We're Hiring: National Policy Director

ORGANIZATION 

Just Equations (JEQ) works to re-conceptualize the role of mathematics in education equity. An independent resource on math opportunity, we work across education systems to advance evidence-based policies to give all students the quantitative foundation they need to succeed in college and beyond. We build awareness and support for math policies that support equity in transitions to and through college, including high school math pathways, postsecondary admissions policies, and postsecondary math pathways. We are rooted in the values of: 

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Evidence, to ensure effectiveness of policies and practice; 

Equity, to ensure demographics don’t determine math destiny; 

Rigor, to ensure all students acquire quantitative literacy in meaningful ways; and 

Alignment, so that arbitrary requirements and disjunctures don’t limit student success. 

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Just Equations is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives. 

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POSITION SUMMARY 

JEQ seeks a National Policy Director to guide and strengthen our cross-sector network of researchers and advocates focused on advancing evidence-based, equity-oriented, math pathways to and through college. 

Reporting to JEQ’s Executive Director, the National Policy Director will lead JEQ’s work with policy-oriented organizations and individuals on the national stage and in key states, identify opportunities to expand advocacy and policy-relevant research related to math opportunity, and position JEQ as a national resource for efforts to advance educational equity and improve educational outcomes. The National Policy Director will exhibit outstanding communication skills, sharp analytical skills, strategic insight, and a long-standing commitment to equitable college opportunity.  

This position will be based in Washington DC, New York City, or a nearby location.

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Responsibilities. The National Policy Director will: 

• Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with national equity organizations, education associations, key education reform organizations, as well as key state or system leaders outside of California, in collaboration with JEQ’s Executive Director;
• Identify and respond to opportunities to disseminate, share, and/or expand JEQ’s policy and research agenda;
• Maintain knowledge of key aspects of JEQ’s policy agenda and monitor relevant state and national policy developments.  
• Represent JEQ in external settings and serve as a resource about math education policy for diverse audiences; 
• Coordinate and lead occasional multi-sector convenings; 
• Present at and/or participate in relevant conferences and other key convenings in Washington, DC and elsewhere (estimated 15-25 percent domestic travel); 
• Write and/or review policy briefs and other publications in a manner consistent with JEQ principles and voice; 
• Effectively communicate progress, respond to inquiries, and coordinate activities with JEQ’s California-based staff; and
• Initiate and/or participate in other JEQ projects and activities as needs arise. 

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Qualifications. The National Policy Director should have:  

• Graduate degree or equivalent experience in public policy, education, or a related field, plus a minimum of seven years experience in education policy or advocacy (or similar work in a related social policy field); 
• Strong interpersonal skills and track record for supporting multiple partnerships and relationships across a range of sectors, such as research, education systems, advocates, and policymakers; 
• Collaborative work style and ability to work independently as well as with colleagues in a geographically dispersed organization (including flexibility to participate in phone calls, meetings, or email exchanges until 7pm Eastern);   
• Demonstrated ability to communicate about complex policy concepts and statistical analyses in a clear, compelling, and culturally competent fashion, both verbally and in a variety of written formats, for a variety of audiences;
• Exceptional analytical skills and strategic insights, particularly with respect to equity and civil rights issues; 
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems with attention to accuracy, detail, and deadlines; 
• Passion for expanding access to higher education and STEM careers for traditionally marginalized students; 
• Willingness to travel domestically roughly 15 to 25 percent of the time. 

This position will be based in Washington DC, New York City, or a nearby location.

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Compensation.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications in the range of $135,000 to $160,000. Benefits include paid holidays, four weeks vacation, a 401(k) with employer match, medical, dental, vision, and flex spending plans, and basic life insurance. 

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About Community Initiatives. 

Community Initiatives is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability or protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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To apply, please send a resume and cover letter as a single PDF to info@justequations.org.