Deputy Director, Policy and Advocacy

Deputy Director Of Policy And Advocacy For Educate Texas Working closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy for Educate Texas will manage a portfolio of evidence-based education and workforce policy priorities that advance student outcomes and career success. The role will develop and coordinate policy and advocacy strategies; monitor and analyze legislation, agency rules, and research related to assigned policy areas; and translate findings into policy recommendations, communications, testimony, and related products. The Deputy Director will cultivate relationships with policymakers and their staff, agency leaders and staff, education and workforce practitioners, advocacy partners, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The role will also collaborate across Educate Texas to align policy and programs and elevate promising policy recommendations that strengthen education and workforce outcomes across Texas. In addition, the Deputy Director will co-lead assigned policy councils, plan and manage policy and advocacy learning events, complete assigned research projects, and draft policy recommendations and related communications. The position is based in Austin, Texas. The successful candidate must reside locally or be willing to relocate and must be willing to travel overnight, in and out of state, up to 20% of the time. Policy Portfolio and Analysis: Monitor and interpret education and workforce policy developments at the state, agency, and institutional levels, and recommend actions that advance Educate Texas priorities. Collect, clean, analyze, synthesize, and manage quantitative and qualitative data. Research proposed legislation, agency rules, and implementation guidance to inform policy priorities and Educate Texas response or position. Strategy and Implementation: In collaboration with the Director of Policy and Advocacy and other Educate Texas leaders, develop and manage data-informed policy, advocacy, and implementation strategies. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align policy with program activities across assigned topics, such as educator effectiveness, college and career readiness, artificial intelligence, postsecondary success, career pathways, and workforce development. Policy Councils and Convenings: Co-lead assigned Educate Texas policy councils, coalitions, and stakeholder groups with EDTX colleagues. Serve as a trusted convener who can bring together stakeholders with different perspectives, build alignment around shared priorities, and sustain engagement over time. Design and facilitate strategic, engaging virtual and in-person meetings, learning opportunities, and convenings that connect stakeholders with practitioners, experts, and policymakers and move the work toward clear outcomes. Communications and Product Development: Develop high-quality policy briefs, presentations, written and oral testimony, policy and advocacy messages, stakeholder awareness materials, reports, and other products for diverse audiences. Translate complex policy ideas and research findings into practical, clear, and compelling written and verbal communications. Respond effectively to questions from internal and external partners, and represent Educate Texas with credibility, sound judgment, and diplomacy. Advocacy, Outreach, and Partnerships: Build and manage relationships with policymakers, agencies, practitioners, aligned policy and advocacy organizations, and business and community leaders. Create strategic opportunities for stakeholders to engage decision-makers, advocate for evidence-based solutions, and elevate practitioner and community perspectives in policymaking and implementation. Project and Event Management: Manage multiple projects concurrently by defining outcomes, work plans, milestones, and measures of progress. Coordinate schedules, logistics, deliverables, and stakeholder communications with strong attention to detail and a stakeholder-centered approach. Budget, Development, and Funder Support: Monitor and maintain project budgets associated with policy and advocacy priorities. Support fundraising, proposal development, grant reporting, and funder relationships by producing accurate content and documenting progress and results. Culture, Values, and People: Promote organizational culture and values, strengthen the integration of policy, programs, and partnerships, and support the hiring, coaching, and development of team members. Model collaboration, accountability, learning, sound judgment, and service.