Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer

Target hire date: Nov - Dec, 2021 (full-time, remote, FLSA exempt - Washington DC preferred)

Trust for Learning, a fiscally sponsored project of New Venture Fund, seeks a full-time Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer to support our network of partners and projects that expand high-quality early learning environments — grounded in the principles of ideal learning — for all children. While this position will contribute to all areas of our work, expertise in Head Start, program evaluation and communications, partnership development, and equity expertise are of central importance . Trust for Learning is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage submissions from people of color, people with disabilities, people of any educational background and people who identify as LGBTQ. Key responsibilities Trust for Learning (the Trust) invests in our mission to expand ideal learning environments for every young child through five strategies: movement building, Head Start, policy, networks of practice, and educator development. The Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer will build on a dynamic portfolio of projects to develop new philanthropic partnerships in all of these areas, with a particular focus on expanding and sharing learnings from our efforts in Head Start. Specific responsibilities will include some or all of the following:

● In 2021, build upon our current efforts in Head Start (including the Ideal Learning Head Start Network and a new cohort of 5 planning grants) to develop a multi-year strategy, evaluation plan, budget and fundraising plan to expand ideal learning participation in and influence on Head Start

● During 2022, lead and report evaluation of our current and recent grants to inform visioning for 2023 and beyond ● In partnership with other staff, support ongoing storytelling efforts with a portfolio of 25+ current grantee partners with an initial focus on Head Start www.trustforlearning.org

● Build relationships with funder partners around the country to expand resources for 2022 and beyond

● Lead board-facing and external reporting of partner outcomes, challenges, and successes with a focus on equity and inclusion

● Lead 2-3 strategic internal projects per year

● Cultivate relationships with experts, policymakers, and potential grantee partners around the country who can enrich and expand the movement for ideal learning

● Speak on behalf of the Trust to funding partners, the media, and other stakeholders (e.g., present at conferences; author blog posts, draft op-eds)

● Learn from and contribute to our team’s ongoing professional development efforts in early childhood policy, philanthropy, equity and research

● Manage relationships with colleagues and external consultants; as needed, provide mentorship or supervision for staff members

● Support ongoing equity efforts in all areas of our work Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

● Commitment to expanding high-quality programs aligned with the principles of ideal learning to serve more children

● Extensive experience with Head Start-funded early childhood programs

● Knowledge of federal Head Start policy, regulations, and technical assistance partners

● Excellent formal and informal storytelling, writing, and presentation skills across formats

● Direct experience operationalizing principles of equity and racial equity within philanthropy, education, or non-profit contexts

● Experience managing milestone-based performance goals and consulting with partners to achieve desired impact

● Compassionate communication and facilitation skills to proactively raise difficult questions, pursue new insights, and achieve equitable solutions

● Ability to take initiative and thrive in a remote, collaborative work environment

● Ideally, experience with formative or ongoing educator development or licensure

● Ideally, Spanish language proficiency

● Ideally, experience as an early childhood educator and knowledge of one or more of the approaches from the Ideal Learning Roundtable

We welcome applicants with any range of educational experiences — both in terms of life experience and degrees, and are committed to the continual professional growth of all employees. Work Environment Trust for Learning is a strategic philanthropic partnership staffed by a team of 5-6 with a supportive national board of early childhood experts.

We also work closely with several dynamic groups of experts including the Ideal Learning Roundtable. This is a remote position that requires working from home and occasional travel (up to 5-10%). While the position is remote and virtual, location in the DC metro area is preferred. Our staff is currently located in DC, Colorado and Massachusetts and we typically work during east coast hours.

This position is fully funded through existing philanthropic commitments through 2022, and the new Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer will work closely with other senior staff to secure additional funding for the following years. The Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer is an executive-level leader and will interface directly with the board and co-chairs while reporting to the  Trust’s executive director, Ellen Roche.

Compensation: Compensation for this position will start at $120,000 and be commensurate with experience. Additionally, we offer fully-paid insurance premiums, vacation, and a generous benefits package including a 3% 401k match and health reimbursement account.

Trust for Learning is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed,sex, gender identity,sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

Application Process

Please send:

● A resume

● A brief personal statement (cover letter, video, or some other creative format)

to info@trustforlearning.org with the subject line “Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer 2021.” We will review applications and schedule interviews on a rolling basis with a planned hire date in late November 2021. Please make sure that your personal statement helps us understand how your experience matches the skills and experience we are seeking in this position.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team at Trust for Learning! Compensation: Compensation for this position will start at $120,000 and be commensurate with experience. Additionally, we offer fully-paid insurance premiums, vacation, and a generous benefits package including a 3% 401k match and health reimbursement account