Vice president, advocacy

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is seeking a Vice President, Advocacy to execute our state-based advocacy function to ensure DFER advances a systematic, state-by-state advocacy program aligned with our executive engagement strategy. The Vice President, Advocacy will build and lead this national Advocacy function, taking ownership of state policy strategy — partnering with governors and their senior teams, executive branch leaders, legislative leaders, and in-state advocates to move DFER’s priorities through whichever levers fit: executive action, the state budget, legislation, and regulation. This person will build on DFER’s existing gubernatorial relationships and drive our policy commitments from inception through implementation. The VP, Advocacy will operate at a national scale and lead deep, multi-lever campaigns in two to three priority states each year while maintaining relationships with governors and their teams in several additional states — a tiered model that lets DFER go deep where opportunities are ripest and stay ready to move elsewhere as windows open. The role will shift across regions and markets as political conditions change.

State Advocacy Strategy

Stand up and oversee DFER's new Advocacy function, including:

• Aligning state-based advocacy with DFER's executive engagement strategy, leveraging existing political capital and relationships;
• Establishing clear ownership and accountability for moving campaign commitments to enacted policy through executive, budgetary, legislative and regulatory channels in target states;
• Mapping and identifying “emerging market” states that may have new opportunity for legislation, in alignment with our policy agenda;
• Developing state-by-state advocacy plans in 5 - 7 states, aligned with DFER's executive strategy and Policy Framework;
• Coordinating with the Policy Team on relevant and timely policy strategy memos for governors and their teams that map the right levers (executive orders, budget proposals, legislation, agency rules) for each priority;
• Leading DFER’s post-election engagement with newly-elected governors, serving as the administration’s policy partner through the first legislative session and budget cycle.

Relationship Management & Lobbying

Develop and maintain relationships with governors’ senior staff, cabinet and agency leaders, legislative leaders and staff, and in-state advocacy partners. Meet regularly - both in person and remotely - with senior sitting governors and state legislative staff on time-sensitive, relevant policy priorities, in collaboration with our Campaigns and Policy teams. Partner with the Policy team to track and draft legislation in target states. Manage lobbying contracts and oversee 4-6 active lobbying efforts to execute state-based advocacy strategies.

Coalitions & Communications

Coordinate with in-state coalitions and advocates to build support for priority policies across executive and legislative branches. In states without an established coalition, evaluate the local partner landscape for coalition potential and, where feasible, support on-the-ground partners in forming one. Partner with the Communications team on earned media, op-eds and public campaigns that build momentum for state priorities. Work with the Research team to deploy state polling and data in advocacy plans. Represent DFER in state and national convenings, building visibility for DFER’s state wins.

Function Leadership & Operations

Build the Advocacy function’s structure, processes and tools, including state tracking systems, playbooks and reporting templates. Manage the Advocacy budget, including lobbying contracts, consultants and state-based vendors. Set annual goals and OKRs for state policy wins, and report progress to leadership and the board. Ensure compliance with state lobbying registration and reporting requirements, in partnership with Finance and compliance counsel.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, political science, or related field a plus (not required with equivalent experience)
• State Policy and/or Legislative Experience: 8-10+ years of experience in state government, state legislative affairs, campaigns, or political advocacy, including senior-level roles. Deep, working knowledge of state legislative processes, procedures, and calendars, ideally across multiple states.
• Executive Branch Experience: Experience working in or alongside a governor’s office or state agency, including on budget development, executive actions or policy implementation, strongly preferred.
• Relationship Management: Established relationships with, or demonstrated ability to quickly build relationships with, state legislators, governors' offices, and legislative staff.
• Lobbying Expertise: Direct experience lobbying or directing lobbying efforts on specific pieces of legislation, with a track record of bills advanced or passed. Experience overseeing external lobbyists or vendors, including contract management and performance accountability.
• Collaboration: Expert collaborator, adept at identifying stakeholders and partners, both internally and externally, to align our policy efforts and advance legislation, building on our existing relationships and expertise.
• Sound Political Judgment & Adaptability: Sound political judgment, including the ability to read shifting legislative dynamics and adjust strategy in real time.
• Professionalism: Ability to work collaboratively within a team, manage confidential information with discretion, and remain resilient in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence for all students.

Reports To: President, and requires 30% travel.

The salary for this position is $185,000 - $200,000. DFER is proud to offer excellent benefits: health, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; 401K plan with a match plan; flexible spending/benefits plan; paid family leave; paid time off (vacation, sick time, and all National holidays) and paid vacation.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees & LGBTQ people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of students living in the communities we serve.