Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy

About LA's BEST

LA's BEST is a public/private partnership between the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and the private sector, working together to provide safe, engaging, and enriching after school programming for elementary school students. Established 38 years ago, LA's BEST serves children in neighborhoods with the greatest needs but the fewest resources, ensuring access to meaningful learning experiences beyond the school day.

Through this public-private partnership, LAUSD operates the program, the City of Los Angeles provides crucial public support, and the nonprofit entity advocates for funding and resources. This shared commitment allows LA's BEST to provide high-quality enrichment activities that nurture academic growth, social-emotional well-being for students while also supporting working families across Los Angeles.

At LA's BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual's unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.

Job Overview & Responsibilities

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of LA's BEST by spearheading relationship development, advocacy initiatives, and policy research. This position involves building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government entities and advocacy organizations to secure public funds and advocate for policies beneficial to LA's BEST and its beneficiaries.

The Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy is also responsible for monitoring legislative and policy developments, conducting research on relevant trends, and synthesizing findings to inform advocacy strategies. Collaborating closely with internal teams, the Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy will help drive communication efforts to position LA's BEST as a thought leader in the expanded learning field while fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership both internally and externally.

Core responsibilities include:

Relationship Development & Advocacy (approximately 40%):

• Developing and nurturing relationships with local, county, state, and federal entities, including the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, LAUSD, state agencies and legislative offices, and federal departments and elected officials, along with key department heads and senior leadership within each public agency.
• In partnership with the President & CEO, serving as a primary liaison between LA's BEST and public institutions, advocacy organizations, and partner organizations.
• Supporting the President & CEO in maintaining and strengthening relationships with government and elected officials, ensuring effective communication and collaboration on policy and advocacy efforts.
• Leading efforts to influence statewide coalition work and collaborating with key stakeholders to advance policy initiatives and achieve common goals.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders to identify and pursue public funding opportunities to support LA's BEST's programming and initiatives.
• Maintaining relationships with public agencies and stakeholders to secure ongoing financial support.
• Advocating for policies and funding that align with LA's BEST's goals and mission.
• Collaborating with other youth development organizations to enhance advocacy efforts and strengthen the overall systems of services for LA's BEST's beneficiaries.
• Participating in coalitions, task forces, and working groups to advance shared advocacy goals and amplify collective impact.
• Fostering a culture of deep collaboration…