Director, K12 Strategy

About Schoolhouse Connection

Founded in 2016, SchoolHouse Connection is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. Our five key principles are: 

• Education is Essential
• Grassroots Approach
• Youth Leadership
• Child Development
• Prevention Must Be a Priority

Our vision is for children and youth experiencing homelessness will have full access to quality learning, so they will never be homeless as adults, and the next generation will never be homeless. 

Position Summary:  We seek a strategic leader to join our team as the Director, K12 Strategy. The primary responsibility of this position is to enhance the educational success of students experiencing homelessness (PreK-12) through effective implementation of the McKinney-Vento Act. 

Direct reports include:

• Senior Program Manager, Education Initiatives
• Senior Program Manager, Education Initiatives
• Senior Program Manager, K12 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Identify strategic opportunities to support state and local educational agencies in implementing the McKinney-Vento Act and related policies that support the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.  
• Lead a team of three senior program managers and contractors in: 
• Developing and delivering engaging training.  
• Creating actionable materials for educators and stakeholders.  
• Organizing state and regional conferences and convenings to drive action planning.  
• Providing data analysis to inform recommendations.  
• Providing guidance on policies and procedures
• Developing content for online learning platforms
• Oversee responses to inquiries regarding legal rights of homeless youth.  
• Manage PreK-12 fee-for-service projects, in coordination with the Director of Education Initiatives.
• Cultivate partnerships with national and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education.  
• Lead evaluations for continuous improvement of initiatives through the assessment of analytics and stakeholder feedback.  
• Collaborate with early childhood and higher education teams to enhance school and college readiness.  
• Inform policy initiatives in collaboration with SHC policy teams.  
• Contribute to funding reports and proposals.  

Qualifications & Requirements:  

• 7+ years of experience in team leadership and project management.  
• Expertise in the McKinney-Vento Act and its practical and legal application in local and state education agencies in a variety of settings and circumstances.  
• Strong background in adult learning principles and professional development.  

Key Competencies & Abilities:  

• Exceptional project management skills with proficiency in relevant tools and software.  
• Strategic thinker with the ability to spot patterns, draw connections, and use practical assistance and professional development to inform national strategy in policy and practice;
• Proven track record of developing clear, cogent, practical written materials related to education practice and policy that reflect constant awareness of the larger context
• Experience managing the delivery of engaging, interactive trainings that drive measurable change
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to manage a heavy workload while maintaining high standards.  

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in education, education policy, or a related field is required.  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Remote work environment
• Travel: 18-20 days per year (10%)

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is $115,000-$125,000, commensurate with experience. SHC offers a robust, competitive benefits package that aims to support the people working hard to advance our mission. That benefits package includes:

• Benefits: Work from home; flexible work schedule; generous holiday, personal, and vacation leave; health insurance reimbursement plan; 403(b) retirement plan; small, collegial team; many opportunities to use skills, learn, and grow professionally.

To Apply:

Please fill out our online application. We ask for your resume along with answers to a few application questions in lieu of a cover letter. We also ask for 2 references, which we would only call for an identified finalist. We would give the candidate ample notice as well.

This search is being run by NRG Consulting Group. Please contact jobs@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.