Job Description
Director of Government Relations
Defending Education - Washington, DC Area
Defending Education, formerly Parents Defending Education, has retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search.
Please contact Angel Fimbres-Barcelo at angel@recruitbigfish.com for any questions or referrals regarding the role.
Title: Director of Government Relations
Location: Washington, D.C. (Remote-friendly, but must be available for in-person meetings and events in the D.C. area)
Who We Are:
Defending Education is a national grassroots organization working to restore schools at all levels from activists imposing harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement, we fight indoctrination in classrooms and on campus to promote the reestablishment of a quality, non-political education for all students.
Defending Education (DE) is hiring a Director of Government Relations to lead its engagement with Congress, the federal government, and state governments. This is a mission-critical role for someone who thrives in policy, believes in parental rights, and wants to shape the future of education at the national level.
The Director of Government Relations will drive DE’s outreach to Congress, the Department of Education, and key stakeholders—translating the organization's priorities into meaningful conversations, strategic relationships, and, where appropriate, legislative solutions. This person will work across both DE (501c3) and PDE Action (501c4) and will be a key architect in how the organization communicates its work in Washington.
We're looking for someone who knows the Hill, understands the stakes in education, and can move from policy brief to power meeting without breaking stride.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop and execute a smart, proactive outreach strategy to Congress and federal agencies
- Build and maintain high-value relationships with education staffers, administration officials, and coalition partners
- Lead federal events, briefings, and meetings that showcase DE’s work and mission
- Draft compelling statements, letters, quotes, and policy documents that drive our message home
- Propose and advance legislative ideas and frameworks aligned with DE’s goals
- Manage DE's federal affairs associate and state affairs director
- Contribute to DE’s long-term strategic planning
- Stay ahead of federal education policy changes and translate them into clear, actionable guidance for DE and its parent network
- Work with researchers and attorneys to craft model policies
- Represent DE in media as needed
What You Bring:
- 5+ years of experience in a congressional office, federal agency, or relevant government relations role
- A strong grasp of education policy and the challenges parents and students face
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills—comfortable in both a staff briefing and a national op-ed
- Organizational chops and attention to detail (you follow through without fail)
- A self-starter mentality—someone who can drive their own priorities and also support the broader mission
- Comfort working across 501c3 and 501c4 spaces
This role is perfect for someone who sees education as a cornerstone issue for our country and wants to be part of a growing, mission-driven team fighting to make sure schools work for students—not systems.