Associate Director of K-12 Policy
Oakland, CA
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY
The Education Trust—West (ETW) seeks an Associate Director of K-12 Policy to join a staff committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
The Associate Director works with leadership to set the direction, goals, and work plan for the team. This role also serves as a content expert in the field of education policy and leads ETW’s analysis of and response to various bills, statutes, and administrative codes. This can include formal reports and policy recommendations as well as press interviews and collaborating with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
ETW 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, ETW 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.
Available immediately, this role is based in our Oakland office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. The Associate Director of K-12 Policy reports to the Director of P-16 Education Policy.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide expertise in conducting policy analyses as well as developing written recommendations or feedback to proposed legislation related to education, remedying disparities in opportunity to learn, and improving K-12 student outcomes
- Collaborate with the Director 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 that are aligned to organizational goals and priorities
- Possibility for recruiting, hiring, and managing 1-2 employees and/or interns as needed, including delegating tasks, providing coaching and development, assessing performance, and allocating resources
- Serve as ETW’s content expert in areas covered by ETW’s policy agenda; inform our policy positions by monitoring and reporting the changing landscape of education policy
- Develop and manage simultaneous complex projects to create reports, tools, sign-on letters, coalition recommendations and other resources
- Elevate ETW’s policy priorities and expand ETW’s reach by developing key relationships and representing the organization in external meetings with external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
- Contribute to fundraising efforts and strengthening funder relationships, and manage grants and budgets effectively to meet deliverables
- Direct the review of policy and research products to ensure that they are high-quality, accurate, equity-driven, and actionable, as well as aligned with Ed Trust’s mission and goals
- Collaborate within ETW to achieve the organization’s strategic and annual goals; partner with other teams, such as Government Relations, Communications, and Partnerships and Engagement to ensure that Ed Trust’s policy recommendations reach equity advocates and policymakers
IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Shared belief in Ed Trust-West’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
- Commitment to continuously improving cultural competence, interrogating one’s own biases, and reflecting on individual identity and positionality; understanding how systemic and institutionalized racism significantly affect communities of color and the historical impact of privilege and power on American systems
- Excellent project management, time management, and budget management skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- In-depth experience developing and conducting policy analysis, research, analyzing and evaluating results, and creating policy recommendations
- Strong relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders
- Knowledge and understanding of education equity issues
- Eagerness for collaboration with both internal and external partners
- High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, 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
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus
- Significant experience analyzing policy, data, and research in education or a related field, preferably on topics of equity, including developing policy publications that include recommendations, written feedback to proposed legislation, or other tools/resources for advocates and policymakers
- Significant familiarity with education policy, particularly on issues of equity
COMPENSATION
This position falls in Level D of our salary structure for our California office, which has a range of $86,100 to $129,160. Offers will be commensurate with experience. New hires typically fall between the minimum and mid-point of the range.
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.
VACCINATION FOR COVID-19
At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “Associate Director of K-12 Policy _Robinson.”
We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to:
- Tell a story that illuminates your interest in education equity and Ed Trust–West’s mission
- Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position
Please submit your application materials at Recruitment (adp.com) by the priority deadline of May 7, 2023. Applications will be accepted/reviewed until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.