President, Northeast Region and Executive Director, DFER Massachusetts

LOCATION: Strong preference for being located in the Boston area. Day-to-day work is hybrid (remote and in-person)

START DATE: As soon as possible

REPORTS TO: Chief of State and Regional Impact

ROLE OVERVIEW

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) seeks an innovative and passionate public education advocate to serve as President of the Northeast Region and Executive Director of DFER-MA. The President/ED will build off of existing organizational infrastructure in MA and will lead DFER’s efforts to expand into additional states in the Northeast. The precise points of engagement within the Northeast Region will be determined, in conjunction with the successful candidate, by the organization’s assessment of emerging opportunities.

The President/ED will support Democrats (electeds and candidates) and initiatives that will expand policies and practices that deliver results for students while also confronting those that do not. In keeping with DFER’s core values, the ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the MA and regional political landscape and be an education reformer who prioritizes students and families, particularly students of color, students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities. The President/ED will embrace and advance DFER’s foundational mission: to create a public education system that empowers all students to reach their limitless potential. The President/ED will build off of and continue our existing work in MA and will strategically cultivate a regional network of elected ed reform champions in the Northeast.

WHO WE ARE

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that deliver results for America’s students and confront those that do not. We are education reformers who prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color, who are served by our country’s public schools.

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures by empowering community leaders to support our political advocacy work. ERNA campaigns for and partners with elected leaders to champion high-quality public education.

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes innovative, evidence-based reforms in public education, particularly for students of color, students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities.

WHAT WE DO

1. Support for Education Reform Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis, and education that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions.

2. Informing the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create public schools that are held accountable to all kids and families.

3. Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities of the Regional President/ED will include:

• Overseeing DFER’s state impact strategy within the Northeast Region which includes: leading the MA Chapter, building a network of aligned champions in the Northeast Region (minus NY, where we have an existing chapter with a leadership team in place), and leading our Governors’ Program engagement efforts in the region.

• Leading the MA Chapter
• Supervising existing MA staff
• Serving as an active champion for the DFER agenda in Massachusetts
• Partnering with and supporting elected officials in Massachusetts who share DFER’s vision to prioritize a student-centered policy agenda that is rooted in educational equity and excellence
• Recruiting, training, and supporting prospective candidates for