Director of Policy

The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE) seeks candidates for the position of Director of Policy to help develop and pursue the organization’s education policy agenda.  The Director of Policy will have responsibility for the following activities; helping to draft and analyze legislation; strategizing with our experienced team about how to advance legislative and policy priorities; conducting policy research and analysis on a wide range of education topics; facilitating a process of informing and educating our members and affiliates, as well as key state policymakers, on priority education policies; analyzing data and assisting or leading in the preparation of databases, written reports and policy briefs; and, representing the organization at meetings and on committees. All of this work will be done in pursuit of MBAE’s goal to ensure every student receives the education they need for success in college, career, and citizenship. 

 

The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education is committed to excellence, opportunity and innovation in our public education system to prepare all students to engage successfully in a global economy and society.

 

MBAE was established in 1988 by business leaders that believed an excellent public education system is the essential foundation of a sound and equitable economy and who were concerned that the Commonwealth was failing to provide its children with the education they needed to thrive and prosper.  

 

MBAE’s 1991 comprehensive education reform proposal, Every Child a Winner, became the framework for the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, which significantly increased state funding to support historically marginalized students and brought about a series of reforms to support student success. The legislation catapulted the state to first in the nation in student achievement and became a national model. 

 

Over the past thirty years, MBAE has continued to focus our policy agenda on closing racial and socio-economic achievement and opportunity gaps that are barriers to upward economic mobility.  MBAE is a forceful champion of equitable funding, high and consistent standards for all, a focus on evidence-based practices, accountability for performance, transparency around results, greater alignment of what students are learning with real world expectations, and deliberate pathways to college and strong careers.  

 

MBAE plays a critical role in education advocacy in Massachusetts.  We produce research that informs debate on key issues, serve on state committees and commissions charged with informing policy and driving equity, lead discussions with stakeholders, bring the business community’s voice to bear on key issues, raise awareness about challenges, and propose and organize support for proven solutions.   

Three of the state's most influential statewide employer organizations, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, have seats on our board. MBAE has also built a substantial business coalition, the MBAE Affiliate Network, that currently includes 37 chambers of commerce and trade associations collectively representing more than 31,000 employers from across the state.

 

The Role: MBAE is a leading statewide voice on education and workforce skills policy with a strong track record of success in advocacy, including playing a significant role in passing the 2019 Student Opportunity Act.  MBAE is in the second year of execution of a new strategic plan that involves strengthening partnerships with business and other stakeholders on key policy issues. Our focus is on re-emphasizing our decades-long commitment related to ensuring schools are providing equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities and preparing students for 21st century college and career success. The Director of Policy will play a leadership role in defining strategic priorities, creating a plan for building partnerships with policy makers and executing legislative and administrative advocacy that delivers on strategic priorities.  

 

·       Under the guidance of the Executive Director, continuously refine and update the policy agenda and develop strategies to pursue it with the legislature, administration, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and districts 

·       Write and deliver testimony for legislative committees and hearings and represent MBAE at state policy forums

·       Prepare and empower business affiliates and partners to engage with elected officials to advance key business community education priorities at the state and local level

·       Translate policy issues, research findings and recommendations into compelling and digestible formats for various audiences

·       In partnership with the Director of Membership, manage strategic partnerships with our existing Affiliate Network members and other related associations and groups to help with recruitment and retention of members

·       Provide policy related materials to the network via reports, surveys and presentations

·       Develop and deliver presentations to Affiliates and members on key issues and policy priorities

·       Manage and maintain the organization’s research data and analysis and manage outside partners and vendors as needed

·       Work independently and as part of a team to conduct research, analysis and reporting on public policy and government funding

·       In partnership with the Director of Communications and Advocacy, manage messaging around legislative and business priorities

·       Research and write reports, papers and other materials 

·       Analyze and leverage data to create compelling evidence and narrative

·       Under the leadership of the Executive Director, manage and interface with both the MBAE Board of Advisors and MBAE Policy Committee

·       Provide materials and support to MBAE stakeholders around our policy agenda

·       Prepare briefings and testimony for Executive Director and Board member

·       Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Social Science, Education or a related field

·       Three years-experience in a non-profit, public or private organization with background in public policy and/or research, preferably in education related issues. 

 

·       Some experience or knowledge of legislative and regulatory affairs

·       The ability to identify and position the organization to lead on emerging policy issues

·       Track record of strategic thinking and action

·       Ability to define and execute a plan to achieve policy wins

·       A broad understanding of Education Policy issues in Massachusetts

·       A broad knowledge of state government functions 

·       Superior data analysis, writing and presentation skills with ability to effectively communicate with various audiences

·       Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and allocate time accordingly to achieve project outcomes and meet deadlines

·       Detail oriented, well-organized with outstanding interpersonal skills; hard-working, persistent, resilient and diligent in follow-through

·       Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and as a member of a team

·       Proficient in the full suite of Microsoft Office and Google collaboration tools

·       A sense of humor, flexibility, initiative, and attention to detail essential 

The salary for this position is competitive and based on experience

 

Please submit resume and cover letter by email to:

 

Michelle Harrington

Director of Operations 

Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education

10 Post Office Square, Suite 800 South

Boston, MA 02109

mharrington@mbae.org