Assistant Director, Government Relations

STRS Ohio, STRS

STRS Ohio is seeking an Assistant Director, Government Relations to join the Executive/Government Relations team.

Established in 1920 and serving Ohio’s educators, STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s largest retirement systems, serving nearly 550,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually.

STRS Ohio provides a competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package including on-site parking, educational assistance, subsidized medical insurance, fully paid dental and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and on-site fitness center.  At STRS Ohio, you can experience rewarding work in a professional, business casual work environment. We welcome, celebrate, and promote respect for everyone. We are continually seeking bright and talented individuals to join our team.

Compensation:

$122,403 - $153,004

Work Schedule:

8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday (Onsite)

General Summary:

Under the direction of the director, Government Relations, review proposed retirement legislation and advocate on behalf of State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) with federal and state legislators, their committee members and staff. Act as liaison between Government Relations and all other departments of STRS Ohio.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Support the director, Government Relations in the development of legislative initiatives as approved by the STRS Ohio Retirement Board.

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and government officials.

• Manage legislator requests, research issues and follow-up as necessary.

• Advocate in support of the STRS Ohio position on legislation, administrative rules or regulations. Contact and confer with members of Congress and the Ohio General Assembly and other public officeholders.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the persons so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of associates under supervision.

Summary of Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Degree in education, business administration, journalism, public relations, political science, government, law or communications preferred.

• Four years’ experience in a legislative, public affairs or advocacy environment required.

• STRS Ohio or public pension environment experience preferred.

• In-depth understanding of how laws, regulations and policies are developed and implemented required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.

Visa/Sponsorship

To be offered a position with STRS Ohio, you must be either a U.S. citizen or possess proper legal authorization to work in the U.S. for the type of job you are seeking. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

ADA Statement

STRS Ohio is committed to ensuring access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodations across all its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.  

Posting Drug-Free Workplace Statement

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is a drug-free workplace. The use of recreational marijuana and non-medical cannabis is strictly prohibited.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing

All final candidates tentatively selected for employment will be required to undergo a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. This screening includes testing for illegal substances, including marijuana. A positive test result will disqualify the applicant from employment unless valid medical documentation is provided for legally prescribed medications or a physician’s recommendation for medical marijuana.

Pre-Employment Background Investigation

The final candidate selected for this position will be subject to a criminal background check. STRS Ohio will conduct an individualized assessment of any prior criminal convictions before making a determination regarding employment eligibility.