Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy

DC Charter School Alliance•Washington, DC

10d•$80,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy will help analyze policy that originates from the DC Council, State Board of Education, and District agencies. The Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy will support the Senior Director of Government Affairs and DC Charter School Alliance team in advocating for or against legislation affecting the public charter school community. Additionally, the Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy will build relationships with school leaders, community members, and elected officials to help ensure a strong base of support for our issues.

Requirements

A passion for educational equity, access, and opportunities for families combined with a deep respect for charter schools and the diversity and history of the charter movement in DC.
An encouraging, can-do attitude.
Detail oriented, data driven and relationship focused.
Alignment with the core values of the DC Charter School Alliance.
Excellent strategic planning and project management skills.
Exceptional legislative analysis skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, exhibit flexibility, and drive results in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Highly organized and able to work at a fast pace.
Pattern of executing against goals on time and to high standards.
Minimum of three to six years of professional work experience in advocacy or public policy.
Minimum of two years of professional work experience in or with a school or education-related organization.
Experience planning, managing, and implementing advocacy projects.
Familiarity with the DC community.

Nice To Haves

Experience with community development, education, and other local advocacy issues preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage the DC Alliance’s and schools’ relationships with advocacy and policy coalitions and partners, including by attending meetings and events and by coordinating meetings between school leaders and policymakers.
Review local and federal proposed legislation, regulations, and policies relevant to the DC charter sector and, where appropriate, summarize and recommend DC Alliance activity.
In collaboration with the communications team, prepare effective advocacy materials, including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, letters, talking points, and advocacy toolkits.
Track and stay up to date with local education issues.
Manage advocacy and policy communications, messaging, and outreach with biweekly advocacy newsletter content, monthly website updates and blog posts, and regular collaboration with communications and organizing team members.
Manage process for drafting and reviewing testimony and public comment for DC Alliance team members, which includes scheduling preparation sessions and tracking deadlines.
Develop strategic and operational plans to engage the broader charter school community in organization initiatives, in partnership with the advocacy team.
Create informational materials and reports.
Recruit, train, engage, and mobilize charter school teachers, staff, parents, and students.
Build and maintain community relationships with a broad base of stakeholders and constituencies.
Manage a portfolio including 2-5 content areas that are critical to the work of the organization and the mission of the charter school sector.
Supervise interns and fellows, as appropriate.