The Opportunity

EdVoice is seeking a strategic systems thinker to serve as the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer (CPAO). They will be responsible for defining and supporting the implementation of EdVoice’s policy and advocacy agenda for ensuring all low-income students in California receive a quality education. The CPAO will research the best-in-practice education policies, make recommendations, and inspire advocates to work collaboratively. They will embody a systems-level perspective by identifying cross-cutting educational, political, and social issues and acknowledging the tradeoffs that come with big and small decisions to develop a vision for California public education that is student-centered, inclusive, and works for all low-income children in California.

The Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer will work alongside the Chief Executive Officer to develop and communicate a clear strategic direction that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This leader will be a creative problem solver and self-starter experienced in building strong teams and developing the infrastructure needed to strengthen EdVoice’s organizational capacity. They will be excited by the entrepreneurial opportunity to help build a fast-growing, mission-driven organization. The CPAO will support the growth and development of the board and help identify the right funders to sustain our work. The ideal candidate is an equity-centered team player, flexible, and data-driven.

Essential Responsibilities

Policy Analysis & Strategy Development

• Collect and analyze data on education policy and laws to identify the gaps in state policy and/or implementation and to determine which policy improvements can have the greatest impact in expanding academic success and opportunity for low-income children
• Create a short and long-term policy and advocacy agenda for EdVoice with clear objectives, priorities, and measures of success for our work
• Stay abreast of current events, policies, laws, proposed legislation, and issues related to the education system and proactively drive discussions that build the team’s and our partners’ capacity to adapt strategies and initiatives as needed
• Utilize knowledge of the government institutions and the broader political context to help mobilize and organize the resources necessary to effectively advance EdVoice’s political strategies in spite of any obstacles or resistance factors

Partner Engagement & Collective Impact

• Cultivate strong relationships and establish credibility with key community leaders, education partners, school systems, nonprofits, foundations, policymakers, elected officials, legal counsel, and other stakeholders to develop a robust coalition of champions who will partner with EdVoice to reshape public education and expand opportunity for low-income children
• Actively listen to all sides of an issue and initiate constructive conversations by fostering an environment in which our partners can share innovative ideas and insights on education issues to refine our perspective
• Communicate research and analysis findings in a clear and compelling manner to gain the buy-in of our partners to work collectively on the implementation of policies that are proven solutions for educational inequities

Organizational Leadership & Capacity Building

• Collaborate with the CEO to refine EdVoice’s vision by determining the key priorities and strategic direction based on an assessment of the organizational strengths and areas of improvement
• Support the CEO and the Board with recruiting new Board members to the organization; build the capacity of the Board by sharing regular updates and recommendations, garnering feedback, and identifying potential education opportunities to support the execution of their goals and vision for EdVoice
• Develop new and nurture existing philanthropic relationships and work alongside the CEO to support all fundraising efforts to achieve the goal of raising $3 million annually 
• Leverage critical thinking skills and bring a big-picture approach to leadership that centers on creative problem-solving and innovation that is actualized through the creation of detailed action plans and clear deliverables
• Hire, retain, and develop a team of education, research, and policy implementation experts by ensuring individuals, teams, and departments have the capacity, authority, and information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience, with demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams  
• Demonstrated success in leading strategic policy reform within complex environments
• Strong analysis and critical thinking skills with a proven ability to see the big picture, recognize trends, analyze data, and make strategic recommendations
• Exceptional relationship builder and networker with the ability to quickly build rapport, gain trust, and establish coalitions with education and legislative partners along with other stakeholders
• Enthusiastic collaborator with knowledge of evidence-based education policies and best practice strategies
• Solutions-oriented with a proven track record of identifying gaps and opportunities to recommend impactful improvements
• A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism with a strong fundamental understanding of the structural and social inequities in public education at a systemic level 
• A high level of ethics, integrity, and accountability, with an ability to use discretion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to convey complex issues in clear and simple terms
• Committed to EdVoice’s mission of ensuring every low-income child in California receives the education they need to have good choices as an adult and a path to a happy life
• Bachelor's degree required; master’s or above degree in education, policy, or law preferred