Senior Advisor - Deeper Learning

Who We Are
The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to shape education policies and improve learning for each and every child. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the Institute connects policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the pre-k to Grade 12 education system and address the complex realities facing public schools and their communities. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others who care about improving public schools, the Institute advances evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for all children.

The Position
LPI seeks a Senior Level Manager to join its team of research, policy, and communication staff to support LPI’s growing portfolio of projects that are designed to advance the use of curriculum, instruction, and performance assessments focused on deeper learning in California and across the nation. Major responsibilities of the position are to help lead the Reimagining College Access (RCA) project and other LPI deeper learning efforts.

Through RCA, LPI is leading a national effort to support the use of k-12 performance assessments in higher education admissions, placement, and success. This initiative brings together a diverse group of k-12 and higher education policy and practice leaders around the idea that both systems can benefit from authentic and holistic ways of assessing students’ competencies and mastery of skills needed for college, work, and life in the 21st century. The successful applicant  will play a leading role in developing efforts to engage k-12 and higher education practitioners in the pilot and implementation phases of this initiative.

The Senior Manager will also join LPI’s deeper learning team, which works on a range of R & D projects to bring equitable and empowering education to all students through educator development and supportive policy.  The successful candidate will bring deep experience in k-12 schools, districts and/or states and expertise in the development and use of curriculum, instruction, and performance assessments to support deeper teaching and learning.

Major Responsibilities

• Play a significant role in leading the development and implementation of the RCA initiative in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Help conceptualize and organize work around deeper learning and performance assessment research and policy with other LPI leaders.
• Identify, design, and advance opportunities for partnership with education organizations that can support and promote deeper learning and performance assessments.
• Attend and represent LPI at relevant meetings, symposia, and conferences and make public presentations on behalf of the organization.
• Contribute to articles, monographs, blog posts, newsletters, and other research and communication efforts to promote deeper learning and performance assessments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in education, public policy, or related field
• 10 or more years working directly with k-12 schools, districts and/or state departments of education
• At least 5 years professional experience working directly with k-12 practitioners and planning educator professional development tailored to the needs of adult learners
• Experience conducting policy-oriented research and/or communicating it to policy audiences
• A strong knowledge of k-12 education issues
• Demonstrated experience with and deep knowledge of deeper learning strategies and performance assessments in k-12 schools
• Knowledge of and/or experience working in local, state, and/or federal education policy arenas
• The ability to work with diverse audiences, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in PK-12 and higher education
• Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to plan effectively and the flexibility to handle the unexpected
• Passion for ensuring that all children receive empowering and equitable learning, especially historically underserved students.
• Self-starter mentality and the ability to both work independently and foster collaborative working relationships, and to work well in a team-setting.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence and equity.
• Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment.
• The intellectual strength and curiosity to understand and appreciate the varied and complex educational policy landscape, and the ability to translate that understanding to policymaker and lay audiences.
• An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and three professional references here. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task/performance assessment at that time. 

The Learning Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.