Director of TK-12 Policy

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY 

EdTrust-West seeks a Director of TK-12 Policy. The Director will join a staff who are committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

The TK–12 Policy Director leads the vision, strategy, and execution of a policy agenda focused on advancing education equity through systems change, guiding the development of clear, high-quality policy positions and resources while adapting to evolving policy landscapes. This role serves as a key external and internal thought leader, building relationships and influencing stakeholders, policymakers, and funders to elevate organizational priorities and demonstrate policy impact. Internally, the director manages and develops a high-performing team, oversees day-to-day operations, and fosters a collaborative, results-driven culture. As part of the leadership team, they contribute to organizational planning, strengthen cross-team systems and processes, and ensure delivery of timely, effective, and mission-aligned work products.

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, Ed Trust 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.

Available immediately, this role is based in our Oakland office. Applicants located in the Greater Los Angeles and Sacramento regions are also encouraged to apply.  Oakland and Sacramento based employees are eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. Greater Los Angeles based employees may work remotely, with travel to Oakland and Sacramento as required. The Director of TK-12 Policy reports to the Deputy Director, Strategic Advocacy, and will supervise a small team.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR OF POLICY ROLE 

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

Policy Leadership

• Lead internal collaboration to set the long-term vision and direction for the TK-12 Policy team and translate that vision into short and long-term goals with relevant work plans
• Inform the organization’s TK-12 policy positions by monitoring and reporting the changing landscape of education equity
• Lead policy conversations, and proactively leading strategic shifts in positions, strategies, or tactics
• Lead the conceptualization and development of tools and resources, such as policy briefs and statements, which make complex policy information accessible to a broad array of stakeholders across the transitional kindergarten to twelfth grade landscape
• Direct the review of all policy products to ensure that they are high-quality, accurate, equity-driven, and actionable, as well as aligned with Ed Trust's mission and goals

External Presence and Influence

• Represent EdTrust throughout California as a thought-leader in the field who shapes policy discussions, decisions, and outcomes focused on transforming education systems to better serve students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty
• Elevate EdTrust’s TK-12 policy priorities by representing the organization in external meetings and developing relationships with key external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
• Develop and present on key metrics to assess the mission-impact of our policy efforts
• Build and maintain new and existing philanthropic and funder relationships and contribute to grant proposals and reports as needed

Internal Capacity Building and Organizational Leadership:

• Lead a dynamic team by identifying and retaining diverse talent, coaching and developing direct reports, and managing and accessing performance
• Lead and maintain positive team culture, using effective practices and norms to facilitate effective team dynamics, communication, and collaboration
• Oversee the day-to-day work of the team, allocating resources, and supporting prioritization
• Serve as a member of the EdTrust-West leadership team including collaboration around the annual work plan and budget, monitoring progress towards team and team members’ goals, coordinating team professional development
• Build systems and structures for effective internal collaboration within and across teams to ensure on-time, high-impact, and high-quality work

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS 

• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
  
• Excellent project management, time management, and budget management skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• In-depth experience developing and conducting policy analysis, research, analyzing and evaluating results, and creating policy recommendations
• Strong demonstrated leadership and team management skills and experience
• Strong relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders
• Knowledge and understanding of education equity issues
• Eagerness for collaboration with both internal and external partners
• High 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 exercise sound judgment and decisiveness
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environmen

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience: 

• At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus
  
• At least 10 years of experience in analyzing policy, data, and research in education or a related field, preferably on topics of equity, including developing policy recommendations, written feedback to proposed legislation, or other tools/resources for advocates and policymakers
• Deep expertise across the TK-12 education policy, with a particular focus on issues of education equity
• Significant experience managing and leading teams

COMPENSATION 

This position falls in Level F of our salary structure for our California office, which has a new hire range of $124,400 to $155,500. Offers will be commensurate with skills, experience, and internal equity and are rarely offered at the top of this range. The full salary range for Level F positions in our California office is $124,400 to $186,600.

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 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% matching opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS, PLEASE APPLY:

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.  

Please click the "apply" button below to complete the application, and include a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.