Senior Director, External Affairs

Senior Director of External Affairs

Location: Chicago

Reports to: Managing Director 

Role Summary

Per Scholas Chicago seeks a Senior Director of External Affairs to lead our public sector strategy, government relations, and cross-sector partnerships that expand access to high-growth tech careers. This role owns the strategy to increase public funding, deepen relationships with policymakers and anchor institutions, and strengthen Per Scholas’ presence and impact across the region. The Senior Director partners closely with the Managing Director, Director of Development, and national teams to align external engagement with revenue and program goals.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations and Public Funding

• Set and execute a government relations strategy across city, county, and state, with selective federal engagement aligned to Chicago priorities.
• Build and manage high-trust relationships with elected officials, agencies (e.g., IL DCEO, City of Chicago DFSS), and legislative staff; serve as an external representative at hearings, briefings, and convenings.
• Play a key role in developing the pipeline for public funding opportunities in partnership with the Government Contracts team.
• Build strategic partnerships with Local Workforce Development Boards, One-Stop Operators, and American Job Centers (AJCs) to align referrals, co-enrollment, and use of WIOA-funded services such as ITAs, OJT, and supportive services.
• Serve as the policy analyst for Chicago by monitoring and analyzing city, county, state, and relevant federal legislation, regulations, budget proposals, and RFPs; translate findings into concise briefs with fiscal and operational impacts, recommended positions, and concrete advocacy actions.
• Develop policy briefs, talking points, testimony, and presentations that advance workforce equity and Per Scholas priorities.
  

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Grow a portfolio of partnerships with community-based organizations implementing Quality-of-Life Plans with a focus on workforce development, higher education institutions with an interest in short-term credentialing, industry and advocacy coalitions (e.g., Chicago Jobs Council), labor unions with ties to technology positions, to drive learner recruitment, work-based learning, and job placements.
• Actively participate in coalition-based work focused on digital skills, tech workforce development, and skills-based hiring 
• Leverage campus events, graduations, site tours, and volunteer opportunities to engage current partners and cultivate new ones.
• Provide strategic planning, briefing memos, and follow-up for the Managing Director , Director of Development, and other stakeholders on high-stakes meetings.
  

Thought Leadership and Communications

• Elevate Per Scholas’ visibility by contributing to panels and ecosystem convenings; ensure consistent messaging that is data-driven and outcomes-focused.
• Contribute to Per Scholas marketing channels including social media and email marketing
  

What You Bring

• 7+ years in government relations, public affairs, or workforce/economic development, with strong Chicago and Illinois experience.
• Track record securing or operationalizing public funding and navigating government structures and procurement.
• Exceptional relationship management skills with senior public officials and cross-sector partners.
• Superior writing and speaking skills for policy audiences; adept at briefing executives.
• Strong project management, prioritization, and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
• Data-driven mindset, high judgment, and a collaborative working style.
• Commitment to equity, skills-based hiring, and expanding access to well-paying careers.

Success in the First 12 Months

• A robust government relations plan is in place and executed, with regular touchpoints across key Chicago and Illinois agencies and offices.
• At least two new or expanded public funding streams secured or advanced to late stage in partnership with Development and Government Partnerships.
• A partner portfolio is actively producing results for learner recruitment, training experiences, and job placements.
• Per Scholas Chicago is recognized as a trusted, solutions-oriented voice in regional workforce conversations.

#LI-Hybrid

For this role specifically, we are targeting a salary range between $90,000 year to $100,000/year, where the difference in salary is typically determined by several factors, including geography in which the selected candidate resides, and alignment with qualifications and experience.