Position: State Director
Organization: The National Center on Time & Learning (NCTL)
Location: Boston, MA
NCTL seeks a talented individual to serve as State Director for one or more states that are implementing expanded learning time initiatives in low performing schools. The position requires the ability to manage complex projects in 1-3 states and to work with multiple areas of NCTL (research, policy, programs, and knowledge management). Through its Massachusetts operation, Massachusetts 2020, NCTL currently provides technical assistance to twenty-two Expanded Learning Time schools. With new U.S. Department of Education guidelines and resources supporting education reforms, including increased learning time, NCTL is embarking on a national expansion and began providing technical assistance to schools in five additional states. This position requires an understanding of education reform, the delivery of public education, and state-level policy work. The successful candidate will possess superior writing skills, work as part of a team to execute multi-step projects, and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization. He/she will report to the Vice President of National Expansion and be part of the national expansion team. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Boston, MA.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the management and success of the state and district level initiative in 1-3 states
- Maintain contact with key district and state level contacts as needed to ensure smooth rollout
- Develop and maintain broad network of contacts within the state including union officials, foundation leaders, education reform organizations as well as state and district political and education leaders– holding meetings to explain our initiative and work and build buy-in and support, and maintaining a database of key contacts
- Manage communications efforts within the state (engaging senior leaders as needed) including facilitating communication strategy, such as development and distribution of press releases, reports, and newsletters
- Maintain regular contact with partner organization, Focus on Results, and NCTL coaches involved in technical assistance to ensure program is being implemented smoothly and according to schedule
- Develop regular reports for Vice President of National Expansion and senior management team regarding progress of participating schools and districts
- Identify and resolve/troubleshoot issues that arise in planning and implementation
- Work with technical assistance team and knowledge management team to collect baseline data, report on interim data and identify and document effective practices
- Work with key state contacts to implement an evaluation program (position is not responsible for development of evaluation design – just set-up and execution within the state)
- Help prepare for and attend technical assistance sessions for the state; work with NCTL Program Associate to ensure logistics for training and coaching sessions are handled smoothly
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or public policy (Master’s degree preferred)
- At least 5 years experience working in fast-growth, entrepreneurial, mission-driven enterprises
- Ideal candidate will have experience in the school reform arena, preferably with experience helping schools serving low income students excel at high levels
- Excellent project management skills
- Demonstrated understanding of the delivery of public education at the state and district levels, including the roles of Chief State School Officers, State Boards, Governors, Legislature, district superintendents, school committees, unions, etc.)
- Deep commitment to the improvement of public education in low-income communities coupled with an unwavering orientation to accountability and measurable results
- Willingness to travel extensively (varying from 30% to 60% of time)
- Goal-focused and results driven self-starter with the ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to convey ideas and positions to diverse audiences including elected officials, corporate leaders, funders, school district leaders, principals, community groups, teachers, students, and parents
- Excellent presentation skills and computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases, and on-line training tools
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package.
To Apply:
NCTL has engaged Koya Consulting to help in this hire. Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Katie Bouton at executivesearch@koyaconsulting.com.
NCTL is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBT applicants.
About NCTL:
The National Center on Time & Learning (NCTL) is a leader on the frontlines of urban K-12 education reform promoting the simple but powerful notion that time matters for learning and that expanded learning time, well used, allows schools serving high concentrations of poor children to reach much higher academic achievement standards and enjoy a well-rounded education. Founded on the premise that the century-old school schedule is out of date in a highly competitive global society, NCTL combines public policy, research, advocacy and programming to fulfill its mission to expand and improve learning opportunities for children, particularly those living in poverty. For more information about NCTL, including links to notable research reports and recent press coverage, please go to www.timeandlearning.org. For more information about the Massachusetts operation, visit www.mass2020.org.