Urban League of Louisiana Hiring for Education Policy Director Job at New Orleans, LA Full Time

Position Title: Education Policy Director

Reports To: Vice President, Education & Youth Development

Organization Overview

The mission of the Urban League of Louisiana is to support African Americans and others seeking equity to secure economic parity and self-reliance. Founded in 1938 as the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, Inc., the organization expanded its footprint to Baton Rouge and changed its name to Urban League of Louisiana (ULLA) in 2017. ULLA is one of nearly 100 affiliates of the National Urban League, headquartered in New York. Today, ULLA’s work lives in three Centers of Excellence: Education and Youth Development, Economic Development and Workforce Development, and Policy and Social Justice.

Benefiting from a remarkable history and tradition, ULLA has a strong and positive brand coupled with a track record of successfully serving the African American community. Using this as a foundation, ULLA is poised to expand to other cities across the state, making it an integral part of the state’s economic growth and development.

The organization’s structure includes the President and CEO, Executive Vice President, Vice President for Finance and Operations, Vice President for Education and Youth Development, Vice President for Workforce Development, Vice President of Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Vice President, Strategy and Engagement along with director-level positions in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Position Summary

The Education Policy Director is responsible for leading policy and advocacy efforts supporting the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Education and Youth Development through aligned efforts with the Urban League’s Center for Policy and Social Justice.

The Urban League believes that educational equity is a vital prerequisite for the ability of communities to thrive, and is committed to ensuring that public school systems in Louisiana promote equity, access, and excellence. The Education Policy Director will provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the organization’s statewide education equity agenda including education campaigns, education equity reports, legislative efforts, as well as maintaining and establishing relationships with policymakers, education advocacy organizations, education equity coalitions, and legislators. The Education Policy Director will also support events and engagements such as the Annual Empowerment & Policy Conference, the annual statewide Listen and Learn Tour, and working groups.

The Education Policy Director will be a champion for education equity, and through research and engagement, will ensure that education policy and advocacy efforts are aligned with the organization’s mission, and serve to improve educational outcomes for African American children and others seeking equity in Louisiana.

Essential Functions

• Lead the formulation and prioritization of the organization’s legislative advocacy agenda and policy campaigns relative to education.
• Track education bills and resolutions during Louisiana legislative session following progress of legislative agendas and policy campaigns.
• Create policy briefs and op-eds to communicate the importance, progress, and impact of education-focused topics, issues, and policy priorities.
• Provide shared oversight of the development and production of Education Equity Reports.
• Work with communications staff to develop content and messaging for education equity campaign targeting various stakeholder groups.
• Participate in education-related panel discussions and focus groups, and on advisory committees, collaborative steering committees, task forces, etc.
• Build infrastructure for education-specific community engagement, policy, and advocacy, including trainings, workshops, webinars, town halls, etc., in partnership with the Community Engagement Officer and other staff.
• Build statewide education policy contacts, and establish regular education advocacy engagement activities for the seven largest cities in Louisiana and build a network of advocacy partners in each of the seven cities.
• Work with the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Policy and Social Justice to build and grow effective multi-organizational coalitions and alliances supporting equity in education.
• Provide support and help to facilitate the Urban League’s annual policy cycle components, including the Annual Empowerment & Policy Conference Education Track, Statewide Listen and Learn Tour, and Education Policy Work Groups.
• Provide policy-specific information and support to Parent Information Center’s PRIDE Program cohorts, Parent Advisory Committee, and ULEAD fellows to support their advocacy efforts.
• Report outcomes of policy and advocacy efforts to organizational leadership, and as needed for funding and grant proposals, and reporting
• Activate the Urban League of Louisiana’s responses to pressing education advocacy issues that require a response from the organization
• Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills

Supervisory Responsibility The Education Policy Director will supervise education policy interns and fellows when applicable.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, Monday – Friday, based in New Orleans. Occasional intrastate travel is required. Additionally, some weeknight and weekend assignments may be required. This position is currently remote due to Covid-19 safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in public policy, education, law, or the social sciences, preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience focused on education equity, government, and social justice issues required.
• Significant professional experience in public policy advocacy, public policy research and analysis, coalition building, and public systems; Louisiana-specific experience, preferred.
• Demonstrated success working in partnership with advocacy organizations, school districts, local residents, and community organizations, including experience building and working in coalitions.
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including public officials, coalition partners, community leaders, and members of the media.
• Very familiar with historical and current Louisiana legislation impacting K-12 education, and very knowledgeable of the New Orleans educational landscape with a historical perspective.
• Excellent writing and communication skills are required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
This position is currently remote due to Covid-19 safety.

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Work Location: One location