Executive Director

The Learning First Alliance (LFA)

The Learning First Alliance (LFA) is an alliance of associations advancing trust, investment, and equity in public education for each and every learner. We are committed to advancing public education by promoting effective teaching practices, advocating for policies that support student achievement, and fostering collaborative leadership at all levels. We believe that every child deserves a high-quality education, and we work to make that a reality by uniting key stakeholders in the education community.

Key Focus Areas:

Public Engagement: LFA works to raise awareness about the importance of public education and engages with communities to build support for schools.

Student Achievement: We support initiatives and policies that enhance student learning, particularly in underserved communities.

Policy Advocacy: We collaborate with policymakers to develop and implement education policies that prioritize student success.

Professional Development: We advocate for ongoing professional development for educators, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the classroom.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director of the Learning First Alliance will serve as the principal leader and chief spokesperson of the organization, responsible for implementing the strategic direction, operational management, promotion, and growth of the Alliance and its work. This individual will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders to advance the mission of the organization, advocate for equitable high-quality public education and effective education policy. Strong communication skills and experience building and leading strategic campaigns will be critical for accomplishing organizational goals. The individual will lead, build consensus, and coordinate collaboration among a large coalition of national education organizations. This position has a strong focus on communications and public affairs. Equity, inclusivity, and diversity are values that LFA prioritizes in its work, and successful candidates will have experience that demonstrates they share these values and are passionate about the success of public education.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Implement LFA’s strategic plan and ensure programming and initiatives align with and advance LFA’s mission and values.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to advance equity and investment in public education.
• Ensure the organization is engaged and at the forefront of educational policy discussions, advocating for equitable practices and systemic change.
• Use data, evidence, and feedback to drive continuous improvement, adapting strategies and processes to serve LFA’s mission.

2. Operational Management:

• Manage the organization’s budget, financial planning, and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective management of resources and fostering a culture of learning and inclusivity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of staff and/or consultants, emphasizing the importance of diversity and equity in hiring, contracts, training, and professional development.

3. Communications, Advocacy, and Public Relations:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for LFA, articulating the organization’s mission, vision, and initiatives to diverse audiences, including policymakers, educators, and community members.
• Oversee the development and execution of a communications strategy that effectively advances LFA’s collective voice and vision to key audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and develop strategic partnerships and alliances, leveraging strong communication skills to engage and mobilize support for LFA’s initiatives and expand its impact.
• Represent LFA at national and regional conferences, forums, and events, effectively communicating the organization’s campaigns and programs as well as its commitment to public education and effective policies and practices.
• Manage public relations efforts, including drafting press releases, op-eds, and other communications materials.
• Utilize various communications vehicles (social media, newsletters, website) to amplify LFA’s message and effectively engage with intended audiences.

4. Campaign Development and Management:

• Design and implement advocacy campaigns that champion public education and address critical issues in education faced by member organizations.
• Utilize data-driven strategies to measure the impact of campaigns and adjust approaches as necessary to maximize effectiveness.
• Collaborate with members and partner organizations to amplify campaign efforts and broaden the reach of LFA’s messaging and impact.

5. Fundraising, Membership, and Resource Development:

• Successfully manage relationships with member organizations, and develop and implement strategies for membership growth and retention.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to raise non-dues revenue that will support organizational goals, including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, and corporate sponsorships.
• Lead the development of the substantive pieces of grant applications and program proposals.
• Ensure that programs meet grant requirements and metrics; supervise grant reporting.
• Engage the Board of Directors in membership and fundraising initiatives.

6. Governance and Board Relations:

• Plan, attend, and support well-organized and informative Board meetings in partnership with the Chair of the Board.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational policies and strategic initiatives.
• Work closely with the Board to ensure effective governance and support in fulfilling the organization’s mission.
• Be intentional in building strong relationships with and between the Board of Directors.
• Provide regular updates on the organization’s activities, financial status, and progress toward goals.

Qualifications:

Education: A master’s degree in education, public policy, communications, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of leadership experience in education, non-profit management, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on communications.
• Experience as an educator or school administrator is a plus.

Skills:

• Excellent consensus-building skills to effectively navigate and lead a board of diverse organizations that represent occasional divergent opinions and priorities.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of education policy, advocacy, and the current landscape of K-12 and post-secondary education and career pathways, with a focus on equity and diversity.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in building partnerships and collaborations across diverse audiences and competing interests.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and resource development.
• Strong understanding of education policy, advocacy, and the current landscape of K-12 education, with a focus on equity and diversity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and compel them to action.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about public education, education equity, and committed to advancing LFA’s mission.
• Visionary and strategic leader with the ability to inspire and mobilize others.
• Culturally competent and able to navigate diverse communities and perspectives.
• A thought partner, personable and positive, and able to build relationships easily.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, Washington, DC-based position with the possibility for remote work. The salary range is $150,000 – $175,000. Learning First Alliance offers a great benefits package.

The Learning First Alliance is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. LFA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

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