Organizational Role and Job Scope

The State Government Relations Manager or Senior Manager will report directly to the Director of State Government Relations and will serve as a critical member of the Policy Development and Government Relations (PDGR) team. The Manager/Senior Manager will support the dynamic growth of All4Ed’s State Policy Center, including developing policy resources such as model legislation, analyses, and case studies, providing technical assistance, and growing All4Ed’s portfolio of engaged state policymakers and advocates.

The Manager/Senior Manager will bring and develop expertise in the state policymaking process, dynamic regional political landscapes, and coalitions of advocates and policymakers nationwide. They will also bring and develop expertise in All4Ed’s fundamental policy priorities, including college and career pathways, digital equity and innovation (inclusive of AI), next-generation accountability and systems of school support; as well as advancing policy with a student-first, equity-centered mindset.

The seniority of the role will be based on All4Ed’s assessment of the depth of the candidate’s professional experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As All4Ed is a small, nimble, and dynamic team, we expect the Manager/Senior Manager to grow with the role, taking on increasing levels of responsibility, growing organizational expertise, and developing new areas of work and advocacy. As such, position responsibilities will grow, but to begin with will include, but not be limited to:

Policy Research and Analysis

• Conduct policy analyses and research on state education policy issues, current state policy landscapes, and advocacy networks and coalitions, especially those aligned with All4Ed’s policy priorities.
• Analyze legislation, regulations, and other education policy documents to assess their implications, make policy recommendations, translate findings into clear, actionable insights for policymakers, advocates, educators, and education leaders nationwide; and support strategic responses through communications, advocacy, and coalition mobilization.
• Create policy analysis and resources for practitioners in partnering with Future Ready Schools^®, including district leaders, district education experts, and educators, aimed at impactful and innovative implementation of policies, as well as ways to harness state policy to provide local policy solutions.

Development and Policy Recommendations and Proposals

• Gather and use evidence of effective programs to develop policy proposals and recommendations, including identifying promising policies and legislation from state legislative sessions and identifying trends in education policy nationwide.
• Develop and draft legislation and regulations, case studies, legislative testimony, talking points, and policy publications, including both model legislation and legislation targeted at specific states and legislative sessions.

Technical Assistance

• Provide technical assistance to state partners, including policymakers and advocates, on shaping and moving dynamic policy proposals, developing legislative language and other policy resources, providing testimony and other supports for policy progress, and building long-term relationships for policy consultation.
• Conduct strategic advising and consulting on implementation of policies, including compliance with federal requirements, local implementation of state laws and executive initiatives, and supporting cross-sector collaboration including developing braided funding strategics and facilitating strategic planning.
• Offering cross-state policy support and advising, including building actionable tools and resources to guide the development and implementation of effective state policy, convening state leaders and supporting peer learning across states, and developing recommendations for adoption of national best practices in specific state contexts.

Communications to Policymakers and the Public

• Translate research findings into compelling, understandable products (i.e., policy briefs, fact sheets, reports, and other written materials) for state and federal policymakers, education advocates and civil rights groups, educators, the media, and the general public.
• Communicate complex policy and research findings to staff across All4Ed and work collaboratively with colleagues to advance state policy goals.

Advocacy and Coalition Mobilization 

• Research, develop, and build meaningful relationships with experts and organizations in the education policy community, including state policymakers in the executive and legislative branches, state advocacy partners, and state agencies (e.g., education, higher education, workforce, economic development).
• Create landscape research on relevant national, regional, and state coalitions and networks and create meaningful partnerships and memberships within those coalitions identified as mission-aligned with All4Ed.
• Represent All4Ed in coalitions and meetings, as appropriate, to support All4Ed’s state policy agenda, including meetings with elected officials at the state and local levels.

Location

All4Ed trusts and values our team to collaboratively produce excellent work, contribute to a positive and supportive work culture, and meet our mission. Considering the changing landscape of 21st century work environments, All4Ed recognizes that flexibility in work locations can maximize the diversity, strengths, and talents of our team. Therefore, while All4Ed is headquartered in Washington, DC, we are a predominantly remote organization, and we have opportunities for flexible and teleworking arrangements.

Given the nature of the State Government Relations role, candidates are encouraged to apply from different regions in the United States outside of the Washington, DC area. All4Ed is looking to establish regional expertise across our nation and will not require relocation for candidates living in the U.S., though the role will require travel for organizational gatherings in DC and around the country, conferences, meetings, and other government relations work. Candidates should expect travel on a monthly basis.

All4Ed embraces the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Demonstrated commitment to equity and excellence for all young people and adults with whom they interact.
• Education and experience that demonstrates knowledge in education policy, policymaking, research and data analysis or other strengths required for this role (graduate degrees, internships, clinics, and other postsecondary opportunities counted toward experience).
• Professional experience with policy analysis, advocacy, government relations, policymaking, legislative work, including lobbying at the state level, and/or research and policy analysis. Education-specific and state-level roles and experiences, such as those within state agencies, preferred. While we do not require a set number of years of experience, this is not an entry-level role, and the successful candidate will bring a record of experience and success in the state government relations space.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following education policy areas in addition to an understanding of general K-12 education policy issues: higher education policy, education data and statewide longitudinal data systems, education technology including artificial intelligence and innovation in ed tech, workforce development and career-connected learning, holistic student supports including policy for students located in rural areas and students facing educational instability. The team is open to other areas of content knowledge connected to All4Ed’s mission and policy priorities.
• Familiarity with, and experience in, the education community, and ability to analyze current education landscape to identify challenges and needs to inform All4Ed’s work.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation skills and an ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely for public audiences.
• Curiosity, eagerness, and the ability to develop new knowledge and skills.
• Ability and openness to proactively engage and support workplace dialogue about equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize work and manage time on multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.