Senior Advisor, State Strategy & Engagement

Leading Educators Careers; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Leading Educators seeks a Senior Advisor, State Strategy & Engagement to develop and implement state-level growth strategies. This temporary engagement will involve advising leadership on systemic improvement, fostering relationships with officials, and designing initiatives in education policy. The role offers high autonomy focused on making a significant impact.

Benefits

100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

4% matching 401k plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

22 days paid time off per year

16 additional paid holidays

Qualifications

• Strong background in developing and executing state-engagement strategies.
• Expertise in navigating K–12 education policy and funding.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of state-level growth strategies.
• Cultivate high-level relationships with state officials and policymakers.
• Advise leadership on strategic positioning and engagement.

Skills

Education policy expertise

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Public affairs experience

Education

15+ years experience in education policy, public affairs

Job description

Senior Advisor, State Strategy & Engagement

United States

What We Do

At Leading Educators (LE), we know that excellent teaching is the most important driver of student success. The moment a student steps foot in the classroom, their opportunity to learn depends on how prepared their teacher is to translate complex content knowledge, standards, and their knowledge of that student into lessons that help them learn deeply and apply their thinking to the real world.

That’s a big lift, and it often happens alone. As a national nonprofit, we partner with school systems to overcome persistent instructional challenges, foster intentional collaboration and adult learning by design, and ignite new possibilities through systemic solutions at the intersection of teaching, talent, and technology.

We work shoulder-to-shoulder with educators at every level of the education system to strengthen their instructional and leadership practices, bring a vision for excellent instruction to life with consistency, and ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Through direct support, strategic advising, innovation pilots, and best-in-class research, we help educators work toward a future where every student is ready to thrive. Learn more about our work at leadingeducators.org .

External Candidate Application Deadline: 6/17/25

Position

We are seeking a strategic and deeply experienced Senior Advisor, State Strategy & Engagement to lead the design and implementation of our first-ever state-level growth strategy. This is a unique, high-impact opportunity for a senior education policy strategist or systems leader ready to shape how Leading Educators engages with state education agencies and expands our influence on statewide instructional improvement.

As a senior external strategist, you will develop infrastructure, cultivate high-level relationships, and advise LE’s leadership on positioning and engagement with state officials, policy influencers, and coalitions. This is a highly autonomous, individual contributor role focused on external relationship-building, system-level strategy, and long-term vision—not people management.

This 9-month engagement offers an exciting opportunity to lay the foundation for future partnerships, funding opportunities, and statewide systemic impact.

Do you have expertise in…

• Developing and executing state-level education engagement strategies?
• Navigating K–12 education policy and funding landscapes with credibility and finesse?
• Advising senior leaders and building relationships with state education chiefs, policymakers, and national coalitions?
• Launching new initiatives in fast-paced, cross-functional, and mission-driven environments?
• Designing policy-informed strategies that lead to real systems change in education?
• Representing a purpose-driven organization with clarity and influence?
• Connecting complex insights into clear, compelling messaging and pitch materials?
• Building structures that outlast your engagement and deliver lasting value?

If you've answered affirmatively to these questions and meet the following prerequisites, we urge you to seize this opportunity. This role calls for the following:

• 15+ years of experience in education policy, public affairs, systems consulting, or nonprofit strategy
• Demonstrated success cultivating relationships with senior state education officials and navigating state funding systems
• Exceptional communication skills with a track record of synthesizing strategic insights for diverse audiences
• Experience leading major initiatives or policy programs in dynamic, high-accountability settings
• Deep familiarity with the political, structural, and financial complexities of K–12 education

Engagement Terms

• Type: Temporary employee engagement
• Duration: 9 months (start ASAP)
• Compensation: $95–$105 per hour (based on experience and internal alignment)
• Location: Fully remote, U.S.-based
• Travel: 15–35% for strategic meetings, convenings, and state engagements

Why Work at Leading Educators?

Imagine being part of an organization where your ideas and perspectives are highly valued. At Leading Educators, we believe in fostering individual strengths, encouraging personal growth, and embracing innovative ideas. If you thrive in a remote working environment, with the added excitement of travel, we're the perfect fit for you. By joining us, you become part of a powerful community of peers nationwide. Regardless of your location, you possess the power to make a significant impact on both students and teachers who rely on us daily. Join Leading Educators and become an integral part of driving progress in education.

Learn About Our Mission & Values:

Mission:Leading Educators partners with school systems to sustain the teaching, leadership, and conditions for every student to succeed in school and in life.

Values:

• Build on strengths: We affirm and begin with the unique and collective talents, experiences, and wisdom of ourselves and others.
• Continuously learn: We develop ourselves and others. We apply new learning and deepened self-awareness to our relationships and practices.
• Prioritize people: We build trust and reflect on the impact of different perspectives and experiences.
• Champion success for all: We re-imagine structures, habits, and mindsets to ensure every learner has access to evidence-based learning opportunities.
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for individual employees. Additional premium costs are covered 60% by Leading Educators for partners and dependents on medical, dental, and vision plans. 4% matching 401k plan, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, childcare and commuter expenses, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Benefits are valued at or above $9,000 for employees.
• Time Off:
  • First three years of employment, full time staff accrue 22 days a year.
  • Five additional days are accrued after the third and sixth year of employment.
  • Leading Educators also offer 16 additional paid days off for various holidays, including three floating holidays staff may use at their discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Leading Educators is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

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