Managing Director of Policy

Please note that we are expecting to receive a large volume of applications and will be unable to answer individual inquiries at the moment. In addition, if the applicant pool contains 500+ applications, it will be closed to accept new applications as we undergo a review.

MISSION

Our mission is to transform educator preparation by advancing the teacher residency movement to prepare, support, and retain more effective educators who represent and value the communities they serve.

VISION

Students of color and students from historically under-supported communities have equitable access to effective, diverse, and culturally responsive educators.

Founded in 2007, the ​National Center for Teacher Residencies​ ​(NCTR) is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago with team members working virtually throughout the country. NCTR’s mission is to grow and manage a national network of teacher residencies dedicated to closing the opportunity gap through the training, support, and retention of excellent teachers for students of color and other marginalized groups. NCTR is accelerating its growth as it helps to build, support, and scale even greater numbers of high-performing teacher residencies. Our programs and services are built upon its research-based Levers for Equitable Teacher Residencies, which define the design and implementation targets of high-performing teacher residency programs and identify the benchmarks for program development. 

NCTR’s Network offers targeted support to existing teacher residency programs that help identify strengths and challenges, refine programming, create opportunities for professional growth for teacher residents, mentor teachers, and residency staff, and evaluate teacher residency program impact and outcomes. Additionally, NCTR’s Residency Design Academy (RDA) is the only program of its kind in the nation dedicated to developing high-quality teacher residencies from inception to launch. Since 2007, NCTR has supported the development of over 120 new teacher residency programs through the RDA.

A collaborative, mission-driven organization, NCTR is working to ensure that students in underserved schools have access to effective teachers. NCTR accomplishes this goal through the development and sustainability of high-performing teacher residency programs. In addition to exemplifying our core values, our team emphasizes the importance of building personal relationships with one another and maintaining a strong work/life balance. We prioritize our culture to ensure our team members feel fully supported and satisfied in their roles. 

Core Values 

NCTR is transforming teacher preparation nationwide to ensure all children have access to an effective teacher. Our core values reflect who we are as an organization and how we work with our clients and our community. 

• Continuous Learning
• Justice
• Collaboration
• Data Guided

Position Summary

The Managing Director of Policy (MD) will directly support the Chief of Staff to lead the development and implementation of our state and federal policy strategy. The Managing Director of Policy will work closely with NCTR’s leadership to maximize our position in the field and leverage the power of our Network to advance our agenda around the need for high-quality teacher residencies that prioritize removing barriers to entry for educators who represent and value the communities they serve. The Managing Director will represent NCTR in federal policy and national coalitions and work to organize, when appropriate, partner organizations for the purpose of positioning NCTR, the Network, and the teacher residency movement strategically among state and federal policymakers and influencers. 

Responsibilities

Federal Policy 

• Lead the development and implementation of policy priorities and strategy 
• Engage with the U.S. Department of Education, the Administration, and Congress to inform and advance policies, guidance, and legislation that is informed by NCTR Network members and aligned with our mission and vision for teacher residencies
• Represent NCTR in federal policy coalitions and collaborate with other organizations with shared interests and goals
• Maintain key relationships with partner organizations 
• Monitor national legislative action and conduct outreach with national education policymakers and stakeholders, including attending Congressional hearings and meetings on Capitol Hill and accompanying NCTR leadership and NCTR Network members to meetings as appropriate
• Cultivate productive relationships with key policymakers in Washington, DC in service to both NCTR and our Network members 

State Policy 

• Track and support the implementation of federal policy initiatives and investments at the state level
• Provide technical assistance to state education agency leadership and other state policymakers working to develop and implement state policy agendas to create and scale high-quality teacher residencies 
• Monitor and analyze state and local education policy efforts and identify greater opportunities for alignment and impact for NCTR 
• Lead organizational learning on policy issues
• Conduct direct advocacy on behalf of NCTR and our teacher residencies 
• Identify opportunities for NCTR and Network members’ voices to inform the creation and implementation of state policy
• Conduct and support Network members to advocate for supportive state policy

Management & Systems-Building

• Collaborate with our research and evaluation team to collect and use data sources to support policy recommendations
• Further develop and monitor policy tracking systems for state policy action on teacher residencies, teacher residents, and licensure policies related to both
• Work with the NCTR staff and external clients build advocacy skills and provide professional development on federal and state policy to keep staff informed and position clients to develop and cultivate relationships with members of Congress, the Administration, and other policymakers 

Communications & Fundraising

• Partner with the Chief of Staff to produce and/or contribute to policy communications, such as ‘Dear Colleague and Coalition’ letters, policy briefs and reports, and op-eds
• Provide fundraising support on proposal development related to state and federal policy efforts, including attending relevant funder meetings, collaborating in proposal-writing and the development of funder-related communications (concept papers and reports)

• Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications to implement aspects of the organizational communications strategic plan that elevate the organization’s state and federal policy work
• Develop and disseminate materials regarding legislative developments to NCTR leadership, Network members, and NCTR staff
• Partner with NCTR staff and Network members to submit conference and convening proposals to disseminate information regarding the organization’s work and its Network members 

Location

This is a remote position; however, applicants should live in, or within easy driving distance, of Washington, D.C. Some travel to Washington, D.C. for meetings may be required. Additionally, travel to provide technical assistance to state policymakers will also be required, as will travel a few times a year to central locations for NCTR staff meetings. We estimate the annual amount of travel for this position to be approximately 35%. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Commitment to NCTR’s mission as well as a professional and personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, politics and government, education, or a related field required; and a master’s degree in a related field preferred
• At least 12 years of federal and/or state policy experience or relevant work experience in a policy, education-related, and/or social justice field
• Experience in a leadership role representing an organization on issues of importance to marginalized populations, preferably teachers of color
• Extensive knowledge of legislative and administrative processes at both the federal and state levels
• Excellent advocacy, consensus building, coalition building skills with diverse groups and interests
• A passionate commitment to advancing equity and improving public education, with a specific commitment to broadening pathways to the profession for teachers of color
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively among regional and national team members, policymakers, and coalition partners, both in-person and in a virtual environment
• Strong project management and time management skills
• Experience working in a virtual environment is a plus
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a public spokesperson and advocate
• A proven ability to analyze and communicate legislative and regulatory language and other complex issues to a variety of audiences
• A proven ability to become a “quick study” on a variety of issues 
• A track record of being able to use data to inform decision making with a focus on ensuring an organization is a good steward of funding allocated to support policy and advocacy
• Experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a strong focus on data-driven decision making
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and adjust to changing demands

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $145,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included. 

We welcome applications from candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants rarely if ever meet 100% of job qualifications. Anyone who is interested in the position based on the responsibilities and requirements outlined are strongly encouraged to apply. 

NCTR provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for​ employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.