The Education Trust (Ed Trust) seeks a Policy Lead II to serve as the organization’s primary content expert on P20 pathways to college and career. The Policy Lead will 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 Policy Lead brings a wealth of knowledge of the nuances in policies related to P20 Pathways to Postsecondary Success, particularly as a lever for advancing equitable access to educational opportunities for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. The Policy Lead functions with a high degree of autonomy and will have the exciting opportunity to support work across the P12 and Higher Ed teams to inform the direction and vision for the organization’s work on P20 Pathways to Postsecondary Success. This role will serve as a content expert externally and within the organization, while building capacity across EdTrust’s state offices to engage in this policy area with policymakers and advocates. This role reflects EdTrust’s commitment to advancing equity across the education continuum – from early learning to postsecondary access, success, and completion.
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.
Available immediately, this role is based in our Washington, DC office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week per our current policy. The Policy Lead, Pathways to Postsecondary Success, reports to the Director of Higher Ed Policy and will work closely with the Director of P12 Policy.
About the Role
The responsibilities and objectives for the Policy Lead role include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Serve as the primary content expert on P20 pathways to college and career for the organization
- Support the P12 and Higher Education Policy Directors and senior leaders to set and execute the direction and vision for the organization’s cross-divisional work
- Develop and conduct policy analysis and develop written recommendations on proposed or current state and federal legislation related to P20 Pathways to Postsecondary Success, focusing on remedying disparities in opportunity to learn and improving student outcomes
- Develop and manage all aspects of projects that identify promising policies for advancing educational equity and are aligned with state partners working on pathways
- Advise state advocate partners and contribute to their knowledge and strategy as they engage on related issues in legislative, regulatory, and broader advocacy
- Elevate EdTrust’s policy priorities by developing key relationships and representing the organization in external meetings with external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
- Review policy and research products to ensure that they are high-quality, accurate, equity-driven, and actionable, as well as aligned with EdTrust’s mission and goals
- Lead collaboration within EdTrust, particularly across the P12 and Higher Ed teams, to achieve individual and departmental goals; partner with other teams, and ensure that our policy recommendations reach advocates and partners
- Support the development of new grant opportunities and proposals, and manage relevant grants and grant components to ensure all funding requirements are met
- Recruit, hire, and manage 1-2 employees and/or interns, including delegating tasks, coaching and development, and assessing performance, if relevant
Ideal Skills and Characteristics
- 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
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present highly technical policy issues to a variety of audiences in accessible ways
- Strong experience developing and conducting policy analysis; analyzing and evaluating results; and creating policy recommendations appropriate to different political and state contexts
- Strong relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders and an eagerness for collaboration with both internal and external partners; the ideal candidate brings relationships or has engaged in partnerships with other organizations in the P20 pathways space
- High emotional intelligence, professional maturity, and problem-solving orientation
- Willingness to provide constructive feedback to others, as well as to receive and act upon feedback from others
- Ability to exercise sound judgment
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate for the Policy Lead role will possess the following qualifications and experience:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field; advanced degree a plus but not required
- Significant expertise in P20 pathways policy with a preference for candidates with knowledge of federal career and technical education and workforce policy
- Substantial experience (e.g., 5+ years) in analyzing research, data, and policy related to P20 pathways, including experience developing policy recommendations and resources for advocates and policymakers
- Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders while delivering high quality work on time and on budget
Compensation
This position falls in Level E of our salary structure. The new hire salary range for this position is $94,928 to $118,660. New hire offers are rarely offered at the top of this range and all offers are commensurate with skills, experience and internal equity.
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.
Qualified Candidates, Please Apply
The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.
To apply: Please complete the application in ADP, including uploading an updated resume and responding to the short answer questions.
