Director of Partnerships & Advocacy (Remote Eligible)
About The Position
The Director of Partnerships & Advocacy is responsible for World Learning and School for International Training (SIT) external relations, policy analysis, and advocacy with respect to the U.S. government, foreign governments, and intergovernmental organizations, think tanks, local and state officials in Vermont, and other entities to advance the organization's mission and core values. The Director works to raise the profile of World Learning and SIT, as a thought leader in people-to-people exchanges, higher education, and basic education, among other areas. The Director will report to the VP of Global Programs, and will advance the organization's strategies for maximizing external relations, relationship-building with government stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels, and communications with key partner organizations to identify new partnership and growth opportunities, expand and deepen relationships, monitor frequently changing policies, engage program alumni in advocacy efforts, and track emerging legislation and trends. This position will rely on the Director's deep understanding of legislative processes, ability to build strategic relationships across political spectrums, represent World Learning's interests in coalition advocacy, and influence external stakeholders. The Director will support the Office of the CEO, Global Programs, SIT, Business Development & Partnerships, Philanthropy, and other key faculty and staff. They will advocate for policies aligned with World Learning's mission and values related to higher education, youth, professional and academic exchange, basic education, refugee support, study abroad, and English language teaching and learning (TESOL). It is expected that this position will also have direct engagement with the World Learning Board of Trustees through the CEO's office.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
- A minimum of seven or more years of recent public policy and/or government relations experience specialized in foreign affairs, global development, and/or higher education.
- Demonstrated success in developing comprehensive policy and advocacy approaches that consider multiple viewpoints.
- A deep and practiced understanding of effective messaging and a successful history as a team player.
- A strategic and analytical thinker who can see connections between policy and personalities and between current and future programs and foreign policy developments.
- A relentless connector who creates common cause among people with differing interests
- Familiarity with legislative language and a thorough understanding of the appropriations process for the U.S. Department of State.
- Precise and persuasive written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in relevant databases and software applications.
Responsibilities
- Relationship Development: Identifies opportunities and strategies for partnership and relationship cultivation and strengthening.
- Advocacy: Develops effective advocacy messaging and tactics. Participates in advocacy activities with relevant coalitions in global leadership, foreign policy, higher education, international exchange, and basic education.
- Education and Communication: Creates educational and engagement opportunities for staff and faculty with key external stakeholders. Prepares senior leaders and staff for external engagements by providing targeted message points and background materials.
- Representation: Serves as a key organizational representative for select officials and external partners. Represents the organization as appropriate at community and governmental meetings and conferences.
- Evidence-Based Knowledge: Furthers a culture of effective storytelling and advocacy within World Learning. Leverages impactful alumni and participant stories and compelling data from the breadth of World Learning's global portfolio as a basis for partnership development and advocacy.
Benefits
- World Learning provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, FSA/HRA, Life/AD&D, Short Term/Long Term Disability, EAP, Parking and Transit, 403 (b) retirement plan for full-time and eligibile part-time employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
