Edtech.com's Summary

EdTrust-West is hiring a Director II of TK-12 Policy to lead and execute a statewide policy agenda focused on advancing education equity through systemic change. The role involves developing policy positions, influencing stakeholders and policymakers, managing a high-performing team, and contributing to organizational strategy and capacity building.

Highlights

Lead development and execution of TK-12 education equity policy agenda.
Serve as the organization's lead expert on TK-12 policy and drive strategic policy decisions.
Represent EdTrust-West in policy discussions with legislators, coalitions, media, and community leaders.
Manage and develop a small policy team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
Oversee organizational planning, budget, and cross-team alignment to support policy priorities.
Develop and manage relationships with funders, lead grant writing and resource development efforts.
Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred), 12+ years of policy experience, and 6+ years of team leadership.
Expertise in TK-12 policy with focus on educational equity and demonstrated success influencing state-level education policy.
Compensation ranges from $145,580 to $181,980 annually with a comprehensive benefits package including fully covered medical, dental, vision for employees, retirement match, and generous leave policies.
Established relationships with California policymakers and education leaders are essential.

Director II, TK12 Policy Full Description

Director II, TK12 Policy (California)

ETW TK 12 Policy

Full-time Director Full-Time

Management

California, Oakland CA, US

Salary Range:$145,580.00 To $181,980.00 Annually

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

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

The Director II of TK–12 Policy defines, drives, and executes a statewide policy agenda focused on advancing TK12 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 multi-year plans and 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 and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week under our current policy. We are also open to candidates based in Los Angeles and Sacramento. The Director II of TK-12 Policy reports to the Deputy Director, Strategic Advocacy and will supervise a small team.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR II OF TK-12 POLICY ROLE

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

Policy Strategy and Agenda Leadership:

Establish and continuously adapt EdTrust-West's statewide TK12 policy agenda, identifying emerging opportunities, risks, and shifts in the political landscape, and recommending strategic organizational responses
Serve as EdTrust-West's lead subject matter expert on TK-12 policy, guiding decision-making and strategy on priority issues
Develop and advance clear, bold, politically viable and actionable policy positions informed by research, stakeholder engagement, political analysis, and equity considerations, and designed to produce measurable improvements in student outcomes
Lead policy conversations and proactively lead strategic shifts in positions, strategies, or tactics
Direct the review of all TK12 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

Field Leadership and Influence:

Develop original policy frameworks, recommendations, and analyses that set and influence statewide policy discussions
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
Represent EdTrust-West before policymakers, media outlets, statewide coalitions, and state forums and proactively identify, create, and leverage opportunities to elevate EdTrust-West's influence, visibility, and impact within California’s policy ecosystem
Lead or co-lead statewide coalitions and working groups aligned with EdTrust-West's TK-12 priorities, building strategic alliances with advocacy organizations, practitioners, researchers, and community leaders to advance educational equity
Shape statewide education policy conversations by convening stakeholders, advancing policy frameworks, and positioning EdTrust-West as a leading voice on TK-12 issues

Internal Capacity Building and Leadership:

Serve as a senior organizational leader and trusted advisor on EdTrust-West’s policy positions and strategy
Help lead EdTrust-West’s organizational planning, budgeting, and priority-setting processes
Build collaborative cross-functional structures to strengthen EdTrust-West's capacity for policy influence and impact
Drive alignment of ETW’s strategic goals across policy, government affairs, communications, research, and higher education policy teams to advance EdTrust-West's strategic priorities
Oversee the long-term and day-to-day work of the TK12 policy team, cultivating a positive team culture, allocating resources, and supporting prioritization
Lead the recruitment, development, coaching, and performance management of the TK12 policy team

Resource Development:

Develop and execute resource development targets and strategy that proactively advance the team’s policy priorities and long-term sustainability
Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective funders aligned with the team's work
Lead the development of grant concepts, proposals, reports, and funder communications
Present policy priorities and impact to funders and philanthropic partners

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
Track-record of skill in developing and conducting policy analysis, research, analyzing and evaluating results, and creating policy recommendations that led to positive policy change and impact
Strong demonstrated leadership and team management skills and experience
Strong relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders, including funders
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 environment

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 12 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 (e.g., at least 6 years) effectively managing and leading teams
Demonstrated success influencing state-level policy agendas, legislative proposals, or major systems reforms
Significant experience serving as a spokesperson, public presenter, media source, or public-facing policy leader
Demonstrated success shaping policy positions and advocacy strategies that resulted in meaningful policy change
Experience cultivating and stewarding philanthropic relationships and contributing to fundraising efforts.
Established relationships and credibility among California policymakers, education leaders, advocacy organizations, and funders

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level G of our salary structure for our California office, which has a new hire range of $145,580 to $181,980. Offers will be commensurate with skills, experience, and internal equity and are rarely offered at the top of this new hire range.

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 CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply: Please provide an updated resume and cover letter expressing your interest in the position, as well as answers to the short answer questions. Priority will be given to applications received by December 4th.

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