Description

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education (“the Alliance”) is a nonprofit organization that is driving a revolutionary shift in the way that we think about education. Our mission is to improve lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. We are driven by this mission, supported by science, and backed by a growing list of global luminaries and leaders.

The decisions we make shape our lives and those of the people around us. There is no more important set of skills that we can teach today’s youth than how to approach decision-making.

The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our team is made up of diverse, dedicated, and driven educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals who have come from different backgrounds for a common purpose. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Alliance offers a comprehensive total rewards package inclusive of competitive compensation that is commensurate with experience, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), an Employee Assistance Program, and employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Employees may also contribute to a Flexible Spending Account and a 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%. Employees receive equipment and supplies to work remotely as well as additional resources to help them do their best work.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Public Policy Manager will be responsible for managing activities to support state-level policy development and implementation in priority states. This will include organizing in-person and virtual meetings and convenings to identify, cultivate, and engage state policy leaders as champions for Decision Education.

The Public Policy Manager will report to the Director of Public Policy as a part of the Public Policy department, which is responsible for building and sustaining local, state, and federal policies for the teaching and funding of Decision Education. This position may be a Senior Manager depending on a candidate’s experience and qualifications.

If you have experience in K-12 education policy at the state and/or national levels, experience growing awareness and support for a cause or movement, and you enjoy working in start-up environments focused on improving the future of the next generation, you would be an ideal candidate for this position!

We expect this individual to adhere to the Alliance’s hybrid work schedule, working both remotely and from our office in Bala Cynwyd, PA. We will consider full-time remote employees who are not local to our office with the expectation that they will travel into the office occasionally.

*The position is based in the United States.

*The posted salary range for this position reflects our good faith estimate of what ideal candidates for this position are likely to expect. We will tailor any offer based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience, knowledge, and skills as well as any other factors that may prove relevant.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Director of Public Policy to develop and revise an annual and multi-year education policy and legislative agenda as well as an accompanying advocacy strategy.
• Develop model policies, policy toolkits, policy briefs, and other resources to support Decision Education policy solutions at the state and district levels.
• Monitor, review, and analyze state legislation and/or executive rules related to the organization’s policy agenda using legislative tracking software.
• Schedule, organize, and participate in meetings and convenings with state and district education policy leaders, both in-person and virtual.
• Analyze current initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal Community and Partnerships (“CAP”) Managers to effectively engage state and local advocates and partners in support of policy initiatives. 
• Manage and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including state and local elected officials, education leaders, and community groups.
• Utilize our internal CRM to store, track, and manage relationships.
• Travel as necessary, up to 15-25% of the time, to state capitals, departments of education, governor’s conferences, etc.
• These responsibilities may change or expand over time consistent with the organization’s needs and initiatives.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience
  • 5+ years of experience in K-12 education policy at a state executive or legislative level, or with a foundation or national nonprofit.
  • 3+ years of experience in program and/or project management.
  • Experience working for causes, movements, or campaigns.
  • Experience using a Client/Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
  • Deep understanding of the role of student learning standards in education public policy.
  • Experience or interest in Decision Science is appreciated, but not required.
  • Experience with Fiscal Note is preferred, but not required.
• Skills, Characteristics, and Attributes
  • Strategic and innovative thinker with strong execution skills, including the ability to develop clear project plans and goals.
  • Responsible, diligent, and conscientious with outstanding organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, take initiative, and meet deadlines.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Highly collaborative, professional, and team-oriented.
  • Self-starter and entrepreneurial.
  • Gracious professionalism and emotional maturity.
  • Passionate about our mission and the success of the organization.
  • Intellectual curiosity and interest in learning more about Decision Science.
  • Capable and willing to be flexible and adapt to changing conditions.