Manager , Partnerships & Engagement

Position: Manager I, Partnerships & Engagement
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

EdTrust - Midwest (ETM) seeks a Manager I, Partnerships & Engagement. The Partnerships & Engagement Manager will join a staff who are committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

The Manager I, Partnerships & Engagement builds partnerships and engagement between EdTrust-Midwest and partner organizations in the field, with a primary focus on coordinating and supporting the Michigan Partnership for Equity & Opportunity coalition. The Manager I engages with key advocates and allies to coordinate timely and strategic campaigns and events, designs and executes programs, and helps to ensure community and partner voices are incorporated into our legislative advocacy strategy and activities.

The Partnerships & Engagement Manager I collaborates with the Director of Government Affairs and the State Director of Michigan to develop and implement impactful opportunities to advance the mission of EdTrust in Michigan.

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

Available immediately, this role is based in and works from a home office in the state of Michigan and will be expected to do some in-state travel (e.g., 20%) for in-person meetings in Lansing, Detroit, and across the state. Employees who work from a home office have access to a $150 stipend for home office set-up and equipment. The Manager I, Partnerships & Engagement, reports to the Director of Government Affairs and may supervise fellows or interns if relevant and budget-permitting.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as project manager and logistical lead for our work with our primary equity coalition, the Michigan Partnership for Equity & Opportunity, with a goal of building broad support for policy and advocacy that advance opportunity and access for students of color and students from low-income families in Michigan
• Maintain the community engagement strategy including evaluation and updates to the strategy and provide strategic guidance on communications and outreach
• Coordinate community allies and partners to support our advocacy and policy agenda and strategic communications efforts, in close collaboration with the Director of Government Affairs, and fellow team members.

• Design and execute virtual and in-person events, training, outreach initiatives, grassroots and direct lobbying (e.g., Advocacy Day) and related engagement work with community and advocacy audiences
• Build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including our coalition partners, community-based organizations, members from the business and civil rights communities, policymakers, and P-16 educators).
• Represent and uplift EdTrust's presence in the community, including with coalitions, community partners, advocates and politicians, as well as in the digital sphere through an active presence on social media
• Provide insights and contribute ideas to vision, goals, strategy, and work plans for Michigan partnerships and engagement function
• Monitor current and pending legislation to stay abreast of shifts in the education policy landscape in Michigan
• Support fundraising efforts, including contributing to proposals and reports, as requested

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in EdTrust's mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Strong project management skills (including time management skills and prioritization skills), with the ability to manage projects from end to end on-time and on-budget
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking & facilitation
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect and find common ground with a wide range of stakeholders
• Creative problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to prioritize and exercise sound judgment

• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to others; as well as to receive and act upon feedback from others

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a bachelor's degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field OR equivalent experience

• At least some (e.g., 4 years+) experience in related roles, such as community relations, coalition building, or advocacy relations
• Experience planning and executing large events or convenings preferred

• Significant familiarity with education policy, specifically…