Director, Government Relations

STRS Ohio, STRS

STRS Ohio is seeking a Director, Governmental Relations to join the Executive/Governmental 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:

$158,704 - $202,348

Work Schedule:

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

General Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief Legal Officer, advise executive leadership and the State Teachers Retirement Board on legislative risk, political trends and policy scenarios impacting fiduciary obligations and system sustainability. Lead long-term government relations strategy aligned with State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio’s (STRS Ohio) strategic plan. Facilitate ongoing communication with federal and state legislators, committee staff and legislative aides.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Lead STRS Ohio’s stakeholder relations. Serve as STRS Ohio’s primary liaison to the Ohio congressional delegation, the Ohio General Assembly, legislative staff and key stakeholder organizations. Assist in stakeholder messaging during periods of political volatility.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal lawmakers to enact legislation that the Retirement Board deems appropriate and necessary for the functioning of the system and the benefit of STRS Ohio. Conversely, work to defeat or amend in such a manner as to make acceptable legislation that would be detrimental to the functioning of STRS Ohio and its ability to provide for the retirement security of the members and retirees.

• Analyze proposed legislation, regulations and policy initiatives to evaluate legal, financial, and operational impact on STRS Ohio. Provide timely and accurate legislative briefings and issue education sessions to the Chief Legal Officer, Executive Director, Retirement Board, Board Legislative Committee and senior leadership.

• Coordinate joint advocacy efforts with other state retirement systems, national associations and key stakeholder organizations. Lead and serve as the primary liaison for STRS Ohio participation in national and state pension coalitions.

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.

• Advanced degree preferred.

• Course work in education, business administration, journalism, public relations, political science, government, law or communications preferred.

• Seven to ten years’ experience in government relations or legislative environment required.  STRS Ohio or public pension, finance, or public entity experience preferred.

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.