Senior Manager of Advocacy

Job Summary

The Senior Manager of Advocacy and Policy develops and leads the DC Charter School Alliance’s advocacy and research efforts to advance the organization’s legislative and regulatory priorities, positions, and goals. The Senior Manager of Advocacy builds relationships with leaders from advocacy, policy, and research organizations in the District of Columbia and at the national level, key education agency leaders, and the broader public as needed to substantiate the organization.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy & Policy

Develop the DC Alliance’s legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities in collaboration with the Member Council, the Director of Government Affairs, stakeholders, and partners.

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 legislative, regulatory, and administrative analyses relevant to the DC charter sector and, where appropriate, 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.

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.

Support communications team with drafting and reviewing testimony and public comment for DC Alliance team members.

Draft one-pagers for legislative and regulatory bodies.

Support school leaders testifying before legislative and regulatory bodies.

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.

People Management

Coordinate work of consultants and junior team members to advance the organization’s strategy.

Qualifications

Mindset/Values

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 and data driven.

Alignment with the core values of the DC Charter School Alliance.

Skills

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.

Experience

Minimum of five years 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.

Compensation

The salary range for a fully qualified candidate is $75,000 to $95,000 and based on experience. The DC Charter School Alliance provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, prescription, vision, dental, flexible spending account, and life and disability insurance, as well as commuter benefits and retirement programs.