Vice President for Policy

Position Overview

Established in May of 2008 and incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) in July 2015, the Linked Learning Alliance is the engine that drives a movement to help every young person determine his or her own future through a proven educational approach called Linked Learning. Linked Learning integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning and strong support services to prepare students for success in college, career, and life. The Alliance helps create public will for equity and excellence in education, elevates and sets the standard for high quality practice of Linked Learning across America, and advances policies that serve and support all youth.

In partnership with the President and Senior Leadership Team, the Vice President for Policy will be responsible for strategy and execution of all state, regional, county and district policy initiatives, including legislation, budget actions, and regulations. This individual will help elevate the Linked Learning and Alliance brands and design and lead implementation of all governmental stakeholder and policymaker engagement strategies.

The ideal candidate brings experience and expertise in the policymaking process, as well as content expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Expansion of equitable college and career pathway designs

• The transition between high school and postsecondary education and workforce

• Resource equity (e.g., state and local education finance)

• Assessments, accountability, and school improvement

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Policy will serve as a key member of the Alliance’s growing and emerging team and as an active participant in helping to activate a strategic vision anchored in achieving equity and excellence for students across the U.S. through high-quality college and career preparation.

Responsibilities

The Vice President for Policy will drive the planning and implementation of the Linked Learning Alliance’s (the Alliance) public policy and advocacy strategies and investments, working collaboratively and synergistically with all Alliance functions to achieve measurable results. More specifically, this position is responsible for formulating, integrating, activating, measuring, and improving strategies in all areas described below.

External Relations

The VP for Policy is responsible for helping to develop and implement the Alliance’s policy agenda and communicating with policymakers, stakeholders, the public, and the media about the Alliance’s work. Areas of focus include:

• Craft strategic public policy direction and guide the Alliance’s interactions with state, local, and federal governments.

• Create public policy strategies designed to align educational segments and systems and leverage funding to bring the power of Linked Learning to more students across California and in key states.

• Lead execution of the Alliance’s state and local policy agenda, including work with state legislators, governors’ offices, and municipalities.

• Monitor all relevant federal, state, and local policy activities to identify and advise on priority areas and expansion markets.

• Prepare and support the field to maximize policy and funding opportunities that advance Alliance and Linked Learning field goals.

• Maintain and amplify the profile of the Alliance as setting the gold standard for high-quality approaches to college AND career preparation in California and beyond.

• Build and engage a network of public and education officials, private stakeholders, and community groups to advance Alliance and Linked Learning field priorities.

• Direct and organize engagement of key target audiences at all levels of government; local to national.

• Oversee planning and execution of events such as legislator and staff briefings, symposia, field visits, and conference presentations.

• Manage external assets (lobbyists, service firms, consultants) required for implementing Alliance goals and objectives.

• Coordinate with key national partners to craft a coherent strategy on issues that cut across states.

• Solicit a broad range of views and opinions and distill and share field perspective on those issues with external stakeholders.

• Engage with government and other stakeholders on important public policy recommendations and challenges tied to K–12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.

Field Level Advocacy

The VP for Policy will lead field level advocacy strategies designed to engage key stakeholders in collective action designed to support and advance shared public policy goals. Areas of focus include:

• Lead the Alliance’s engagement with executive branch officials, legislators, and Linked Learning field in the formation of public policy.

• Work closely with the broader Linked Learning field and aligned partners to identify key policy barriers and opportunities.

• Develop a policy platform and recommendations informed by the Linked Learning field to address barriers and capitalize on opportunities to expand and enhance the systemic adoption of Linked Learning.

• Establish and cultivate strategic partnerships with aligned statewide and national advocacy organizations to amplify voice in addressing barriers and advancing adoption of supporting policies. • Develop strategies and tactics to achieve results, including drafting policy recommendations, legislation and budget and regulatory language, as requested.

• Identify key champions and potential opponents; build coalition support and devise activation strategies, as needed and adhering to deadlines.

• In conjunction with Alliance colleagues, keep field informed, inspired, and engaged in key public policy issues designed to support expansion of and public funding for the practice of Linked Learning.

Policy Development, Analysis, and Research

The VP for Policy will oversee both policy development and analysis functions and align those with research efforts. Areas of focus will include:

• Recommend and set Alliance’s public policy directions in California (locally, regionally) and in key states and at a federal level.

• Forecast forthcoming policy issues of importance to the Alliance and the members of the Linked Learning field. •Oversee the development of Alliance policy platforms (local, regional, state, and federal levels).
• Oversee policy analysis and the formulation of policy recommendations and align these with existing and emergent research projects.

• Work with Alliance colleagues and research and communications partners to translate academic research into policy action.

• Train and supervise staff and/or interns working on policy analysis research projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public policy/administration, or an advanced degree in an equivalent field.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of policy and/or legislative experience, national association and/or other policy and advocacy experience, especially in areas related to college and career pathways, high school graduation, the transitions between high school and higher education and workforce, and resource equity.

A passion for public policy and advancing educational and economic opportunity.

• A deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Ability to analyze federal and state education policy (including legislation, regulation, and guidance), generate policy recommendations, and effectively advocate for policy change based on data and evidence of promising practices.

• Ability to strategically assess opportunities and needs, and design solutions.

• Experience coalition-building, leading and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

• Ability to work closely with the field and Alliance colleagues to identify key policy issues, listen carefully to others’ views and opinions, and distill and share field perspective on those issues with key stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Competencies

• Superb interpersonal and collaboration skills are vital for this role.

• Comfort and confidence working in a fast-paced environment and at the forefront of a growing field—including ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously, adapt to new inputs or opportunities/needs, and have equal comfort managing and actively participating in organizational endeavors.

• Strategic and creative thinker that can turn ideas into action and thrive in a start-up organization.

• Proactive leader with a solid ability to identify and address needs, multi-task and effectively juggle competing priorities. • Willingness and ability to travel to advance regional and national work—not to exceed 25% of time (when safe).

• Work effectively in a blended work environment—balancing working virtually with in-person meetings as required to advance the work.

• Ability to play an active role in developing and maintaining a professional, rewarding, and effective work environment.

• Deep commitment to advancing the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and community awareness.

Compensation

Linked Learning Alliance offers a highly competitive compensation commensurate with experience and comprehensive benefits package.

Location

The position is located in California.

The Linked Learning Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

The Alliance is committed to equity, embraces diversity as an asset, and practices inclusivity. These values strengthen our culture, help us fulfill our mission, and contribute to a better world. We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.