Vice President, K-12 Policy

ROLE: Vice President, K-12 Policy

LOCATION:​ Location flexible, preferably Washington, DC

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Full-time

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 10%

START DATE: ASAP

ROLE OVERVIEW

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is seeking a visionary Vice President, K-12 Policy to design and guide the development of a bold, forward-thinking federal and state policy agenda centered on choice, accountability, and innovation in education. This leader will develop impactful strategies to empower elected officials to champion equitable, high-quality public education for all students, with a particular focus on low-income students and students of color.

As Vice President of Policy, you will lead a team responsible for translating innovative policy ideas into actionable resources and guidance for policymakers. In this role, you will also lead cutting-edge research initiatives to inform policy, practice, and politics, ensuring DFER remains at the forefront of education reform. Additionally, you will serve as DFER’s representative at high-level policy conferences, convenings, and meetings with elected officials, effectively communicating and advancing the organization’s mission among key decision-makers.

The Vice President of Policy will also play a pivotal role in navigating the complex political landscape to advance DFER’s education reform agenda. This includes:

• Articulating and advancing a data-driven, forward-looking policy agenda that fosters equity, excellence, and innovation in education, working in collaboration with organizational leaders, Democratic policymakers and staff, partner organizations, think tanks, and other key stakeholders.
• Building and maintaining high-level relationships with a diverse range of political and advocacy contacts to influence public, community, and governmental actions in support of a student-centered agenda.

WHO WE ARE 

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color who should be better served by our country’s public education system. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures through empowering community leaders to support our legislative and political advocacy work. ERNA keeps constant pressure on legislators to champion high-quality public education. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-12 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. 

WHAT WE DO 

1. Support for Forward-Thinking Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis and education that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions. 

2. Informing the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system that serves and is held accountable to all students and families.

3. Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach, from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers, enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Policy Agenda Development: Clearly articulate a forward-looking national policy agenda, encompassing both federal and state initiatives, with a focus on innovation, accountability, and choice to drive transformative change in public education. 
• Policy Translation and Guidance: Lead a team that produces high-quality policy briefs, toolkits, and other resources to support Democratic policymakers in advancing reform.
• Team Leadership and Development: Oversee and manage a small, high-performing team, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure the successful development and execution of policy initiatives. Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment that empowers team members to excel in their roles.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with Democratic policymakers, education leaders, think tanks, and advocacy groups to build coalitions and partnerships.
• Representation and Influence: Serve as DFER’s senior policy representative at conferences, convenings, and meetings with high-level elected officials and stakeholders.

Requirements

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Policy Expertise: Deep understanding of education policy, with a commitment to evidence-based approaches, a focus on equity, excellence, and innovation, and a record of producing high-quality and impactful research on the subject. 
• Strategic Policy Leadership: Demonstrated ability to balance a detailed understanding of policy nuances with a strategic, big-picture perspective, ensuring the successful development, adoption and eventual passage of legislation in complex political environments.
• Strategic Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate complex policy concepts persuasively to diverse audiences, including elected officials and stakeholders.
• Democratic Party Acumen: Strong personal relationships with key Democratic policymakers and policy groups and a thorough understanding of the party’s structures and priorities.
• Leadership Experience: Proven success leading high-impact policy teams.
• Commitment to Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence for all students.

Benefits

COMPENSATION

The base salary range for this position is $190,000 - $230,000.  DFER is proud to offer excellent benefits: health, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; 401K plan with a match plan; flexible spending/benefits plan; paid family leave; paid time off (vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and all National holidays).

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees & LGBTQ people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of the students we serve. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply as soon as possible, even if you are not available to start immediately. All applications are held in strict confidence. Interested applicants should apply here. References will be requested in a later stage of the selection process.  Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.