[Hiring] Vice President, Advocacy @Education Reform Now Advocacy

Role Description

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is seeking a Vice President, Advocacy to execute our state-based advocacy function to ensure DFER advances a systematic, state-by-state advocacy program aligned with our executive engagement strategy. The Vice President, Advocacy will build and lead this national Advocacy function, taking ownership of state policy strategy — partnering with governors and their senior teams, executive branch leaders, legislative leaders, and in-state advocates to move DFER’s priorities through whichever levers fit: executive action, the state budget, legislation, and regulation.

• Build on DFER’s existing gubernatorial relationships and drive policy commitments from inception through implementation.
• Operate at a national scale and lead deep, multi-lever campaigns in two to three priority states each year.
• Maintain relationships with governors and their teams in several additional states.
• Shift across regions and markets as political conditions change.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, political science, or related field a plus (not required with equivalent experience).
• State Policy and/or Legislative Experience: 8-10+ years of experience in state government, state legislative affairs, campaigns, or political advocacy, including senior-level roles.
• Deep, working knowledge of state legislative processes, procedures, and calendars, ideally across multiple states.
• Executive Branch Experience: Experience working in or alongside a governor’s office or state agency.
• Relationship Management: Established relationships with state legislators, governors' offices, and legislative staff.
• Lobbying Expertise: Direct experience lobbying or directing lobbying efforts on specific pieces of legislation.
• Collaboration: Expert collaborator, adept at identifying stakeholders and partners.
• Sound Political Judgment & Adaptability: Ability to read shifting legislative dynamics and adjust strategy in real time.
• Professionalism: Ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage confidential information with discretion.
• Commitment to Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence for all students.

Requirements

• Manage lobbying contracts and oversee 4-6 active lobbying efforts to execute state-based advocacy strategies.
• Coordinate with in-state coalitions and advocates to build support for priority policies across executive and legislative branches.
• Partner with the Communications team on earned media, op-eds, and public campaigns.
• Build the Advocacy function’s structure, processes, and tools.
• Manage the Advocacy budget, including lobbying contracts, consultants, and state-based vendors.
• Set annual goals and OKRs for state policy wins, and report progress to leadership and the board.
• Ensure compliance with state lobbying registration and reporting requirements.

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental coverage.
• Flexible spending plan.
• Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401K plan with a match plan.
• Flexible spending/benefits plan.
• Paid family leave.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick time, and all National holidays).
• Paid vacation.

Company Description

Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees & LGBTQ people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of students living in the communities we serve.