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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00071128 |
Description Activated On: 3/27/2026 12:35:39 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. The Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS), a nearly $84 billion public pension system, seeks a highly competent, detail-oriented individual to undertake the position Director of Government Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement. Reporting to the PSERS Executive Director, this Director will play an integral role in managing governmental affairs, providing oversight of all PSERS internal and external Communications, including direct supervision of a communications team. The successful candidate will have experience in understanding and navigating the state legislative process; executing strategic communications; reviewing draft legislation and proposed amendments thereto. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. LEGISLATIVE: Plans and coordinates legislative analysis and liaison programs. Evaluates proposed legislation and related analyses and prepares impact papers for the Executive Director, PSERS' Board of Trustees, and other executive staff. Coordinates meetings with legislators and legislative staff, the Executive Director, and/or other Senior Staff as directed, to remain informed of impending legislative developments, increase legislative understanding of complex issues, and advocate on the agency’s behalf. Such coordination will include the preparation of any research, background or other information necessary. Monitors state and federal legislative mandates, regulations, etc., and in conjunction with PSERS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) identifies impact of legislation to public pension systems. This includes maintaining and sharing information on trends. Researches and prepares information for presentation to Legislative committees to explain PSERS policies and considerations weighed in policy development process. Represents the Executive Director at legislative meetings, as needed or requested. Oversees the preparation of all legislative updates for the Executive Director for presentation to the PSERS' Board of Trustees. Serves as the lead in preparation for legislative hearings and directs the Communications Office team in the production of materials. As required, confers with cabinet-level officials, the Governor’s Policy Office, and other Commonwealth executives to resolve program policy conflicts. Designs and conducts research on complex retirement policy issues and develops recommendations for the Executive Director, the PSERS' Board of Trustees, and other senior PSERS staff for further policy development. COMMUNICATIONS: Serves as the Director of Stakeholder Communications for PSERS. • Establishes, in conjunction with the Communications Office team, standards and guidelines for all internal and external communications. • Directs a Communications Office that ensures compliance with standards and guidelines for all internal and external communications. • Provides feedback with regard to ensuring clarity, conciseness, and tone for all internal and external communications. Oversees the agency’s media and public relations strategy to retirement, investment performance and public funding issues. Continuously assesses the press and communications needs of the agency and its program areas and directs supporting staff assignments accordingly. Advises the Executive Director on how to translate agency policies and initiatives to the media and the public using news releases, personal contact, interviews, press conferences, and briefing documents, including those prepared for the PSERS' Board of Trustees, General Assembly, and stakeholders. Develops and maintains a positive rapport with statewide media representatives. Attends press/media events on behalf of the Agency as required. Works in coordination with the Executive Director and other senior staff to improve interagency communications between PSERS and its external stakeholders, PSERS' Board of Trustees, State Employees' Retirement System (SERS), and the General Assembly to best serve the PSERS' Board of Trustees, as well as the PSERS members and plan participants. Maintains oversight of the preparation of brochures, pamphlets, and other publications for PSERS. Provides counsel and assistance to the Executive Director on sensitive communications and legislative issues and projects. Maintains a close working relationship with the Board Information Officer and provides support and assistance in the development and creation of Board provided materials and communications. Serves as point-of-contact for external public pension organizations such as NASRA, NCTR, NCPERS, PAPERS, and others as assigned, and coordinates and finalizes any requests for information, survey responses, etc. that may be received from them. Oversees the PSERS’ Right to Know Law Program. Performs the full ranges of supervisory duties for other positions, including a Communications Director, Press Secretary, Digital Director, and other Communications Office positions. Performs other duties as assigned and required. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. The Director of Government Affairs and Stakeholder Communications represents the Executive Director at high level policy and legislative meetings with authority to make decisions on behalf of the Executive Director. Establishes policy relative to communications for PSERS and makes final decisions on all PSERS communications. Functions as a policy adviser to the Executive Director and provides counsel and assistance on sensitive issues or projects. The incumbent may advise the Chief Investment Officer on communications matters related to the agency’s multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio. These include communicating messages regarding complex investment issues to PSERS' Board of Trustees, member, legislative, media, and public constituencies. The Director will also address issues that may be controversial or of high public visibility and frequently must respond to time sensitive requests. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Prior experience in government affairs and the analysis of legislation. Prior experience working in an executive-level communications capacity. Prior experience in working with a Board or Commission is preferred. Prior experience managing staff is preferred. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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