Director of Research & Policy

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Partnership is seeking a strategic, relational, and high-capacity Director of Research & Policy. The Director of Research & Policy is responsible for leading the Partnership’s work of influencing the broader education system beyond our 20 network schools, with a particular focus on research-based policies and practices for school transformation. The Director of Research & Policy will serve as a key thought partner to senior leaders within the organization, providing counsel and direct support in managing policy and advocacy initiatives, and will serve as a leader on the Policy & Advocacy team.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Position responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Research Management (40%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive research and data analysis strategy aligned with the policy team’s campaign and issue strategies
• Oversee the design and execution of high-quality research projects, including qualitative and quantitative research reports, policy briefs, and other publications
• Ensure that research methodologies are rigorous, participatory, and appropriate for the objectives of each project
• Analyze research findings and translate them into clear and actionable insights and policy recommendations
• Collaborate with LAUSD and the Committee for External Research Review to enable approval of the policy team publications by the district
• Collaborate with VP of Policy & Advocacy and issue committees to integrate research and advocacy efforts into the Partnership’s overall policy, campaign, and base-building strategies
• Provide leadership and strategic direction in campaign and issue areas, bringing together cross-functional groups including staff, partners, parents, educators, and other stakeholders to guide strategy and amplify the Partnership’s system-wide change work
• Build relationships with grasstop and grassroots leaders, policy organizations, advocacy partners, key LAUSD offices, and education coalitions to advance the Partnership’s education equity agenda and co-develop research projects and advocacy initiatives
• Collaborate with the Communications Team to effectively disseminate research findings and advocacy messages through media engagements, social media, and other platforms
• Support the development and implementation of systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of research and advocacy efforts

Supervision Coaching, Training, & Support (30%)

• Provide management, coaching, and leadership development and capacity for the Manager of Policy & Advocacy
• Develop and implement a learning agenda in the policy team, integrating campaign priorities with instructional and in-school best practices
• Collaborate across Partnership teams and individuals to collectively execute policy and advocacy initiatives
• Model Partnership competencies and values for direct report

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 7 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, public policy, or advocacy roles with a proven track record of leading successful initiatives
• Experience leading and managing multiple complex projects with cross-functional teams
• Experience creating high-impact research and analysis publications contributing to successful advocacy campaigns
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas simply and succinctly
• Ability to work collaboratively with other experienced professionals, colleagues, Board members, external partners, and colleagues of various functions and expertise
• Educational degree or certification in a subject area related to policy and advocacy is preferred
• Ability to travel between school sites and Partnership Home Office
• Spanish language fluency (spoken and written), preferred
• Working understanding of K-12 public education sector, preferred
• A deep belief in the power of our communities, as well as the Partnership’s mission, approach, and core values
• A commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all team members
• A willingness to learn, grow, and model the Partnership competencies: Anti-racism, root cause analysis, long-term thinking, teaming and collaboration, psychological safety, and learning and growth