CHANGING POLICY, CHANGING LIVES

About EdVoice and EdVoice Institute

EdVoice is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit education advocacy organization reshaping public education in California so that students from low-income communities have futures filled with opportunity. More than 60% of California's 5.8 million public school students are low-income. The sobering reality is that most perform at about half the level of their more affluent peers across key indicators such as reading, math, and college readiness. Clearly, the state's 175-year-old public education system is not meeting the needs of all students. Achieving the kind of systemic change necessary to address the scale of the problem requires bold, coordinated action at the state level.

Together, EdVoice and its sister organization, EdVoice Institute, a 501(c)(3), drive scalable policy changes for the children of California. EdVoice Institute develops and advances evidence-based policy solutions to improve learning statewide alongside coalition partners. EdVoice leads the lobbying and campaigning to get those policies passed. EdVoice also provides strategic political contributions through its EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders who prioritize the needs of students from low-income communities.

This dual approach is unique among education policy groups in California and has already proven successful. Since relaunching in 2022, EdVoice has championed transformative early literacy policy changes that will uplift reading outcomes for millions of students. This includes universal screening for reading difficulties in all K-2 classrooms and statewide adoption of evidence-based reading instruction and materials. In addition, both organizations have influenced legislation to place more qualified teachers in high-needs schools. Looking forward, EdVoice and EdVoice Institute will continue to push for an education system in which all children—regardless of background—have access to the quality education they need and future opportunities they deserve.

The Opportunity

EdVoice Institute has developed a comprehensive agenda of policy recommendations across five key pillars that—if passed and effectively implemented—will transform the education system by 2040. To attain this vision, our team needs a strategic, execution-focused policy leader who deeply understands school systems and is willing to go above and beyond to reshape public education in California.

EdVoice and the EdVoice Institute are seeking a highly ambitious and enthusiastic education expert with a strong passion for state policy and implementation to serve as their Chief Policy & Program Officer (CPPO). This role goes beyond advocating for impactful policies. This is vision setting. This is identifying transformative solutions and helping them actually turn into law. This is thinking 15 years ahead to what policies, based on evidence and proven solutions, can have the most positive impact for underserved students to receive a high-quality education. We are searching for a leader with a strong understanding of the education landscape and an urgent drive to identify and implement the most compelling statewide solutions. The CPPO will play a key role in developing and advancing evidence-based policy ideas, drafting policy recommendations, and researching promising initiatives. Additionally, they will build meaningful coalitions, drive successful legislative strategies, support getting bills passed, and help ensure policies are implemented effectively in California schools and classrooms. The CPPO will be a strategic, hands-on leader with a demonstrated history of measurable success and believes in the power of driving systems-level change.

Essential Responsibilities

Develop Effective Policy Solutions

● Lead EdVoice Institute's policy strategy, identifying the highest impact, research-backed policy solutions that expand academic success and opportunity for underserved students

● Continuously monitor and evaluate California, national, and comparative state education policies; research agencies such as the State Board of Education, Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and County Offices of Education, assessing best practices, implementation challenges, and emerging trends to inform recommendations

● Manage a portfolio of several big issues at a time, at varying stages of development, and prepare synthesized reports, briefings, and recommendations that guide decision-making in Sacramento and statewide

● Publish documents, briefs, and reports, and guide the writing of legislation, synthesizing complex information into clear reports and tools for sustainable implementation

● Develop a system to analyze all California education policies annually, determine which align most closely with EdVoice Institute's policy agenda, and prioritize those for advocacy efforts

Policy Implementation & Strategic Adaptation

● Shape the organization's point of view on effective, statewide policy implementation by synthesizing experiences from California and other states in rolling out high-impact education policies

● Support the State Board and Department of Education in developing effective guidance and a strong rollout plan to help ensure successful implementation in schools and districts once a bill has passed

● Identify best practices and pockets of success in policy implementation across California, and amplify these successes through reports, convenings, and other strategic platforms

● Work with university partners and others to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of priority policies to see if policies actually had the intended effect on student achievement

