College Summit, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to increasing the college and career success of the nation's low-income students, seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial Director of Public Policy to spearhead the organization's policy goals.  College Summit's vision is that one day, all students in America will experience high school not as a destination, but as a "launchpad" to their college and career success.  Central to achieving that vision is the advancement of public policies that encourage high schools to foster college-going culture for all students, and to increase the number of students who graduate college-ready, and successfully enroll in well-matched colleges where they are poised to succeed.

Responsibilities:

A pivotal leadership role at College Summit, the Director of Public Policy will be expected to:
•    Cultivate strong bipartisan relationships with Congress, the Administration, the Department of Education, and leading national education policy organizations and foundations.
•    Facilitate a coalition of organizations to improve the availability of college enrollment and persistence data by high schools across the nation.
•    Cultivate a business community coalition that supports and actively advocates for making college-going a reward measure of high schools.
•    Write compelling strategic communications to advance the policy agenda among key constituencies, including media.
•    Oversee the research and serve as lead writer of College Summit's annual white paper promoting the nation's progress towards fostering "launchpad" high schools.
•    Build advocacy skills among College Summit's local sites.
•    Work with Congressional representatives and staff on relevant and emerging legislation.
•    Manage one direct report; and grow the team over a three-year period.
•    Monitor and provide analysis of federal and state legislation and regulations on education policy to ensure

College Summit's participation is strategic and effective.

Qualifications:

•    Five to seven years of experience working for or with members of Congress.
•    Proven track record of advancing a policy agenda directly with the federal government and through strategic collaborations.
•    Exceptional writing, oral communication, presentation and research skills.
•    Experience managing a team effectively and cultivating talent.
•    Relevant experience in K-12 and/or higher education policy at the national and/or state level.
•    Passion for and commitment to College Summit's mission.
•    Mature individual with ability to drive agenda forward by building strong partnerships with diverse groups of constituents.
•    Flexible and innovative thinker with the ability to excel in a fast paced environment.
•    Strategic, analytical approach combined with professionalism and charisma.
•    Ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences.
•    Strong organizational skills, including outstanding attention to detail.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and includes excellent benefits.

SOURCE: ONLINE JOB WEBSITE 3/12/09
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