Director of Policy and Communications

The EdFund Mission

 EdFund is an organization designed to foster and invest in rigorous, policy-relevant education finance research reflecting diverse perspectives, and to connect policymakers and advocates with actionable findings.  

We envision high-quality education finance research, conducted by a diverse community, which drives more effective state policy solutions to align resources with students’ needs. In order to work toward this vision, we engage in four critical workstreams: curating policy-relevant research agendas; commissioning work through a variety of partnerships and funding opportunities; communicating research findings for policy audiences; and connecting researchers with policymakers and advocates. 

Position

The Director of Policy and Communications oversees EdFund’s “communicate and connect” strategies. This role is responsible for creating, executing, and overseeing projects intended to make research more accessible to advocates, policymakers, journalists, and the informed public. In addition, the Director of Policy and Communications will serve as EdFund’s primary “connector” – serving to strengthen the relationship between the research and policy fields related to school funding.  This is a hybrid position with 2 days per week required in the Hoboken, NJ office.

Communicating Research:

• Develop and oversee the execution of a robust communications and media strategy articulating research findings to various public audiences, including advocates, policymakers, and journalists.
• Create the concepts for data visualizations, typographic images, and other unique forms of communication to highlight important data and research related to school funding.
• Identify opportunities for, and lead the development of, creative campaigns opportunities related to how K-12 schools are funded.
• Identify opportunities to reach new and diverse audiences that have a stake in school funding.
• Oversee a contract budget as needed and manage contractors by providing guidance and accountability for deliverables.

Connecting the Fields:

• Identify spokespersons to conduct media interviews, participate in hearings, and/or other public events. Provide training and coaching as needed.
• Work with the CEO to identify third-party validators and stakeholders to assist policymakers and advocates in the development of evidence-based policies.
• Host seminars to connect advocates with notable researchers in a policy-forward setting.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in journalism, communications, or policy analysis roles
• Experience and demonstrated skill in the translation of technical subject matter for nontechnical audiences.
• Experience creating, cultivating, and managing connections between multiple individuals or organizations.
• Understanding of the general role of state and local governance in the United States.•      Experience writing for a variety of print and electronic materials.
• General working knowledge of public finance mechanisms and the role of finance in influencing policy.
• Experience managing or participating in campaigns intended to affect public policy.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience highly preferred.