Director of Government Relations

Job Title: Government Relations Director

Location: Austin, TX

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

FLSA Status: Full-time Exempt

Date Revised: June 2024

SOTX Commitment to Diversity

Special Olympics Texas - Join the Inclusion Revolution

At SOTX, diversity and inclusion are the rules of the game. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our athletes, volunteers, and employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer as teammates, on and off the field

SUMMARY

As a part of the Development Department, the Government Relations Director will

collaborate with all departments and regions of Special Olympics Texas to facilitate

ongoing relationships between SOTX and elected officials at all levels of government.

This position will promote legislative efforts that benefit SOTX Athletes and families

while connecting directly with policy and decision-makers at the local and state levels.

To thrive in this environment, the Government Relations Director must be well-versed in

Special Olympics programming and able to navigate government processes. The

Director must also remain aware of current and proposed legislation that affects the

disability, educational, and health communities in Texas.

The Government Relations Director will develop and steward relationships with elected

officials, communicate effectively with the community, foster partnerships with local

officials and area programs, and manage funding requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials to support legislation for Special Olympics Texas Athletes and families;
• Actively participate in SOTX events and meetings to increase connectivity between government officials and resources to SOTX staff, Athletes, and the activities of the organization;
• Appropriate state funding for health programs by either an Interim Study or a Rider/Amendment to a legislative bill;
• Continue to inform, educate, and justify funding to legislators and agency rule-makers

about the success of UCS across the state;

• Help foster relationships between elected officials and SOTX Athletes, Staff, and

Volunteers at the state and local levels by increasing/establishing invitations and attendance at statewide and regional events;

• Provide reports to the CEO, CDO, and Board of Directors regarding current and future legislation through better and routine reporting practices;
• Activate and organize the SOTX Government Relations Committee;
• Formalize the TDCJ Inmate Work Program to support SOTX Distribution Centers and asset management;
• Provide oversight for events hosted at the capitol building;
• Lead presentations on behalf of SOTX at the high level;
• Coordinate with the Programs Department on the competition bid process as it relates to local elected officials;
• Coordinate with Special Olympics North America on campaigns and events at the

national level.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED SKILLS:

Passion for Special Olympics Texas

Screening: Must pass Criminal and National Sex Offender Registry background

screening (Required for all staff)

Education: Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in Political Science, Business, Law, and

Communications and at least 2-3 years of experience in government relations,

Experience: Non-profit experience, development, social services, government

Knowledge: Microsoft Office emphasizing Excel, Outlook, Database programs, event

planning, NetSuite experience a plus.

Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects; effective

time management, verbal and written skills, public speaking, and customer service

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The demands of the position will

determine this position’s work schedule, which will include evenings and weekends.

Flexible time is available with the supervisor's prior approval.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly

required to sit or stand for extended periods, occasionally required to lift and move up to

20 lbs, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; frequently required to stand and reach with hands

and arms through a full range of motion.

Transportation: You must have reliable transportation, a good driving history, a valid

Texas driver’s license, and current insurance. 25% travel is expected.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform

other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.