Assistant Director, Policy & Research

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks an Assistant Director of Policy & Research on our EdTrust Michigan team. The Assistant Director will join a staff who are committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

The Assistant Director leads the Michigan team's work to produce high-quality analyses and research that expose inequities in the education system, highlight equitable policies that advance student achievement, and ensure that policymakers and key stakeholders have the information and tools they need to advocate for policy change. The Assistant Director builds relationships to provide guidance, thought partnership, and support to members of the Policy team, partners throughout the organization, and key stakeholders and policymakers in Michigan and across the country.

Ed Trust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

Available immediately, this role works primarily from a home office in the state of Michigan, with some required in-person convenings, meetings, and events. The Assistant Director of Policy & Research reports to the Michigan State Director and will supervise a small number of employees, contractors, and/or interns.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR OF POLICY ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate with the State Director to set the long-term vision and direction for the policy and research work streams and translate that vision into short and long-term goals with relevant work plans
• Manage policy and research team staff, including identifying and retaining diverse talent, coaching and developing direct reports, and managing and assessing performance
• Oversee the day-to-day policy and research work, including allocating resources and supporting prioritization
• Lead the conceptualization and development of tools and resources, such as policy briefs and statements, which make complex policy information accessible to a broad array of stakeholders
• Inform the organization'sP-16policy positions by monitoring and reporting the changing landscape of education equity policy conversations
• Elevate the organization's P-16policy priorities by representing the organization in external meetings and developing relationships with key external stakeholders, peer organizations, policymakers, leaders, funders, and other advocates
• Direct the review of all policy and research products to ensure that they are high-quality, accurate, equity-driven, and actionable, as well as aligned with Ed Trust's mission and goals
• Design quantitative and qualitative research projects
• Develop and present on key metrics to assess the mission-impact of our policy efforts
• Build systems and structures for effective internal collaboration within and across teams to ensure on-time, high-impact, and high-quality products

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in Ed Trust's mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to manage projects from end-to-end and deliver results on-time and on budget
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders
• Deep and nuanced knowledge and understanding of education equity issues in Michigan

• Eagerness for collaboration with both internal and external partners
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills
• High emotional intelligence, professional maturity, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to others; as well as to receive and act upon feedback from others
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisiveness
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a bachelor's degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus
• Substantial(e.g., at least 7years)of experience in analyzing policy, data, and research in education or a related field, preferably on topics of equity, including developing policy recommendations, written feedback to proposed legislation, or other tools/resources for advocates and policymakers
• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on issues of educational equity; experience with education policy in Michigan isa must
• Experience managing and leading others highly preferred

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level F of our salary structure for our Michigan office. New hire offers typically fall between $111,072 and $138,840, commensurate with skills, experience, and internal equity; offers rarely fall at the top of this range.

The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

To apply: Please provide an updated resume and respond to the short answer questions. Priority will be given to applications received by January 23rd.