Associate I, Policy & Advocacy
The Education Trust
The ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY
Ed Trust seeks an Associate I, Policy & Advocacy on our EdTrust in Massachusetts state team. The Associate 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 Associate works closely under the supervision of the EdTrust in Massachusetts State Director to support the team’s efforts to advance EdTrust's priority policy issues with state advocates and coalitions in Massachusetts. This position provides support across multiple areas, including policy analysis, research, and writing, communications, and coordination of our coalition work with the Massachusetts Educational Equity Partnership (MEEP). This role is ideal for candidates who are excited to grow, thrive on a small and dynamic team, and have a passion for educational equity.
EdTrust 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, EdTrust 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. We work alongside educators, policymakers, parents, and community and business leaders across the country to advocate for transforming schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well.
This role, available immediately, is based in Massachusetts and works 100% from a home office with some in-person meetings required. EdTrust makes a $150 home office stipend available to those who are 100% telework. The Associate I for Policy & Advocacy reports to the Massachusetts State Director.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATE I ROLE
The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Coordinate, support, and participate in MEEP coalition meetings, activities, and related coalition communications.
· Support the development and execution of the team’s digital communications strategies and related content in partnership with the Assistant Director for Engagement & Communications.
· Support policy and data research, analysis, and the drafting of policy reports, briefs, memos, and other external documents in partnership with the Senior Policy Analyst.
· Support the development and dissemination of collateral releases, including compiling relevant stakeholders, synthesizing information, planning activities that uplift collateral, and monitoring and tracking outcomes and impact as needed and in coordination with our Senior Policy Analyst.
· Coordinate meetings, track project tasks, and help projects move forward according to established schedules and timelines.
· Collaborate with team members in building relationships by participating in coalitions with diverse stakeholders, including members from the business and civil rights communities, education equity organizations, policymakers, state-based and grassroots organizations, and educators.
· Stay current and knowledgeable on organizational priorities and recent research from Ed Trust and our partners.
IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
· Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on race equity
· Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
· Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Strong relationship-building skills, particularly working across differences; highly collaborative with both internal and external partners
· Creative problem solving
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
· Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience
· Valid driver’s license
· Knowledge of organizing and advocacy and/or policy analysis, particularly being able to translate policy into practical applications for impacted communities preferred
· Experience with or understanding of education policy in Massachusetts preferred
COMPENSATION
This position falls in Level A of our salary structure. New hire offers typically fall between the minimum and mid-point of the range: $50,000-$61,800. Offers will be commensurate with skills, experience, and internal equity.
EdTrust 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 EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all EdTrust 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
EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.