[Hiring] Director, Talent Strategy @Education Strategy Group

Role Description

As AI and other technology shifts change the skills employers need, and how quickly those needs change, states and regions need talent ecosystems that can more rapidly adjust and evolve. The Director, Talent Strategy will play a central role in building and delivering ESG’s adaptive talent ecosystem work:

• Helping states, regions, and cities align education, workforce, and economic development around a shared picture of where their economy is headed and what people need to get there.
• Serving as senior strategist and day-to-day lead on several of the portfolio’s largest engagements, including statewide talent plans and multi-jurisdiction regional talent collaboratives.
• Refining the frameworks, assessment tools, and implementation supports that make up ESG’s talent ecosystem planning approach.
• Managing project teams and consultants from the start and growing to directly supervise two to three staff within the first year.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leading the design, refinement, and delivery of ESG’s adaptive talent ecosystem planning work.
• Serving as day-to-day lead for multiple high-profile engagements.
• Advising governors’ offices, state agencies, regional leaders, and employer-led intermediaries.
• Designing and facilitating senior-level convenings, steering committees, and working sessions.
• Translating labor market, education, and workforce data into practical recommendations.
• Coaching state and regional teams through implementation.
• Partnering with the Principal to shape the Talent Strategy portfolio’s direction.
• Leading business development for the portfolio.
• Supervising, coaching, and developing staff.
• Expanding the firm’s visibility and thought leadership.
• Serving as a thought partner to ESG’s other portfolios.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years’ professional experience developing and leading talent, workforce, or career pathways strategy.
• Experience working from at least two parts of the talent ecosystem.
• Deep understanding of how talent ecosystems function across education, workforce, and economic development.
• Demonstrated experience designing or leading a state or regional talent, workforce, or economic development plan.
• Understanding of how AI and technology change are reshaping jobs, skills, and hiring.
• Skills in using labor market, education, and workforce outcome data.
• Experience designing and executing equity-driven solutions.
• Knowledge of workforce, education, and economic development policy and funding.
• Proven track record of building durable partnerships.

Requirements

• Track record of originating and growing client and funder relationships.
• Experience leading proposal development, scoping, and budgeting for multi-phase engagements.
• Experience developing new frameworks, tools, or service offerings.
• Strong peer networks with state and national organizations.
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Executive presence and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Well-rounded interpersonal skill set.
• Curiosity, eagerness, and ability to develop new knowledge and skills.
• Ability to travel to support projects as needed.

Talent Management

• At least 5 years of experience directly supervising staff.
• Experience building and leading project teams.
• Commitment to building an inclusive, high-accountability team culture.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance, flex spending, short/long-term disability, parental leave, and retirement plan.
• Generous vacation and holidays.

Location

Education Strategy Group is a virtual firm with a home base in Washington, DC. We have staff located in cities across the country. Our flexible work environment enables our professionals to live and work in locations where they can be most productive—both professionally and personally.

How to Apply

Please submit your current resume and a cover letter discussing your experience pertinent to the position to edstrategy.bamboohr.com/jobs . For more information about Education Strategy Group, visit www.edstrategy.org .

ESG is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.