Job Description

Virginia Education Association

Senior Policy Analyst / Government Relations Specialist

Based in Richmond, VA

Date of Posting: 3/16/2026
Deadline for Applying: Open Until Filled 
Reports to: Director of Government Relations and Research

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is the largest union of public-school employees in Virginia, advocating for education professionals and advancing public education. VEA advocates for policies that strengthen public schools, support school staff, and expand opportunities for all students. As a National Education Association (NEA) affiliate, we represent thousands of educators, support staff, and school employees across the Commonwealth. Our mission is twofold: ensuring all students receive quality public education while supporting our members' rights, working conditions, and professional growth.

Position Description:
The VEA seeks a Senior Policy Analyst/Government Relations Specialist to help advance policies that strengthen public education and improve the lives of students, school staff, and communities across Virginia. This position conducts policy research and analysis, develops legislative and regulatory proposals, and works with policymakers, coalition partners, and VEA members to advocate for policies that support high-quality public schools. The role focuses on improving learning conditions for students and working conditions for school staff, recognizing that the two are inseparable. The Senior Policy Analyst applies research, data analysis, and racial equity analysis to inform advocacy strategies and policy proposals, and helps ensure that VEA’s policy work promotes opportunity, fairness, and strong public education systems that serve every student. This role offers an opportunity to directly influence state policy and contribute to legislative and regulatory changes that shape the future of public education in Virginia.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on education policy and related child and family policy issues, including school funding, school staff workforce issues, and policies affecting student opportunity and well-being.
• Develop research summaries, policy briefs, presentations, and other materials to inform VEA members, policymakers, advocates, and the public about education policy issues and proposed solutions.
• Draft legislation, amendments, and state budget language aligned with VEA’s legislative and policy priorities.
• Serve as a registered lobbyist for VEA during the Virginia General Assembly session and throughout the year by meeting with lawmakers, legislative staff, and state officials to advocate for the organization’s policy priorities.
• Participate in the work of the Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) and the Virginia Department of Education, analyze proposed regulatory and policy changes, and develop advocacy strategies related to Board and agency actions.
• Apply racial equity analysis to education data, policy proposals, and advocacy strategies to help identify inequities and advance policies that improve outcomes for historically underserved students.
• Work collaboratively with partner organizations, community groups, labor allies, advocacy groups, coalitions, and as a staff liaison to the VEA Legislative Committee to advance shared education and social justice policy goals.
• Present policy research and advocacy updates to VEA members, local leaders, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.
• Support VEA members and staff in advancing local and statewide policy priorities, including school funding and other education-related issues.
• Assist with media engagement, including contributing research, analysis, and messaging to support press outreach, op-eds, and public communications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or significant professional experience in public policy, education policy, political science, or related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice and to advancing equitable public policies.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and translate complex policy issues into clear, accessible information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present policy information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, members, policymakers, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced policy environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of Virginia’s public education governance structure, including the General Assembly, VBOE, and Department of Education.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with policymakers, agency staff, coalition partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience working with member-based organizations, associations, coalitions, or advocacy groups.
• Experience with legislative processes, including drafting legislation, amendments, or policy proposals.
• Experience conducting data analysis related to education policy, school funding, or public programs.
• Experience presenting research or policy analysis to stakeholders, policymakers, or public audiences.
• Experience engaging with media or supporting policy communications.

Other:
Position requires some travel, including overnight and occasional participation in evening or weekend events. The position is based at VEA Headquarters in Richmond, VA. 

Salary and Fringe Benefits:
This position is covered by the Virginia Professional Staff Association (VPSA) collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and has a salary range of $81,949 – $114,138. 

The position also includes a rich fringe benefits package, including:

• 95% employer-paid medical insurance,
• 100% covered employee-level dental and vision insurance,
• 100% employer-funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) account for medical and wellness expenses, and
• 18% automatic contribution to 401(k) with an additional 2% match.

Application Procedure:
Please apply on our Careers section on our webpage.

A Note to Potential Candidates
Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous people, people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding a candidate who shares our commitment to strengthening public education and advancing equity for students and school staff across Virginia.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .

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