Director of Higher Education Policy

POSITION TITLE: Director of Higher Education Policy, Full-time (Exempt) 
DEPARTMENT: Education 
REPORTS TO: Director of Education Policy and Research 
SALARY: $90,000, plus commensurate with experience 
DATE: June 2023 

The mission of the Latino Policy Forum is to build the power, influence, and leadership of the Latino community through collective action to transform public policies that ensure the well-being of its community and society as a whole. Through advocacy and analysis, the Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and strengthen community leadership. 

The vision of the Forum’s education team is to ensure that Latinos and English Learners have equitable educational opportunities across the education spectrum leading to economic prosperity. The goal is to increase college readiness and improve college completion rates for Latinos in Illinois. The education team engages in this work by convening the community and key stakeholders, using legislative advocacy, and engaging in strategic research, policy, and practice partnerships. 

Latinos are one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in Illinois and the US. Yet, their educational attainment is the lowest among the racial and ethnic groups for adults 25 and older, their college plans have been disproportionately negatively affected by COVID, and they are underrepresented in many fields that require a college degree. To address these disparities, the Latino Policy Forum seeks to move into the college space to strengthen the advocacy on behalf of Latinos. 

To ensure the Forum moves into this space with integrity, knowledge, and in partnership with other organizations, a Latino College Landscape Study was conducted that examined Latinos’ college preparation, access, retention, and completion in Illinois. The results of the study are helping to inform and prioritize college readiness and completion issues that advance equity in higher education for Forum advocacy. 

The Forum is now ready to hire its first Director of Higher Education Policy to move this work forward. 

Summary Statement of Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

The Director of Higher Education Policy will possess a deep understanding of the higher education space and a willingness to learn from and with the Forum’s non-profit, P-12 district, and higher education institution partners. Reporting to the Forum’s Director of Education Policy and Research, the Director of Higher Education Policy works collaboratively across the organization to execute the Forum’s ambitious goal to increase and enhance college access and degree completion for Latinos. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

• Refine and oversee the education team’s higher education agenda, goals, strategies, and outcomes. 
• Provide guidance on public policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and lobbying efforts aligned with organizational priorities. 
• Supervise, mentor, and cultivate the advocacy, and research capacity of the Secondary/College Policy Analyst. 
• Collaborate with partner organizations, school districts, state agencies, coalitions, and higher education stakeholders to support public policy advocacy. 
• Cultivate relationships with key elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and related governmental bodies and leaders. 
• Advocate for the Forum’s agenda through meetings with lawmakers, position papers, public testimony, grassroots efforts, and other effective advocacy methods. 
• Interpret, report on, and disseminate pertinent research and analysis on policy issues to engage a diverse range of constituents and to inform policy positions and trends. 
• Prepare policy and advocacy materials in collaboration with the communications team, including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, letters, press statements, opinion editorials, website updates, and legislative and public policy reports. 
• Provide reliable, timely analysis, and strategic advice on key initiatives and legislative actions to the Director of Education Policy and Research and the education team. 
• Engage in public speaking, and effective communication with co-workers, constituents, and outside agencies. 
• Attend conferences and other networking events relative to the organization's mission and public policy. 

Qualifications 

• Strong commitment to and alignment with Forum’s mission. 
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's, JD, or PhD degree desired 
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a similar position, or in positions of increasing responsibility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Established relationships with school districts and/or higher education institutions. 
• Significant knowledge of and/or experience with college readiness, access, and completion. 
• Generative and able to work successfully individually and in teams to advance mission centered priorities. 
• At least 3 years of experience managing people doing lobbying or policy advocacy for social justice, racial justice, or within an educational organization. 
• Strong ability to build relationships and effectively work with a wide range of people in complex and sensitive political environments. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to create and present information clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences. 
• Ability to work with diverse constituent groups, including staff and other stakeholders from all backgrounds and cultures. 
• Ability to travel within Illinois, including frequently to the State Capitol during the legislative session. 
• Ability to work collaboratively to support team goals and agenda. 
• Ability to work and lead a team effectively in a hybrid office environment. 
• Bilingual Spanish-English required (written and spoken).  

Exceptional candidates will have: 

• Bilingual -Spanish/English (written and spoken). 
• Quorum, Salesforce, Adobe Suite. 

Physical Requirements 

Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodations. Work is generally done sitting, talking, hearing, and typing. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. 

Work Environment 

Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. Due to the pandemic, this position is on a temporary hybrid schedule. The Forum will continue to monitor guidance from government and health officials and the need for hybrid arrangements. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Starting salary is $90,000, plus commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 403(b)retirement plan with a company match; flexible spending account; PTO – vacation, personal, sick, and most holidays; flexible work schedules; professional development opportunities; partial cell phone reimbursement; transit benefit program. 

To Apply 

Send a resume, one-page writing sample and cover letter to Resumes@latinopolicyforum.org, subject line: “Director of Higher Education Policy.” Applicants missing any required documents will not be considered. No calls please. 

Deadline to apply: July 7, 2023 

The Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. POC are highly encouraged to apply.