Director of Policy & Outreach - Missouri
About Us:Aligned is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization comprised of business leaders committed to improving Missouri's education system through advocacy, outreach, and investment. Our mission is to amplify the business voice to improve student outcomes and workforce readiness in Missouri. We envision a state where all students receive an education that prepares them to seek the future of their choice.Position Overview:Aligned seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Policy & Outreach to oversee our Missouri legislative, research, and advocacy initiatives, including support of our organization’s communications efforts. Reporting to the President, the Missouri Director of Policy & Outreach will play a pivotal role in shaping, researching and advocating for policies that align with our mission, values, and goals and lead the development of external and internal messaging, building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, completing research and ensuring that Aligned is viewed as the primary source, disseminator, and conduit of reliable and accurate information for education advocacy. The Director of Policy will work closely with a senior peer group within the organization as a partner on a variety of strategic state-level policy initiatives, outreach, and research projects.Key Responsibilities· Assist with the research and analysis of current and proposed education policies and regulations to assess their potential impact on the organization and its mission.· Support the implementation of a comprehensive advocacy strategy, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and coalition building.· Execute timely and research-based communications in conjunction with the team communications plan.· Aid in building and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to advance the organization’s policy goals.· In partnership with the team, develop a strategy and content for engaging the philanthropic and business communities through the organization’s communications.· Prepare and disseminate information briefs to inform business leaders, lawmakers, and partner organizations about the organization’s priorities.· Serve as a member of Aligned’s leadership team, representing the organization to the board and within the community.· Lead statewide Advisory Network in Missouri.Qualifications· Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public policy, political science, or a related field.· Five years’ experience in communications, public policy, research, advocacy, or government affairs with a demonstrated track record of success.· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships.· Strong organizational and project management skills.· Sincere commitment to working collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, lawmakers, business leaders, and partner organizations.· Self-starter, able to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.· Strategic thinking and strong leadership skills.· Basic understanding of the legislative and regulatory process in Missouri. · Commitment to Aligned’s mission and goals for improving the education system.Supportive of the cultivation and stewardship of corporate, membership, and sponsorship opportunities.· Ability to work within a CRM System with training. CompensationFull-time, remote position. Salary ranges from $85,000 to 100,000, depending on experience. Health/Dental, professional development, vacation, and paid holiday benefits are available.To ApplyInterested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to torree@WeAreAligned.org and indicate the position title in the subject line of the email. Please indicate a desired salary range in your cover letter. Applicants who do not provide a desired salary range in the cover letter will not be considered. The position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. No phone calls, please.Aligned is an equal opportunity employer, and in all its governance, operations, and services, strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other legally protected classes and characteristics. Aligned commits to the principles of equal opportunity and places the utmost value on diversity.