Edtech.com's Summary

EdVoice is hiring a Director of Policy to develop innovative, evidence-based education policy solutions aimed at transforming California's public education system by 2040. The role involves designing practical policy reforms, conducting rigorous research, and engaging with partners to influence policy implementation and shape the national education policy conversation.

Highlights

Lead development and execution of policy strategies focused on improving educational outcomes for low-income students in California.
Conduct rigorous research and data analysis to identify education policy gaps and evaluate policy implementation effectiveness.
Create clear, persuasive communications including policy briefs, reports, and presentations for policymakers and education leaders.
Cultivate relationships with researchers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to inform and advance policy initiatives.
At least 7 years of experience in education or public policy, with strong research, analytical, and strategic judgment skills.
Strong knowledge of public education policy, school systems, and related policy areas such as mathematics education, early education, AI in schools, and education governance.
Proficiency with research databases, data analysis, and visualization tools; experience with AI and emerging technologies is a plus.
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred in education, public policy, or related field.
Compensation range: $130,000 – $165,000, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) match, and technology stipends.

Director, Policy Full Description

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Director, Policy

About EdVoice and EdVoice Institute

EdVoice Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education policy organization working to reshape 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. Addressing these disparities requires bold, coordinated action at the state level.

Together, EdVoice Institute and its sister organization, EdVoice (a 501(c)(4)), work to advance scalable policy changes for California’s children. The Institute develops and advances evidence-based policy solutions to improve learning statewide, working alongside coalition partners. EdVoice complements this work through lobbying and campaigning to secure policy adoption, as well as strategic political contributions through its EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders who prioritize the needs of students from low-income communities.

Since relaunching in 2022, the organizations have championed transformative early literacy policies, including universal K-2 reading screenings and statewide adoption of evidence-based reading instruction and materials. EdVoice Institute has also advocated for fully credentialed teachers in high-needs schools, with EdVoice securing legislative wins and budget allocations. Looking forward, both organizations will continue working toward an education system in which all children have access to the quality education they need and the future opportunities they deserve.

The Opportunity

With an ambitious policy agenda designed to transform California’s public education system by 2040, EdVoice is seeking two Directors of Policy to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that reimagine what’s possible for students across the state.

The Directors of Policy will bring together rigorous research and insights from researchers, educators, and school systems to design practical, scalable policy reforms. Through compelling research, policy recommendations, and thought leadership, they will elevate promising practices, influence policy implementation in California, and shape the national conversation on education policy. The two Directors of Policy will have distinct portfolios. One will focus on reimagining the high school experience. The other will begin with a broad set of policy areas drawn from mathematics education, early education, education governance, AI in schools, school funding, and data and accountability, and is expected to narrow to one or two of these areas over time.

The ideal candidates bring big-picture, innovative thinking and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of policy development and implementation. They demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strategic judgment, and exceptional analytical and writing skills to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions. Together, these leaders will catalyze lasting systemic change and expand educational opportunities for generations to come.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategy & Policy Design (35%)

Develop and lead policy strategies within an assigned portfolio, establishing priorities and identifying opportunities to improve educational outcomes for students from low-income communities across California.
Assess the education landscape to identify emerging opportunities for policy reform and build on potential pathways where EdVoice will have the greatest impact.
Translate strategic priorities into actionable policy initiatives, drafting proposals and recommendations from initial concept through final development.
Develop evidence-based policy solutions that address gaps in existing policies and practices, drawing on research, case studies, pilot programs, and insights into school and classroom realities.
Evaluate competing policy approaches, weighing potential impact, implementation requirements, and strategic tradeoffs to develop robust policy recommendations.

Policy Research & Evaluation (30%)

Conduct rigorous research and analysis of education policies, practices, and student outcomes, identifying gaps and synthesizing findings to inform policy priorities.
Analyze data from state and federal agencies, school districts, public databases, and academic studies to uncover trends, disparities, and areas for improvement.
Examine policies, programs, and promising practices across California and other states, drawing on academic research, data, and practitioner insights to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for broader application.
Assess policy implementation and outcomes to determine what is working, identify factors affecting effectiveness, and design strategies to drive policy transformation.

Communications & Knowledge Sharing (20%)

Develop communication strategies that translate EdVoice’s research, policy priorities, and recommendations into persuasive narratives for policymakers, education leaders, partners, and other audiences.
Create compelling, visually engaging policy briefs, reports, presentations, graphics, and other materials that make complex research, data, and policy concepts clear and accessible.
Craft evidence-based policy arguments that articulate the rationale, potential impact, and implications of proposed solutions.
Incorporate feedback from internal teams and external interest holders to sharpen analysis, refine communications, and strengthen the impact of messaging.

Partner Engagement & Strategic Collaboration (15%)

Cultivate relationships with researchers and subject-matter experts to stay abreast of emerging findings and explore innovative approaches to complex policy challenges.
Convene school system leaders, education practitioners, and other key interest holders to examine persistent education challenges, synthesize insights, and develop coordinated policy strategies.
Partner with Government Affairs to align policy research and evidence-based recommendations with legislative priorities, integrating policy analysis and political insights to strengthen proposals and advance the 2040 Agenda.
Represent EdVoice in external policy discussions and professional forums, contributing expertise, gathering perspectives, and building relationships that advance organizational priorities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong commitment to EdVoice’s mission and expanding educational opportunities for students from low-income communities.
7+ years of professional experience in education policy, public policy, research, government, or related fields, including experience developing policy strategies, conducting research, and leading complex policy initiatives.
Deep understanding of public education policy and school systems, including how policies affect teaching, learning, and student experiences. Experience in the policy areas described above is a plus.
Exceptional research and analytical skills, with experience sourcing and analyzing data, evaluating evidence, challenging assumptions, and developing well-supported policy recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive policy arguments and present complex research and data in clear, compelling, and visually engaging formats.
Proven ability to build trust and collaborate with researchers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to gather perspectives, test ideas, and strengthen policy recommendations.
Strategic judgment and project management skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and independently lead complex initiatives.
Proficiency with research databases and data analysis and visualization tools; experience using AI and emerging technologies to improve research, analysis, and communication is a plus.
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in education, public policy, public administration, or a related field preferred.

Application Process

We are excited to review your application. To apply, please submit your resume to [email protected], including the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Please note: Only applicants who submit materials through our search partner, Leveled Talent, will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range is $130,000 – $165,000, 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 25 to 31, 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
$90/month technology stipend

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Sacramento (preferred) or Los Angeles, California, with 2-3 in-person days per week. Travel is approximately 10%–20% to meet with the team and key partners.

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 edvoiceinstitute.org.

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Director, Policy

Edtech.com's Summary

Director, Policy Full Description

Join Our Team – Director, Policy

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