The Government Affairs team seeks a manager to support the team as we represent and advocate for Teach For America’s priorities before Congress and the Administration. In this role, you will serve as a critical member of the Government Affairs team and will use your knowledge of Congress and the Executive Branch to help raise Teach For America’s profile, advance the organization’s federal priorities, and build champions among key decision makers in the federal government. You will also play an important role in supporting the Teach For America Capitol Hill Fellows Program by providing support in the application, selection and placement of Fellows, as well as on-going professional development throughout the Fellowship cycle.
Government Affairs (estimated 70%). Working closely with the Vice President and Director of Government Affairs to:
- Execute a strategy that ensures Members of Congress understand and value Teach For America’s mission and impact in their communities and nationally
- Help secure bipartisan support in Congress for programs, policies, and federal funding streams that support Teach For America’s mission across the country
- Help cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance Teach For America’s mission
- Collaborate in the drafting and review of advocacy materials, memos, hearing questions, fact sheets and other materials for internal and external use
- Manage the reporting of lobbying disclosures
- Attend Congressional briefings, hearings and other external events and report back on key observations and contacts made
- Assist in the planning, organization, and execution of legislative summits and advocacy days for the CEO, members of the National Community Alliances team, and in partnership with other organizations
- Develop and execute an engagement plan for Teach For America alumni who work in the federal government in the D.C. region.
Capitol Hill Fellows Program (estimated 30%)
- Support the Teach For America Capitol Hill Fellows Program in partnership with VP, Policy and Associate, Public Partnerships
- Develop and execute recruitment strategy for next cohort of Fellows
- Support all stages of application process for next cohort of Fellows
- Support planning for professional development and career support for current cohort of Capitol Hill Fellows through their year-long fellowship in Washington, D.C. including attending Fellow program events and advising on post-Fellowship opportunities.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communications skills
- Excellent strategic and critical thinking skills
- Highly motivated and able to excel in an entrepreneurial environment
- Ability to partner with external and internal stakeholders
- Ability to develop and cultivate relationships and networks in order to achieve results
- Ability to effectively organize, plan and execute projects
- Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, OneNote)
- Commitment to issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the workplace
- A deep belief in Teach For America’s vision, mission and theory of change
Prior Experience:
- 2 years of public policy and/or federal legislative experience
- Experience in or knowledge of education policy; OR
- Previous experience in a government affairs role related to education policy.
Work Demands:
- Occasional evening or weekend work required to support special events and projects.