Per Scholas · 1 month ago
Senior Director, External Affairs
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$90K/yr - $100K/yr
7+ years expPer Scholas is dedicated to driving mobility and opportunity in technology through rigorous training programs. The Senior Director of External Affairs will lead public sector strategy, government relations, and partnerships to enhance access to tech careers and increase public funding.
Information Technology & Services
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
Company
Per Scholas
Per Scholas is proud to celebrate 30 years of fostering economic mobility by giving individuals from diverse backgrounds access to high-growth tech careers.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Damon Lucky
Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth L. W.
Executive Vice President, Advisor to the CEO
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