About Us
Chiefs for Change (CFC) is a nonprofit, bipartisan network of diverse state and district education chiefs. With approximately 35 members, our work is focused on advocacy, leadership development, and member supports.
We are positioned to rapidly spread bold policies and practices as we have:
- National reach: Our members lead education systems with more than 7 million students, 435,000 teachers, and 14,000 schools.
- Diverse contexts: Our network is diverse in terms of race, gender, political affiliation, and geography.
- A model for disseminating promising ideas: We work with our members, excellent technical assistance providers, and top-tier research institutions to scale innovative approaches designed to improve student learning.
Job Summary
The Director of Federal Policy will be responsible for developing and executing strategies for advancing the network’s policy priorities at the federal level. Reporting to Chief External Affairs Officer Leila Walsh, the person hired for this role will work remotely and may travel up to 25 percent of the time, mostly to Washington, D.C. The role requires an individual who cares deeply about educational equity, the mission of Chiefs for Change, and the work of our members. A successful candidate is one with experience analyzing federal laws, regulations, and proposed bills; crafting public policy; conducting advocacy campaigns; and working with diverse coalitions to achieve desired outcomes. The individual should have extensive networks in the policy and research communities as well as experience building bipartisan coalitions, leading projects, and managing team members.
Responsibilities
- Work with team members to develop and execute strategies for advancing federal policy priorities
- Monitor and evaluate federal policy initiatives and provide timely, cogent policy analysis and recommendations
- Conduct, coordinate, and oversee research related to developments in the legislative and executive branches
- Build relationships with the legislative and executive branches and represent CFC at events as needed
- Represent CFC in policy forums, coalitions, and networks
- Oversee CFC’s work conducted in collaboration with key partners
- Analyze policy and design alternatives based on the organization’s advocacy and policy goals and monitor progress toward those goals
- Create and deliver presentation materials and analysis for senior leadership and members
- Work closely with senior leaders at Chiefs for Change to create detailed timelines and project plans for new and existing initiatives
- Develop recommendations for how to successfully execute strategic initiatives, considering necessary training and technical support requirements
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key leaders in states and districts as well as with partner organizations; funders and prospective funders; national thought leaders and experts; policymakers; consultants; and other stakeholders working to advance CFC’s priorities
- Develop and publish research and/or policy papers and oversee team members working to create these materials
Requirements
- 10+ years of senior-level policy experience with a track record of success
- Passionate and unwavering belief that all children can and must graduate from high school prepared for college and meaningful careers
- Demonstrated success and leadership managing strategic education system change efforts, preferably within political and/or issue-based advocacy environments and a demonstrated record of success in achieving policy reforms
- Demonstrated success in building coalitions with exceptional political acumen
- Leadership experience in public policy development and implementation
- Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, take initiative, and display tenacious follow-through
- Positive demeanor, curious, eager, and excited to work in a rapidly changing and entrepreneurial environment
Skills
- Ability to translate high-level strategy into tactical implementation in the areas of policy, research, and advocacy
- Ability to analyze research, policy, and advocacy issues and translate findings and recommendations for a variety of audiences in compelling and influential ways
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills
- Proactive in setting a strategy with key relationship management skills
- Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and planning skills
- Ability to manage diverse, inclusive teams and collaborate effectively across a fast-moving organization while fostering a culture of excellence
- Ensure resources are used in a fiscally responsible manner
- Ability to communicate effectively and make arguments in a compelling, nuanced, and concise manner aligned to CFC’s beliefs and positions
The salary and benefits for this position are competitive and depend on prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. As we are a small team, we are not able to directly respond to each inquiry. We will reach out directly to those candidates that we select to move forward in the interview process. We believe diversity is a source of strength and welcome applicants of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.