VP, State Advocacy & Policy Strategy

Democrats for Education Reform; United States; On-site; USD 185,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision, and dental coverage

Flexible spending plan

401K plan with a match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Democrats for Education Reform seeks a Vice President of Advocacy to build and lead a national state-based advocacy function. The role partners with governors, their teams, and in-state advocates to move priorities through executive action, budgets, legislation, and regulation.

The VP will design state-by-state strategies in multiple states, align with the executive engagement plan, manage lobbying efforts, and supervise a growing advocacy team while remaining adaptable to changing political

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus (not required with equivalent experience).
• 8-10+ years in state government, legislative affairs, campaigns, or advocacy.
• Experience with executive budget actions and policy implementation preferred.
• Established relationships with state legislators or governors' offices is a plus.
• Direct experience lobbying or directing lobbying efforts with accountability outcomes.
• Ability to collaborate across teams to align policy efforts with advocacy.
• Strong political judgment and adaptability in shifting legislative dynamics.
• Professionalism and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Stand up and oversee DFER's Advocacy function, aligning with executive strategy.
• Lead state policy strategy across 5-7 states with multi-lever campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with governors' offices and legislative staff.
• Coordinate with Policy, Campaigns and Communications teams on priorities.
• Manage lobbying contracts and oversee 4-6 active efforts.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying registrations and reporting requirements.

Skills

Lobbying expertise

Relationship management

Policy strategy

Collaboration

Political judgment

Equity advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

State government experience (8-10+ years)

Job description

Democrats for Education Reform seeks a Vice President of Advocacy to build and lead a national state-based advocacy function. The role partners with governors, their teams, and in-state advocates to move priorities through executive action, budgets, legislation, and regulation.

The VP will design state-by-state strategies in multiple states, align with the executive engagement plan, manage lobbying efforts, and supervise a growing advocacy team while remaining adaptable to changing political