Director of California Policy

The Position

LPI seeks a Director of California Policy to join its team of research, policy, communication, and operations staff in advancing the organization’s mission to make education equitable for all children. This position will be associated with LPI’s Palo Alto, California office and will require location in or frequent travel to Sacramento, as well as occasional national travel as needed.

While reporting directly to the Chief of Policy and Programs and working in close collaboration with LPI’s Policy, Research, and Communications teams, the Director of California Policy will lead and implement LPI’s policy portfolio in California. The Director of California Policy will (1) play a key role in identifying policy opportunities and developing and executing LPI’s evidence-based policy outreach and engagement strategy for California; (2) lead efforts to inform California policy communities in the development and implementation of evidence-based education policies and practices; (3) cultivate and maintain trusted relationships with relevant interest holders in the California education policymaking arenas, including policymakers, civil rights and advocacy organizations, and membership organizations; and (4) support LPI’s policy work in other states. The successful candidate will bring deep policy advocacy and/or government experience and expertise—including familiarity with research and a commitment to evidence-based policy—in one or more of the following education policy areas:

• Educator Quality
• Whole Child Education
• Equitable Resources and Access
• Assessment and Accountability
• Early Care and Education

Major Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the President and CEO, Chief of Policy and Programs, and other state and federal policy team members, develop and regularly update LPI’s California policy priorities, identify opportunities to advance them, and ensure they are aligned with LPI’s policy efforts in other states and at the federal level.
• Understand California legislative, budget and executive processes and procedures, and establish, maintain, and cultivate strategic, trusted relationships with California legislative and administrative staff, and with education interest holder organizations.
• Maintain a deep knowledge base of education issues and understanding of California politics and key players/interests.
• Develop and implement effective strategies for outreach, education, and partnership building among policymakers and California-based organizations, including dissemination of LPI research and generating/responding to requests for information.
• Convene partners and relevant groups, including organizing in-person and virtual briefings.
• Attend and represent LPI at relevant meetings, symposia, and conferences, including making public presentations on behalf of the organization related to content areas of expertise.
• Perform policy analysis and develop policy recommendations that are well-grounded in educational research, including contributing to LPI reports, research or policy briefs, memos, and blogs. Review, analyze, and draft bill, regulatory, and guidance language, as well as the supporting translational materials.
• Conceptualize and develop tools and resources that make complex research accessible to a broad array of stakeholders in order to inform the development of policy.
• Develop and maintain strong systems for tracking outreach and policy impact in California.
• Work with LPI’s Director of Development to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with foundations that support LPI’s California-based research and policy work, including drafting grant proposals and reports.
• Support LPI policy and research staff in navigating the California policy landscape to advance LPI policy priorities.
• Contribute to LPI’s policy work in other states on an as-needed basis as a member of the policy team.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 10 years of professional experience in policy, government, and/or an organization working on related education policy issues, including significant experience in the California policy arena.
• Advanced degree preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in leading the development or advancement of legislative, executive, and/or administrative education policy, and the demonstrated ability to effectively conduct, analyze, synthesize, translate, and communicate education research to policymakers, including developing and providing technical assistance on education policy development and advancement.
• Exceptional writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in different contexts and with varied audiences.
• Well-established and trusted relationships with key individuals in California government and/or at LPI’s California-based partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in collecting, synthesizing, and evaluating information to support policymakers and policy influencers in using research to develop policy—often in time-sensitive situations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and coordinate several projects simultaneously, support team members, and track complex tasks.
• Ability to thrive in a highly matrixed and collaborative environment.
• A commitment to supporting the learning of other LPI team members and working collaboratively in ways that support their success on projects.
• Demonstrated ability to plan effectively and the flexibility to handle the unexpected.
• Ability and flexibility to travel as needed.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Dispositions

• Passion for ensuring that all children receive empowering and equitable learning, especially historically underserved students.
• Self-starter mentality and the ability to both work independently and foster collaborative working relationships, and to work well in a team-setting.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence and equity.
• Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment.
• An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature.

The Learning Policy Institute has a deep commitment to its staff’s health and well-being and strives to embody the organization’s values within the organizational structure. LPI offers competitive compensation and benefits; prioritizes and provides financial support for professional development; supports diversity, equity, and inclusion work; and values a collaborative culture. LPI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations in order to work onsite in the office.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience, education, and expertise. Range is $125,000 to $175,000, with some flexibility.

Location

This position is based in Sacramento, CA; or Bay Area-based with ability to travel frequently to Sacramento.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, a short writing sample, and three references here. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related performance assessment at that time.