Deputy Director of Public Policy and Partnerships

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education (“the Alliance”) is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education—including several Nobel laureates—the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society.

As a field builder, the Alliance partners with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools across the country.

The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our diverse team is made up of educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals who are dedicated to our mission. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Alliance offers a comprehensive total rewards package inclusive of competitive compensation that is commensurate with experience, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Employees may also contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), as well as a 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%.

The Alliance operates on a hybrid work schedule in which local employees are expected to work from the office every Tuesday and Thursday during standard work hours. Local employees generally have the flexibility to work remotely or from the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All employees, both local and remote, receive equipment, supplies, and additional resources to help them do their best work.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Deputy Director of Public Policy and Partnerships  is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and implementing public policy strategies and fostering strategic partnerships. This position involves collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, corporations, and nonprofit organizations, to drive policy initiatives and expand the organization's influence and impact. The Deputy Director will play a crucial role in shaping the policy agenda, advancing advocacy efforts, and building and maintaining partnerships that support the organization's mission and strategic objectives. The Deputy Director will directly manage three team members and report to the Director of Public Policy and Partnerships.

The Deputy Director of Public Policy and Partnerships will serve as part of the Public Policy and Partnerships Department. 

We expect this individual to adhere to the Alliance’s hybrid work schedule, working both remotely and from our office in Bala Cynwyd, PA. We will consider remote employees who are not local to our office with the expectation that they will travel into the office at least once a week (or once a month in unique circumstances). Additional occasional travel may be required. 

*The position is based in the United States.

*The posted salary range for this position reflects our good faith estimate of what ideal candidates for this position are likely to expect. We will tailor any offer based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience, knowledge, and skills as well as any other factors that may prove relevant.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Planning and Management
  • Collaborate with Director and team to prioritize, execute, and update (when needed) department initiatives as outlined in the Strategic Plan.
  • Develop, monitor, and revise OKRs (objectives and key results) together with individual staff and full team.
  • Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment of strategic priorities and OKRs.
  • Utilize project management software (Wrike) to monitor projects and ensure deliverables and timelines are on track.
  • Manage some Department staff, including three direct reports (One Manager and two Senior Managers).
  • Support team members with content expertise.
• Relationship Management 
  • Provide support to the Director and Executive Director on their relationships with members of the Alliance’s various volunteer Councils and prospects. Ensure that all staff follow policies and procedures for vetting and onboarding of new Council members and external partners.
  • Collaborate with team to design and implement engaging programs for external partners.
  • Engage high-level officials including corporate leaders, government officials, and nonprofit and education leaders in relevant meetings and conversations to enhance their public support for Decision Education.
  • Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Other
  • Manage a mini grant program to support the development and growth of the Decision Education field.
  • Collaborate with the Director, Public Policy Manager, and Advocacy Manager on state and local policy initiatives.
  • Facilitate collaboration with the Communications team on various projects, including the creation of The Decision Education Podcast..
  • Review and revise departmental policies and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency with input from Director and team members.
  • Represent the Alliance at events and conferences.
• These duties may change or expand over time consistent with the organization’s needs and initiatives. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience
• 10+ years experience in effective partnership development and management resulting in expanded awareness and engagement.

• Experience working with external stakeholders in education, corporations, government, and nonprofits.
• Project management experience developing and tracking performance metrics/objectives and key results (OKRs) aligned to organizational strategy.
• Coalition building around a cause or education issue.

• K-12 education policy experience at a state executive or legislative level, or with a foundation or national nonprofit.
• 5+ years team management and supervision experience, leading teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Strategic planning experience working with organizational leadership to design, revise, and prioritize team goals, activities, and metrics.
• Experience using a Contact Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Experience or interest in Decision Science, Behavioral Economics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or similar is preferred, but not required.
• Skills, Characteristics, and Attributes
  • Strong relationship-building skills with a track record of driving results through effective partnership development and collaboration.
  • Strategic and innovative thinker with strong execution skills, including the ability to develop clear project plans and goals.
  • Responsible, diligent, and conscientious with outstanding organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, take initiative, and meet deadlines.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Highly collaborative, professional, and team-oriented.
  • Intellectual curiosity and interest in learning more about Decision Science.
  • Emotional maturity and integrity.
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions and focus.
  • Technologically proficient; ability to learn and understand different systems.
  • Embodies the Alliance’s core values and standards:
    • Humanism: valuing others as human beings.
    • Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “what is true?” and “what to do?”
    • Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills.
    • Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic; professionalism; high-quality work.
    • Initiative: owner’s and founder’s mentality; leadership skills.
    • Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals.