Policy Director — Transform California Education

EdVoice Institute; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO + holidays

401(k) match

Remote workspace stipend

Cell phone stipend

Tech stipend

Job summary

EdVoice Institute is seeking two Directors of Policy to design evidence-based policy reforms that transform California’s public education system by 2040. You’ll integrate research from educators and school systems to craft practical, scalable policy solutions.

Two distinct portfolios will guide high school redesign and broader policy areas including math education, early education, governance, AI in schools, school funding, and accountability. Strong writing and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to EdVoice’s mission and expanding educational opportunities for students from low-income communities.
• 7+ years of professional experience in education policy, public policy, research, government, or related fields, including experience developing policy strategies, conducting research, and leading complex policy initiatives.
• Deep understanding of public education policy and school systems, including how policies affect teaching, learning, and student experiences.
• Exceptional research and analytical skills, with experience sourcing and analyzing data, evaluating evidence, challenging assumptions, and developing well-supported policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive policy arguments and present complex research and data in clear, compelling formats.
• Proven ability to build trust and collaborate with researchers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to gather perspectives and strengthen policy recommendations.
• Strategic judgment and project management skills to navigate ambiguity and independently lead complex initiatives.
• Proficiency with research databases and data analysis/visualization tools; experience using AI and emerging technologies is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead policy strategies within an assigned portfolio, establishing priorities and identifying opportunities to improve educational outcomes for students from low-income communities across California.
• Assess the education landscape to identify emerging opportunities for policy reform and build pathways where EdVoice will have impact.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable policy initiatives, drafting proposals from concept to final development.
• Develop evidence-based policy solutions addressing gaps in existing policies and practices using research and case studies.
• Evaluate competing policy approaches to develop robust policy recommendations with implementation considerations.

Skills

Policy strategy

Research

Data analysis

Written communication

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

AI in research

Job description

EdVoice Institute is seeking two Directors of Policy to design evidence-based policy reforms that transform California’s public education system by 2040. You’ll integrate research from educators and school systems to craft practical, scalable policy solutions.

Two distinct portfolios will guide high school redesign and broader policy areas including math education, early education, governance, AI in schools, school funding, and accountability. Strong writing and analytical skills are essential.