Director, National Programs

LOCATION:​ Remote

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Full-time

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 20%

START DATE: ASAP

REPORTS TO: Vice President, National Programs and External Affairs

ROLE OVERVIEW

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is seeking a Director, National Programs to lead the development and execution of a bold, high-impact governor’s strategy to shape the national narrative around the organization’s forward-thinking policy agenda centered on choice, accountability, and innovation in education. 

As Director of National Programs, you will support the organization’s mission by leading initiatives that engage governors, gubernatorial candidates, and state leaders in advancing bold education reforms. You will oversee program strategy, manage partnerships, and ensure the successful execution of national advocacy campaigns. You will:

• Lead efforts to engage governors and gubernatorial candidates, supporting their commitment to advancing equitable and innovative education policies.
• Design and implement programs to support electoral engagement and cultivate champions who advocate for student-centered priorities.
• Strengthen partnerships with coalitions, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to expand the organization’s reach and impact.
• Providing strategic guidance and support to partners, and stakeholders on advocacy, engagement, and programmatic efforts.

WHO WE ARE 

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color who should be better served by our country’s public education system. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures through empowering community leaders to support our legislative and political advocacy work. ERNA keeps constant pressure on legislators to champion high-quality public education. 

DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-12 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. 

WHAT WE DO 

1. Support for Forward-Thinking Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis and education that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions. 

2. Informing the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system that serves and is held accountable to all students and families.

3. Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach, from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers, enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Develop and implement a national strategy to advance education reform in collaboration with governors, state policymakers, and coalition partners.
• Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of high impact programs that support state-level education reform efforts.
• Develop policy strategies and provide technical assistance to governors, state policymakers, and coalition partners.
• Develop a comprehensive program to build a pipeline of equity-driven leaders to engage in public service. 

Partnership Development and Coalition Building

• Identify and leverage opportunities to position the organization in key forums (conferences, panels, coalitions).

• Advise governors and legislators on best practices in education policy.
• Lead and engage cross-state collaborations and national coalitions to amplify the organization’s impact.
• Support Policy, Communications, and Development teams to expand the organization’s reach and bolster partnerships.

Requirements

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• 7+ years in political campaigns, advocacy, or government relations, with a focus on statewide initiatives and/or office.
• Electoral advocacy: Experience engaging with political campaigns, candidates, and electoral programs to identify alignment with policy goals and build support for student-centered initiatives.
• Stakeholder engagement: Strong existing relationships and demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with key policymakers, and coalitions to influence policy and legislative outcomes. Strong ability to form and lead coalitions to advance shared policy goals and expand influence at the federal level.
• Strategic communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate policy priorities and advocacy strategies to diverse audiences. Ability to develop long-term strategies and translate them into actionable plans that achieve measurable outcomes.
• Commitment to Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence for all students.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees & LGBTQ people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of the students we serve. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply as soon as possible, even if you are not available to start immediately. All applications are held in strict confidence.  References will be requested in a later stage of the selection process.  Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Benefits

COMPENSATION

The base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $150,000.  DFER is proud to offer excellent benefits: health, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; 401K plan with a match plan; flexible spending/benefits plan; paid family leave; paid time off (vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and all National holidays).