Director of P-12 Policy

Overview

The Education Trust (Ed Trust) seeks a Director of P-12 Policy (Director) to join a staff committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps in education that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income background.

 

Ed Trust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

 

Reporting to the Vice President (VP) for Policy, Research, & Practice, the Director will lead the P-12 policy team to ensure that Ed Trust produces high-quality analyses that expose inequities in the education system, highlights equitable policies that advance student achievement, and ensures that policymakers and key stakeholders have the information and tools they need to advocate for policy change. The Director builds relationships to provide guidance, thought partnership, and support to members of the policy team, colleagues throughout the organization, and key stakeholders and policymakers across the country.

 

This role is based in Ed Trust’s Washington, DC office and is eligible for telework up to three days per week.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU

 

The Director of P-12 Policy will be joining Ed Trust at an exciting inflection point, guided by a new strategic plan. Currently a team of five, the Policy team will be embarking on a period of growth to support the success of Ed Trust’s new strategic direction. As state level partnerships and engagements continue to flourish and grow, the Policy team will be relied upon to provide the data analysis and thought partnership that will undergird policy recommendations across the country. The successful candidate will thrive on seeing the fruits of their labor take root in real time, having an opportunity to lead on translating policy into action.

 

The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Collaborate to set the long-term vision and direction for the Policy team and translate that vision into short and long-term goals with relevant work plans.
• Lead a dynamic team by recruiting and selecting diverse candidates, retaining top talent, coaching and developing direct reports, and managing and assessing performance.
• Oversee the day-to-day work of the team, allocating resources, and supporting prioritization.
• Lead the conceptualization and development of tools and resources, such as policy briefs and statements, which make complex policy information accessible to a broad array of stakeholders.
• Inform the organization’s policy positions by monitoring and reporting the changing landscape of education equity policy conversations.
• Elevate Ed Trust’s policy priorities by representing the organization in external meetings and developing relationships with key external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates.
• Direct the review of all policy products to ensure that they are high-quality, accurate, equity-driven, and actionable, as well as aligned with Ed Trust’s mission and goals.
• Develop and present on key metrics to assess the mission-impact of our policy efforts.
• Build systems and structures for effective internal collaboration within and across teams; ensure that products are high-impact, high-quality, and grant deliverables are met on time. 

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES OF THE DIRECTOR OF P-12 POLICY

 

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience analyzing policy, data, and research in education or a related field, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• Significant knowledge of P-12 education policy particularly on issues of education equity.
• Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity.
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment.
• Excellent project management, time management, and budget management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to edit long-form writing and teach writing skills to direct reports.
• In-depth experience developing and conducting policy analysis, research, analyzing and evaluating results, and creating policy recommendations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including recruitment and selection.
• Strong relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders.
• Eagerness for collaboration with both internal and external partners.
• High emotional intelligence, professional maturity, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to others; as well as to receive and act upon feedback from others.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisiveness. 

SALARY & BENEFITS

 

The annual salary for this position starts at $130,000.

 

The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan. Education Trust employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and new hires should be fully vaccinated prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.

 

The Director of P-12 Policy will be based in Ed Trust’s Washington, DC office and is eligible for telework up to three days per week.

 

TO APPLY

 

More information about The Education Trust may be found at: edtrust.org.

 

The Education Trust is being assisted with their candidate sourcing efforts by Emily Wexler and Robert Diggs of NPAG. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website.

 

The Education Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.