● Coach and support the team to produce clear, compelling briefs and reports that distill complex issues into persuasive narratives, strengthening EdVoice's influence with policymakers and partners and maintaining momentum post-passage of a policy

● Establish and lead a practitioner council to gather insights from education leaders, ensuring our policy priorities address the most pressing issues affecting children from low-income communities, sharing success stories, and solving potential implementation challenges

Coalition Building & Collective Action

● Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships across California by building credibility with key community leaders, education partners, school districts, nonprofits, foundations, policymakers, and elected officials. Collaborate to explore innovative ideas, align on effective policy solutions, and advocate for systemic change that drives equity and long-term impact

● Work alongside the CEO, EdVoice team, and consultants, serving as a spokesperson on legislative and policy issues, representing EdVoice and EdVoice Institute in partnership meetings, public forums, and media

● Support district leaders, government agencies, and advocacy groups to develop and test effective and new strategies, tools, and tactics that engage school administrators, resulting in local policy implementation victories

● Work cross-functionally with the Director of Communications & Marketing to align policy communications for campaigns, events, and initiatives

Leading a High-Performing Team

● Energize and inspire the Policy Team and EdVoice team members, creating and maintaining an environment of belonging that is centered on capacity building, learning together, and leading solutions-focused work

● Partner with the CEO to cultivate a culture of big-picture thinkers and active doers, rooted in the belief that all children deserve a high-quality education. Encourage creative problem-solving that is translated into detailed action plans and clear deliverables.

● Work alongside the CEO to establish performance metrics, accountability structures, and a long-term vision of the organization

● Develop the Policy Team's capacity to translate complex priorities into clear strategies and coordinated action, fostering alignment, accountability, and ownership

● Equip and empower the team to surface emergent policy concerns and respond quickly, leveraging current events and other opportunities to maximize collective impact

Ideal Candidate Profile

● 12+ years of experience in school system leadership, policy, research, and/or advocacy in education with demonstrated success in leading an entrepreneurial and growing organization

● 7+ years of experience managing high-performing teams; start-up experience is a plus

● Demonstrated success in leading strategic policy reform within complex environments

● Enthusiastic collaborator with deep hands-on knowledge of school systems and evidence-based education policies, and best practice strategies

● Strong understanding of teaching and learning, and can identify what moves the needle for high-quality instruction at both the classroom and system levels

● Strategic yet hands-on, able to see the big picture and deliver against clear priorities in an ambiguous and ever-evolving environment

● Executes with efficiency and attention to detail while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

● Reliable team player, taking initiative and exercising discretion while fostering strong cross-department relationships to deliver results at a high standard

● Passionate about making big changes to public education policy and excited to be an anchor leader in an organization that is looking to grow and expand its impact

● Leads with humility and adaptability, demonstrating openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous learning

● Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus

Application and Hiring Process

We are excited to review your application! To apply, please submit your resume to resumes@leveledtalent.com. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so it is in the candidates' best interest to apply as soon as possible. Please note: Only applicants who submit materials through our search partner Leveled Talent will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range is $200k - $240k, commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

● Health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse, and eligible dependents

● 13 days of paid time off (PTO), 12 paid holidays, winter break from December 25th - 31st, plus sick days

● Fully vested employer 1:1 match of employee 401(k) contributions up to 4%

● Reimbursement of up to $500 for a remote workspace, in accordance with organizational policy, reimbursement of up to $750 for a cell phone, in accordance with organizational policy, and $90/month technology stipend

This is a full-time position based in California. The work environment is currently remote, with 15% - 25% travel expected to meet with the full team and key partners across California. All team members will work for both organizations, EdVoice 501(c)(4) and EdVoice Institute, a 501(c)(3). This position will be responsible for supporting policy solutions for both organizations.

EdVoice is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, national origins, ages, religions, creeds, veteran or disabled statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions. Please visit our website for more information at www.edvoice.org.

This position was originally posted by EdVoice and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.

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