Senior Manager, K-12 Policy

ROLE: Senior Manager, K-12 Policy

LOCATION: Washington, DC (remote negotiable)

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Full-time

START DATE: Spring 2024

REPORTS TO: Vice President for K-12 Policy

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Senior Manager of K-12 Policy to research, develop, and analyze pre-K

through 12th grade education policies at the federal, state, and local levels within, but not

limited to, the following policy focus areas:

• Assessment, accountability, and college and career readiness
• Public school choice, including public charter schools
• Human capital, including: educator preparation, compensation, placement, and promotion
• Resource equity
• Innovation/R & D

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 work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We are

education progressives who prioritize students and families, especially low-income

students and students of color who should be better served by our country’s public

education system.

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances

education reform measures through empowering community leaders to support our legislative

and political advocacy work. ERNA keeps constant pressure on legislators to champion

high-quality public education.

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes

increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education, particularly for

students of color and students from low-income families.

WHAT WE DO

1. Support for Progressive Education 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 an education system that is 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

1. Develop & advance ERN’s K-12 policy and political agenda with respect to:

assessments and accountability; public school choice and public charter schools;

human capital, including educator preparation and compensation; research &

development; and innovation.

a. Prepare and draft reports and issue briefs;

b. Conduct policy analyses and develop specific recommendations for federal,

state, and local actors;

c. Provide technical assistance to federal, state, and local leaders interested in

pursuing a relevant policy agenda, including bill drafting, budget analyses, and

impact assessments.

d. Plan and execute associated advocacy campaign activities at the federal,

state, and local levels.

2. Monitor, advocate, and influence federal legislation, regulations, and executive action.

a. Work closely with Congressional staff, Department of Education staff, and most

actively relevant education and civil rights organizations to protect and

advance policies related to K-12 school reform,

b. Draft federal and state legislation; recommendations for regulations and

guidance; policy memos; summaries or fact sheets; letters; testimony; talking

points; questions for hearings; etc... to support ERN’s agenda.

3. Engage with and learn from education policy and advocacy communities in

Washington, DC and beyond with travel to supported ERN states.

4. Write and publish op-eds, blog posts, articles on relevant policies.

a. Comment in traditional pri