documents:

• Completed Application
• Resume (entered or attached to the job posting)
• Official copy of transcripts
• Cover Letter

The Michigan State Employees Retirement System (MSERS) is separate from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). If you are currently a MPSERS retiree, there should be no impact to your MPSERS pension due to employment with the Michigan Department of Education. If you are currently eligible for a MPSERS retirement benefit and become the successful candidate for this position, you should contact the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine any impact if you elect to immediately begin receiving your MPSERS retirement benefit. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job