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

• Collaborate with the P&E leadership team to set the long-term vision and direction of the department, including a theory of change and a theory of action, internally and externally
• Collaborate to set the long-term vision and direction for Ed Trust’s national and state advocacy work, and translate that vision into long and short-term goals with relevant work plans
• Lead a dynamic advocacy 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 Advocacy team, including allocating resources and supporting prioritization
• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of strategic issue campaigns to influence policy change, implementation, and public education and engagement on key equity priorities at the national and state level
• Inform Ed Trust's research, policy recommendations, and other products in service of our advocacy agenda, and incorporate those elements into our advocacy strategy
• Elevate the organization’s priorities and advocacy strategies by representing Ed Trust in external meetings and developing relationships with key external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
• In partnership with the VP for Partnerships and Engagement, strengthen funder relationships, contribute to fundraising efforts, and manage grants and budgets effectively to meet deliverables
• Develop and present on key metrics to assess the mission-impact of our advocacy efforts
• Build systems and structures for effective internal collaboration within and across teams; ensure that outputs are high-impact, high-quality, and grant deliverables are met on time

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
• Excellent project management, planning and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; an effective influencer and presenter
• Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to connect with a range of diverse stakeholders and overcome obstacles to find common ground

• Experience fundraising with private foundations and grants management
• Strong 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 prioritize, be decisive, and exercise sound judgment

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a bachelor’s degree
• Considerable relevant experience (e.g., 10+ years) with increasing responsibility in the policy and advocacy arena, working on education equity, racial justice, civil rights and/or social justice issues to successfully advocate for policy change at the state and national levels
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of education equity issues, policies, and practices
• Experience leading teams and/or managing people
• Fundraising experience preferred

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level G of our Washington, DC compensation structure, and the new hire salary range is $126,816 - $158,520. New hire 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.