The Director of Government Relations leads Youth Guidance's government relations and public policy strategy, with primary responsibility for advancing and sustaining public funding and government partnerships in Illinois and Chicago. The Director builds strong relationships with elected officials, government leaders, and other key stakeholders at the state, city, county, and federal levels to advance the organization's mission, strengthen public-sector partnerships, and secure and sustain public investment in Youth Guidance programs. Reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Director serves as a senior external representative and works closely with organizational leadership, program teams, government funding staff, and external lobbyists to identify opportunities, navigate policy and funding developments, and build champions for Youth Guidance's work. We are seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial, and highly relational leader with a strong bias toward action who can operate strategically in a challenging funding environment and is motivated by turning relationships and policy opportunities into measurable results. The role is primarily focused on Illinois and Chicago and will also provide strategic government relations counsel and support in other Youth Guidance markets as needed.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Lead government relations strategy. Develop and execute a proactive government relations and public policy strategy aligned with Youth Guidance's strategic priorities, programmatic goals, and public funding needs. Build and steward government relationships. Develop strong relationships with elected officials, government agency leaders and staff, and other influential public-sector stakeholders, building champions for Youth Guidance and its programs. Advance and protect public investment. Own government relations efforts that support renewing ambitious public revenue funding and partner with the Director of Government Funding & Partnerships, Finance, Program leadership, and external lobbyists to identify, pursue, protect, and grow public funding opportunities. Monitor and influence the policy environment. Track relevant legislative, budget, regulatory, and policy developments; assess implications for Youth Guidance; and develop strategies to advance organizational priorities and respond to emerging opportunities or risks. Lead advocacy and external engagement. Develop and execute advocacy strategies, including policymaker engagement, site visits, coalition participation, targeted communications, and other activities that strengthen Youth Guidance's influence and visibility with public-sector audiences. Serve as a senior organizational representative. Represent Youth Guidance with elected officials, government agencies, coalitions, community partners, and other external stakeholders, effectively communicating the organization's impact, priorities, and policy perspective. Engage organizational and volunteer leadership. Keep the Chief External Affairs Officer and other senior leaders informed of government relations priorities, opportunities, risks, and progress, and strategically engage Board and volunteer leaders in advocacy and relationship-building efforts. Collaborate across External Affairs and the organization. Work closely with Development, Marketing & Communications, Programs, Finance, Evaluation, and other teams to ensure government relations strategy is integrated with broader organizational priorities and external messaging. Provide strategic government relations counsel and support in other Youth Guidance markets as needed, helping local leaders assess opportunities, navigate government relationships, and advance organizational priorities. Perform other duties as assigned. Education/Experience/Training Bachelor's degree required. 8-10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, government, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of results. Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois and Chicago government, legislative and appropriations processes, and the public policy landscape; established relationships within Illinois government strongly preferred. Demonstrated success developing relationships with elected officials, government leaders, coalitions, and other external stakeholders. Experience advancing public funding or revenue goals through government relations, appropriations, advocacy, or related strategies. Strong strategic judgment and ability to translate complex policy, political, and funding developments into actionable organizational strategies. Skills/Abilities Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-oriented; brings urgency, persistence, creativity, and sound judgment to a complex and changing environment. Highly responsive and skilled at building trust and communicating with elected officials, public-sector partners, community leaders, and internal stakeholders. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate Youth Guidance's mission and priorities compellingly to diverse audiences. Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize multiple opportunities, manage competing deadlines, and move work forward with limited supervision. Strategic and collaborative, with the ability to work across functions and influence effectively without direct authority. Commitment to cultural sensitivity, continuous learning, service quality, and Youth Guidance's mission.

Demonstrates Youth Guidance Core Competencies Communication:

Uses effective written and oral communication with staff and stakeholders; demonstrates empathy and listening Equity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity; consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization's work and workplace Growth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if change is required; demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learn Mission driven: Demonstrates commitment to the mission of the organization as a whole and alignment with organizational values Demonstrates Youth Guidance Leadership Competencies External representation and relationship building: An ability to form and maintain strong, trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Manages with data:

Understands data; analyzes data and identifies insights and implications Strategic thinking and resource management: Considers the future of the organization proactively and responsively; weighs diverse inputs to inform strategies; identifies innovative opportunities when relevant; makes and communicates decisions that effectively balance tradeoffs.

Team-building:

Builds strong relationships with teams and colleagues; fosters effective collaborative efforts. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to work at a computer and participate in meetings for extended periods. Ability to travel locally and periodically to Springfield and other Youth Guidance locations as required. Work Environment This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with External Affairs employees currently working in Youth Guidance's Chicago office two days per week and remotely on other days. The role requires regular engagement with external partners and stakeholders, including local travel throughout the Chicago area and periodic travel to Springfield, particularly during the Illinois legislative session. Benefits Youth Guidance offers a competitive benefit package for eligible full-time employees including the option to participate in medical, dental, and vision plans as well as short-term disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, pet insurance, 401k, a wellness program and more. You may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Our Values At Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences. Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. About Our Organization Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education, and ultimately, to succeed in school and in life. We believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have caring adults in their lives. Our highly trained staff guides kids to overcome the life and academic challenges facing the youth. We meet kids where they are — physically and emotionally — to help them focus on their education, make positive choices, and remain on the right path toward life success. Founded in 1924 and celebrating 100 years of impact this year, Youth Guidance is a leading provider of outcomes-driven programs serving more than 18,000 youth around the country. For more information, visit www.youth-guidance.org.