For more than 35 years, the Public School Forum of North Carolina has worked with partners across the state to advance equitable educational opportunity and support public education through research, policy analysis, and innovative programs. In addition to its education research and policy work, the Forum is home to the NC Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP), the North Carolina Center for Resilience and Learning, and the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity (Flood Center).
The Forum’s Policy Team seeks a Policy Engagement Coordinator to contribute to its efforts to inform and engage stakeholders about education policy, conduct research and policy analysis, and advocate for equitable public schools. The Policy Engagement Coordinator will provide operational and logistical support to ensure efficient and high-quality implementation of Policy Team programs and events. The Policy Engagement Coordinator will also contribute to research and communications efforts and will contribute to other areas of the Forum’s policy work as needed. The Forum seeks a detail-oriented, flexible, driven team player with a deep commitment to ensure that all children have equitable access to a high-quality education. This position reports to the Senior Director of Policy and Research.
This full-time position would be ideal for an early career professional looking to make an immediate impact while building a strong network in the North Carolina education policy arena. The preferred start date for this position is early January 2023.
Job Responsibilities
-Support event planning and coordination of local and statewide convenings related to education policy.
-Develop relationships and engage with education partners and stakeholders including students, parents, educators, business leaders, policymakers,
community members, nonprofits and foundation leaders.
-Assist with coordinating the Forum’s NC Education Partners Program and the Education Policy Network.
-Support internal project and program management efforts to track progress towards strategic goals and help to maximize our impact.
-Work with the Forum’s communications team to draft and disseminate content about education policy and Forum publications and events; help to
expand our reach and ensure that policy content is digestible and compelling.
-Track legislation, attend meetings, and maintain an understanding of education policy issues and developments at the federal, state, and local levels.
Required Qualifications:
-Commitment to ensuring educational equity, access, and opportunity for all students.
-Excellent project management and organizational skills; self-starter; exceptional attention to detail.
-Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to work well with diverse groups of education stakeholders.
-Thrives in a team-driven, collaborative work environment.
-Demonstrated ability to work on several simultaneous tasks and projects.
-Experience coordinating or managing virtual and in-person events.
-Computer, web, and social media proficiency. Experience with Zoom, Eventbrite, Wordpress, iContact and Canva or related programs/platforms a plus.
-Bachelor’s Degree required.
Preferred Qualifications:
-Knowledge of the education research and/or policy field.
-Knowledge of and/or experience working with students, families, and educators.