Senior Associate, K-12

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Oversee the execution of K-12 projects by creating and managing work plans, timelines, and ensuring quality implementation.

• Utilize approved AI tools for research, drafting, and analysis, while validating AI-enhanced work against primary sources.

• Design and conduct both quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis focusing on student readiness, pathways, work-based learning, early postsecondary coursework, social capital, credential attainment, and associated funding and data infrastructure.

• Gather and disseminate project insights using visualization tools such as Tableau.

• Create tools and strategies to evaluate client needs and replicate best practices on a national level.

• Develop and provide technical assistance and facilitation to teams in K-12, higher education, workforce, and economic development.

• Organize and plan in-state and cross-state gatherings for policymakers and practitioners.

• Write and assist in the publication of blogs, briefs, reports, and other publicly accessible documents.

• Build relationships with partners, clients, and national experts to discover new project opportunities.

• Prepare concept papers and proposals to secure new projects.

• Represent ESG at external events and meetings.

• Act as a thought partner and engage in collaborative problem-solving within the ESG team.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• At least five years of professional experience in education policy within a state education agency, intermediary organization, postsecondary institution, school district, or national nonprofit organization, focusing on developing and leading initiatives to enhance career preparation opportunities for students.

• Knowledge of educational strategies aimed at improving students’ readiness for high-value postsecondary opportunities, including early college experiences, work-based learning, industry credentialing, and alignment among K-12, higher education, and the workforce.

• Understanding of legislative and policy-making processes that support the local implementation of education-to-workforce practices.

• A master's degree in public policy, education policy, or related disciplines, or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience.

• Strong skills in qualitative research, data analysis, writing, project management, and facilitation.

• Experience leading workgroups that include policymakers and/or practitioners in K-12 or postsecondary education.

• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, work effectively in teams, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.

• A curious mindset and the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills.

• Comfort in using AI tools for research, drafting, and analysis, with the discernment to verify outputs and identify uncertainties.

• Maturity, flexibility, and adaptability to working in a small, virtual organization.

• Willingness to travel to support projects as necessary.

• Candidates whose experience is solely at the practitioner level will not be considered.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance.

• Flexible spending options.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Parental leave.

• Retirement plan with company matching.

• Vacation, sick leave, company holidays, and volunteer days.