National Policy Associate

Hiring Manager: Jill McLaughlin, National Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Lead
Location: Flexible/Remote;  E4E chapter locations preferred (E4E-CA; E4E-CHI; E4E-CT; E4E-MA, E4E-MN; E4E-NY) up to 20% travel expected.
Application Deadline: August 24, 2025
Role Tier: 2 - Associate

About Us

Our nation’s education system is leaving millions of students–including an overwhelming number of students of color and low-income students–unprepared for college, career, and life. While research shows that classroom teachers are the single most important in-school factor in improving student achievement, their diverse voices are consistently left out of education policy decisions. For far too long, teachers have been treated as subjects of change rather than as agents of change.

Founded by public school teachers, Educators for Excellence is a growing movement of 35,000 educators, united around a common set of values and principles for improving student learning and elevating the teaching profession. We work together to identify issues that impact our schools, create solutions to these challenges, and advocate for policies and programs that give all students access to a quality education.

What We Do

Our Theory of Change is grounded in two long-term goals that are inextricably linked: better outcomes for our students and the elevation of the quality and prestige of the teaching profession.  We achieve these goals by changing policy at the district, state, and federal levels and transforming our teachers’ union to be more student-focused, democratic, diverse, and anti-racist. United around our Declaration of Teachers’ Principles and Beliefs, we are building a powerful movement to lead this change by:

• Organizing educators who share a common vision of equity and excellence in schools,
• Training and supporting teacher leadership, and
• Advocating for teacher-led recommendations at all levels of government, within teachers’ unions, and in the public conversation around education.

Educators for Excellence envisions an equitable and excellent education system that provides all students the opportunity to succeed and elevates the teaching profession.

The Opportunity

E4E organizes anti-racist, student-focused educators, builds their leadership capabilities and collective power through issue-based advocacy campaigns, and supports them to take on positions of leadership in their schools, districts, and most importantly, in their unions. We have made incredible progress organizing teachers to take action to uplift their students and profession. Through E4E, tens of thousands of educators have signed on to a common vision for elevating the teaching profession and improving student outcomes; thousands of teacher members have successfully advocated for and won equity and excellence focused policy changes in their local communities; and hundreds have trained for and taken on positions of elected and appointed leadership in their schools, districts, and unions. 

With chapters in New York, California, Connecticut, Chicago, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, our organizing culture is grounded in our passion for impacting educational systems and revolves around an innovative, roll-up-your-sleeves spirit backed by a shared commitment to continuous professional growth.

Reporting directly to the National Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Lead, the Policy Associate will be a part of E4E’s Program Team and will increase our capacity to advance the organization’s policy priorities, identify opportunities to connect and collaborate with external partners, support issue-based advocacy campaigns through policy and data analysis, and serve as a project manager for critical pieces of team initiatives on our MA, CA, and CT teams. The ideal candidate has a deep interest in education policy and the mechanisms that guide it, strong writing skills, and a desire to work in a fast-paced environment. The Policy Associate will have the opportunity to affect all streams and departments and support E4E members. 

Responsibilities: What actions will you leverage day-to-day?

Policy and Research

• Stay up-to-date on national and local education policy issues, legislative proposals, union contract negotiations, and research, including by tracking moving legislation and policy proposals in relevant chapter cities and states.
• Conduct policy, data, and research analysis, particularly around the impact of legislation and union contracts on student achievement and K-12 teachers, in order to inform and advance local and national campaigns. 
• Make initial determinations on how policies may or may not be consistent with our Declaration and our National Policy Agenda.
• Support the development of local policy recommendations through teacher-led action teams by gathering and translating research; developing and analyzing data from teacher surveys and focus groups; facilitating sessions as needed; and writing policy papers and briefs.
• Create briefs, memos, or slide decks on policy issues for internal and external audiences by conducting research from a variety of sources, synthesizing findings, and considering mission alignment and political context, including in support of E4E’s growth work.
• Translate complex policy information into actionable communications, including emails, talking points, and action alerts in partnership with Regional Communications Managers.
• Create advocacy tools for use in national and local campaigns.
• Support our National Teacher Leader Council processes, including the recruitment and selection of members; curriculum development; meetings; and the group’s advocacy campaigns.
• Work closely with the External Affairs team to execute national campaigns and initiatives including: coordinating teacher advocacy groups, lobby days, stakeholder meetings, etc.

Project Management

• Oversee project schedules and budgets for team-wide and chapter projects and national policy initiatives, to ensure that goals and timelines are met.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including legislators during lobby days.
• Utilizing Salesforce, support the tracking and logging of partnership relationships.
• Build and maintain partnership databases, research files, and other resources to support policy research and advocacy efforts across the organization.

