Connecting public charter school stakeholders to Alabama policymakers

Industry: Education
Company Size: 2-10 employees

Alabama Families for Great Schools

Savvy Admin PROD

Alabama Families for Great Schools (AFGS) is seeking a Policy and Research Director to lead the development and execution of AFGS’s legislative, regulatory, and research agenda in support of high-quality public charter schools. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert on public education policy, working closely with the Executive Director, charter schools, policymakers and partners to advance policies that support high quality public charter schools. This position is employed by Alabama Families for Great Schools and provides policy and strategic support to both Alabama Families for Great Schools and the Alabama Public Charter School Association pursuant to a cost-sharing agreement.

About the Organization

Alabama Families for Great Schools (AFGS) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization focused on improving the policy environment for public charter schools in Alabama. Our mission is to connect public charter school stakeholders with Alabama policymakers to create policies that facilitate the growth of high-quality public charter schools. We envision Alabama as a place where public charter school stakeholders have access and influence to put into place policies, laws, and regulations that grow high-quality public charter schools. We accomplish this through four primary workstreams: electoral advocacy, grassroots organizing, legislative engagement, and communications.

AFGS works closely with the Alabama Public Charter School Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. APCSA envisions a future where Alabama’s policymakers and communities work hand in hand to sustain and grow high-quality public charter schools—schools that innovate, inspire, and deliver excellent outcomes for students across Alabama.

What You Will Do

The Policy and Research Director will report to the Executive Director. The role is responsible for the following:

- In partnership with the board, staff, and school leaders, develop AFGS’s annual policy and legislative agenda

- Monitor, analyze, and interpret state and federal education policy, legislation, and regulatory developments affecting public charter schools

- Build and maintain relationships with legislators and coalition partners

- Translate complex research into accessible materials for policymakers, members, and the public

- Serve as a policy resource for schools

To give some specifics, if you were working at AFGS right now, you would be:·     Reviewing filed legislation and communicating impact to our schools

·     Drafting one-page summaries of our legislative priorities

·     Meeting with legislative champions to prepare them for legislative hearings or debate

·     Attending committee hearings in Montgomery

·     Building a legislative tracker for our schools to access

·     Collaborating with staff and contractors to plan our advocacy day

·     Working with executive director to draft weekly legislative update for stakeholders

While not requirements for application, our experience suggests that the following skills and/or competencies might contribute to success in this role:

·     Experience with the Alabama Legislature in a formal or informal setting

·     Participation in an advocacy effort or campaign

·     Experience in policy analysis and/or legislative affairs

·     Learning orientation

·     Strong knowledge of K-12 education systems and public charter school policy

·     3-5 years of experience in education policy, legislative affairs, government relations, or a related field.

What Else You Should Know

The compensation range for this role is $65,000-$80,000, dependent on demonstrated competency and prior experience. Other benefits include health insurance, retirement package, paid time off, and a work-issued laptop. This role can work from anywhere in the state of Alabama. During Alabama’s legislative session, this role will likely require regular (1-2 times/week) travel to Montgomery. AFGS will reimburse travel expenses.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to emily@alfamiliesforgreatschools.com.

Policy and Research Director

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