The Organization
The NEA Foundation is a national nonprofit and philanthropic organization that achieves its mission by investing in educators’ leadership, shared learning and collaboration; supporting partnerships that advance the best in teaching and learning; and sharing improvements in education policy and practice resulting from educators’ and organizational partners’ thought leadership. Its aims are furthered through strategic initiatives, grants programs, fellowship and awards programs, and numerous collaborative efforts.
The Foundation believes that the most innovative and effective policies and strategies emanate from educators engaged in authentic partnership with policymakers, students, parents, and others committed to educational justice, equity, excellence and opportunity.
Position Overview
The NEA Foundation is seeking a passionate, highly skilled and entrepreneurial advocate for public education to join its new Strategy Group as a Strategy Officer. This individual will assist in furthering existing Foundation programs as well as in the development and implementation of new strategic initiatives to advance the Foundation’s mission to promote the best in public education, particularly educational justice, equity, excellence and opportunity.
The individual filling this position will report to the Chief Officer for Strategic Initiatives. The position is based in Washington, D.C. The salary range for this position is $60,000-$80,000.
Primary Responsibilities:
This position will offer the right candidate opportunities to lead and/or support key areas of the Foundation’s work.
Global Learning Fellowship Program Leadership
Serve as lead project and financial manager on the Foundation’s Global Learning Fellowship (GLF) program, a 12-month, cohort-based professional development opportunity for K-12 public school educators, managing recruitment, application and review processes.
Facilitate the development and implementation of online and in-person learning opportunities to help each cohort of GLF Fellows develop the skills and knowledge to integrate global competency into their classroom activities. Manage consultants involved in this work.
Collaborate with the Foundation’s senior leadership team and external partners to design dynamic 7- to 10-day global learning field study programs for the GLF Fellows.
Cultivate and engage GLF alumni as advisors and as part of vibrant alumni network.
Design and Administration of Strategic Initiatives
Maintain and share a high level of knowledge of effective strategies and current thinking in the education and social change fields – what works, most effective and innovative ways to support educators and other positive changemakers, and how to implement effective strategies with partners.
Help identify potential strategic investments and partnership opportunities that advance the Foundation’s mission, vision and values.
With the Chief Officer for Strategic Initiatives and team, administer assigned initiatives.
Contribute to the team’s development and refinement of criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy portfolio as well as participate in the evaluation of results.
Strategy Teamwork
Prepare high-quality written materials for Foundation’s management and Board of Directors.
Work closely with the Communications team to identify, produce and/or review editorial content related to funded projects.
Develop and maintain effective professional relationships that advance the Foundation’s programmatic goals.
Help manage work of Strategy Group Assistant and/or interns (in partnership with other strategy officers).
Desired Qualifications & Characteristics
- A deep personal interest in and commitment to the NEA Foundation’s mission and values (advancing public education, educator leadership, enhancing the whole child, partnership, the public good and justice).
- Knowledge of current issues in public education.
- A demonstrated capacity to advance justice, equity, excellence and opportunity, including racial equity, in a given field, in prior roles.
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of experience and senior leadership in relevant education/nonprofit/philanthropic sectors.
- Previous grantmaking and grants management experience.
- Knowledge and experience in identifying, assessing, synthesizing, and communicating best practices related to education practice and policy.
- Experience working on global learning issues or programs.
- Experience developing and leading educational workshops and events.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills.
- Strong verbal communication skills with ability to present, facilitate and serve as spokesperson for the Foundation.
- Excellent project management and time management skills, including exceptional attention to detail, ability to manage multiple relationships and deliverables simultaneously, work independently and follow through in timely manner.
- Highest level of interpersonal skills including excellent listening, tact, patience, flexibility, courtesy and the ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.
- Ability to travel internationally in alignment with the field study component of the GLF.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to neafhr@nea.org. Please use Strategy Officer – 2 as the subject line.