Internal Knowledge Building

• Brief E4E staff on major policy developments, policy research and reports, and E4E policy positions.
• Design tools and support training to help E4E staff and teacher leaders internalize and localize research and build their own policy analysis skills.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Experience: 

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in public affairs, education policy, education research, or legislative advocacy.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to analyze data and trends and synthesize information into actionable policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft policy briefs, position papers, and other written materials.
• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop project plans, track progress, and communicate project status to internal stakeholders.
• Passion and commitment to E4E’s mission; experience working on issues relevant to our work; experience working in a policy/advocacy/systems-change organization preferred.

Technical Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; BA in political science, public affairs, or communications preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and corresponding Google Suite products.
• Understanding of reporting databases (i.e., Salesforce) preferred, very comfortable with phone and email outreach

Transportation: Often works out of the office (or home office), with ~5% travel 

• Time will be divided between office meetings with staff within the organization and self-directed execution of tasks.
• Must be able to work occasional weekends and evenings for programmatic events and other priorities.
• Must be willing to travel to meet with staff across the country.

Core Values: What beliefs do you embody? How do you approach your work?

• Empowering Feedback - We constantly give observable & actionable feedback in a way that demonstrates belief in our people. 
• Communication - We value clear and thoughtful word choice, tone, and body language.
• Initiative - We step up to the plate to ensure no gaps in progress.
• Equity - We look for opportunities to redistribute power in response to inequity.
• High-quality work - We ensure all deliverables meet our standard of excellence.

Positional Skills - What can you do well?

• Organizing, Planning, and Executing  - Able to organize, track, and manage workflow and resources; clearly articulates plans to others, develops systems to prioritize tasks; executes according to set timelines
• Influencing & Motivating – Inspires committed and positive action towards accomplishing individual and collective organizational work goals
• Cultivating Relationships & Collaborating – Develops a sense of rapport and trust with staff and seeks opportunities to share expertise and leverage the strengths of others; comfortably communicates with external stakeholders 
• Making Decisions & Demonstrating Judgment – Makes strategic decisions, even in ambiguous situations; weighs factors both within and outside of one’s control to mitigate risk; exercises discernment when involving others in decision-making, leverages data when appropriate 
• Learning & Developing – Pursues opportunities to deepen and expand skill set regularly; implements new strategies with fidelity and shares learning with others 

Functional Knowledge - What do you know a lot about?

• Organizing (union, campaign) - you have some knowledge and experience with issue-based organizing and/or campaign experience 
• Education policy and communications - you have experience in writing recommendations that aim to reduce disparities among public schools and student achievement
• Education landscape (especially union) - you know the challenges facing education policymakers; understand who the key players are in our industry and how to influence them; ideally, previous experience working for a policymaker or on legislative advocacy
• Written and verbal communication skills -  you have strong communication skills (copy editing experience a plus), along with the ability to organize ideas and present findings to a variety of audiences
• Lateral Management - you have experience coordinating across multiple teams and working collaboratively with teams towards shared goals

Compensation Policy

Educators for Excellence (E4E) is committed to valuing team members holistically in appreciation of their contribution to the organization’s success and for the good they create for society as part of our mission. While there are many facets of the “Total Rewards” package that come with working at E4E, compensation is a significant factor in a team member’s decision to work here. As such, we strive to attract, retain, and reward top talent by offering competitive salaries and benefits that are equitably and transparently administered. Therefore, we do not engage in salary negotiations - our first offer is always our best offer! 

The salary band for this role is

• $60,809 - $86,598 for high urban areas (NYC or San Francisco)
• $60,143 - $85,537 for mid-high urban areas (LA and Boston)
• $55,535 - $78,982 for all other geographies

Within this range, our competitive, non-negotiable salary offer will be based on a candidate’s relevant experience and credentials, role-related competencies assessed through our robust hiring process, and geographic location. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

All new employees are required to comply with E4E’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires all staff to be fully vaccinated prior to the start of employment. An employee will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the requisite number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Employees may request an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief.

E4E abides by each state’s requirements and acknowledges that they may change over time. If you advance forward to an interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about this job requirement.

Benefits & Applying

Educators for Excellence (E4E) believes in providing employees with benefits to support self-care, wellness, and financial stability. We value the whole person and provide benefits such as paid time off, health insurance plans, competitive salaries that include pre-tax benefits, and cell phone reimbursements. See more information about our benefits here.

Applications should be submitted by our application deadline by Sunday, August 24.

E4E is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. E4E has a zero tolerance for discrimination, racism, xenophobia or misogyny in any form in our workplace. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.

Accommodations: We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience and will ensure that all candidates are provided with reasonable accommodations that allow them to participate in the interview process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected]

EEOC questionnaire: We place a particular focus on recruiting staff members who share the backgrounds of the communities we serve. We encourage all applicants to complete our EEOC questionnaire as part of your application process (the form will be included in your initial application). Completing the questionnaire will help ensure our People & Equity team is attracting a diverse pool of qualified candidates for each of our open positions. Please note that this information is not included with your application, and our hiring managers do not have access to race and other identifying information at any point in the interviewing or hiring process, including after a hire is made.

E4E uses E-Verify when completing all new hire paperwork. For more information, visit here.