Policy Coordinator

EdVoice; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

PTO & holidays

401(k) employer match

Remote workspace stipend

Cell phone stipend

Technology stipend

Job summary

EdVoice Institute is seeking a Policy Coordinator to advance California education policy by researching issues, tracking legislation, and coordinating cross‑functional projects. This role supports policy leaders, manages timelines, and connects people and information to move priorities forward.

You will work in a hybrid capacity, collaborating with Sacramento and California partners, and interact with internal policy teams to prepare materials and briefing documents for policymakers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• 1–3 years in administrative support, project coordination, research, policy, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Policy Operations & Project Management: manage multiple policy projects and timelines.
• Partner Engagement & Convenings: plan events, coordinate partners, and prepare briefing materials.
• Administrative, Legislative & Budget Monitoring: monitor hearings, track legislation, prepare letters.

Skills

Organizational skills

Research & analysis

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

AI productivity tools

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace

Job description

EdVoice Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education policy organization working to reshape public education in California so that students from low-income communities have futures filled with opportunity. More than 60% of California’s 5.8 million public school students are low-income. The sobering reality is that most perform at about half the level of their more affluent peers across key indicators such as reading, math, and college readiness. Addressing these disparities requires bold, coordinated action at the state level.

Together, EdVoice Institute and its sister organization, EdVoice (a 501(c)(4)), work to advance scalable policy changes for California's children. The Institute develops and advances evidence-based policy solutions to improve learning statewide, working alongside coalition partners. EdVoice complements this work through lobbying and campaigning to secure policy adoption, as well as strategic political contributions through its EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders who prioritize the needs of students from low-income communities.

Since relaunching in 2022, the organizations have championed transformative early literacy policies, including universal K-2 reading screenings and statewide adoption of evidence-based reading instruction and materials. EdVoice Institute has also advocated for fully credentialed teachers in high-needs schools, with EdVoice securing legislative wins and budget allocations. Looking forward, both organizations will continue working toward an education system in which all children have access to the quality education they need and future opportunities they deserve.

The Opportunity

EdVoice Institute is growing its policy team to advance an ambitious long-term agenda focused on transforming California's education system by 2040. As a Policy Coordinator, you'll investigate pressing education challenges, track developments in California policy, and bring the research, coordination, and attention to detail needed to move policy priorities forward.

The Policy Coordinator will work alongside experienced policy leaders to analyze research and data, synthesize findings, monitor legislative developments, and prepare materials that inform policy discussions and proposals. Beyond research, you'll coordinate projects, manage timelines, and connect the people and information needed to keep initiatives on track. Your work will strengthen the team's ability to respond to emerging policy opportunities, develop well-informed proposals, and advance solutions that improve educational outcomes for California students.

The ideal candidate is curious, resourceful, and proactive, with a genuine interest in education policy. They enjoy digging into challenging issues, connecting ideas, and bringing structure to competing priorities. They maintain a clear view of moving priorities and workstreams, spot gaps before they become obstacles, and proactively drive projects forward. This is an opportunity to advance impactful education policies that transform California's public education system and expand opportunities for millions of students.

Policy Operations & Project Management (50%)

• Manage multiple policy projects and workstreams, tracking milestones, deliverables, and competing priorities to maintain momentum and identify potential challenges early.
• Strengthen operational systems and team practices, leveraging AI and other productivity tools to improve efficiency, maintain organized research and project records, and preserve institutional knowledge.
• Compile and synthesize research, data, and policy information to inform team initiatives, briefing materials, and policy recommendations.
• Coordinate internal review processes and ensure timely completion of policy materials and deliverables by tracking feedback and supporting revisions.
• Lead meeting preparation and follow-up, working with Policy team members to establish clear objectives, prepare materials, capture key decisions, and ensure accountability for next steps.
• Oversee scheduling across the Policy team, facilitating effective collaboration with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

Partner Engagement & Convenings (30%)

• Manage planning and logistics for policy events and convenings, including vendor and venue arrangements, speaker coordination, materials, and on-site execution.
• Support meetings with coalition partners and external stakeholders, preparing agendas, documenting discussions, and coordinating follow-up communications.
• Organize external meetings in Sacramento and across California, overseeing scheduling, venues, materials, and attendee communications.
• Maintain partner engagement records and support consistent communication to strengthen relationships and collaboration across policy initiatives.
• Prepare background materials and briefing documents for meetings with policymakers, coalition partners, and other interest holders, highlighting relevant policy context, key discussion topics, and anticipated next steps.

Administrative, Legislative & Budget Monitoring (20%)

• Monitor relevant hearings at state education agencies, including the California Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing, identifying agenda items and opportunities for public comment.
• Monitor priority legislation and budget proposals in partnership with the Government Affairs team, using legislative tracking tools to follow amendments, hearings, deadlines, and other key developments.
• Review and summarize legislative hearings, education committee hearings, and state agency meetings, highlighting key decisions and implications for EdVoice’s priorities.
• Prepare and coordinate the submission of position letters and other legislative correspondence, including drafting and formatting materials in collaboration with Government Affairs team members.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Commitment to EdVoice's mission and improving educational opportunities for students from low-income communities.
• 1-3 years of professional experience in administrative support, project coordination, research, policy, or related fields; can include internships and fellowships.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and initiative to manage multiple projects, anticipate needs, identify gaps, and follow through on commitments.
• Solid research and analytical skills, including gathering information, synthesizing findings, and identifying key takeaways.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, producing clear summaries, meeting materials, and professional correspondence.
• Interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information and navigating competing priorities.
• Interest in education policy and the legislative process; familiarity with California policymaking is a plus.
• Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and openness to feedback, with a collaborative approach to solving problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace; comfort leveraging AI and other productivity tools to improve efficiency.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range is $55,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
• 13 days of paid time off (PTO), 12 paid holidays, winter break from December 25 th to 31st, plus sick days
• Fully vested employer 1:1 match of employee 401(k) contributions up to 4%
• Reimbursement of up to $500 for a remote workspace, in accordance with organizational policy
• Reimbursement of up to $750 for a cell phone, in accordance with organizational policy
• $90/month technology stipend

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Sacramento (preferred) or Los Angeles, California, with up to 8 in-person days per month. Travel is approximately 10%-20% to meet with the team and key partners.

EdVoice is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, national origins, ages, religions, creeds, veteran or disabled statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions. Please visit our website for more information at edvoiceinstitute.org.