Program Director for Education

The Academy’s Education Program Area serves as a vital convener of higher education leaders, helping to shape educational policy and advance transformative practices that ensure high-quality learning opportunities for all. Drawing on the Academy’s interdisciplinary membership and proximity to higher education, the program convenes distinguished thought leaders, policy experts, and university partners to address society's most pressing educational challenges. With a focus on strengthening democracy, removing barriers to student success, harnessing advancements in learning and technology, and preparing for the future of work, the Education Program Area advances solutions that impact learners and institutions across the nation. Through projects, convenings, and publications, we take an interdisciplinary approach and foster knowledge creation and collaboration to strengthen education as a pillar of democratic society.

The Program Director for Education will be responsible for expanding the program’s reach, deepening partnerships across the U.S., and elevating the Academy’s role in educational thought leadership. With a core focus on advancing education as a cornerstone for strengthening democracy and enhancing student learning, the Program Director will work with Academy leadership and members to develop new initiatives while leading two key efforts: Commission on Opportunities After High School and the Higher Education Forum. The Program Director will lead initiatives that engage a diverse range of stakeholders, encourage forward-thinking educational practices, and position the Academy as a trusted leader in education. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, they will oversee a Program Officer and a Program Coordinator, and collaborate closely with the Academy President, the Academy’s Governance, and the Education Advisory Committee to shape strategic direction. This role offers a unique opportunity to positively impact the future of education on a national scale by promoting collaboration, upholding democratic values, and driving solutions to improve student learning and success.

Key responsibilities:

• Elevate the Education Program Area’s profile and amplify the Academy’s voice in education discussions by building and fostering a diverse network of national leaders, experts, and partner organizations committed to reshaping education.
• Collaborate with Academy members, partners, and staff to ensure the success of projects like the Commission on Opportunities After High School and the Higher Education Forum, while identifying new opportunities to expand the Academy’s impact and advance educational initiatives.
• Steward Academy resources to advance educational innovation and promote education as a cornerstone of democratic participation, equity, and opportunity for all.
• Provide strategic direction for initiatives that address systemic educational challenges, ensuring alignment with the Academy’s mission to strengthen democracy, advance equity, and highlight promising practices. Collaborate with Academy leadership and experts to identify and design new initiatives that advance education as a key driver of societal progress.
• Supervise, guide, and develop staff within the Education Program Area, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth supporting individual and collective success.
• Manage budgeting for the entire Education Program Area, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic goals.
• Lead efforts with the development team to secure funding for new studies and ensure ongoing stewardship of donor relationships, contributing to the Education Program Area’s long-term sustainability.
• Supervise the design and execution of key events—workshops, conferences, and exploratory sessions—to foster meaningful dialogue on educational challenges and integrate democratic values into educational practices and policies.
• Lead the creation and dissemination of project products, including publications, data visualizations, and case studies, to communicate findings to academic and policy audiences.
• Collaborate with the membership engagement team to engage Academy members and leaders at Academy Affiliate institutions with major issues in education and the work of the Education Program Area.
• Collaborate with leadership, experts, and the communications team to raise visibility, expand reach, and influence national educational policy discussions through institutional partnerships, and oversee strategic communication efforts to ensure consistent and effective dissemination of project results, positioning the Academy as a national thought leader in education.
• Guide background research and ensure materials are thorough, relevant, and aligned with the Academy’s principles of equity, inclusion, and democratic engagement.
• Other responsibilities as needed, ensuring the Education Program Area remains agile and responsive to emerging educational trends and challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Education, Public Policy, or a related field, with a deep understanding of educational policy, practice, and student success.
• At least ten years of experience in program management, leadership, or policy analysis, ideally within higher education, think tanks, foundations, or nonprofit organizations focused on educational reform and policy development.
• Extensive experience in educational research with the ability to synthesize complex findings and present them in clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences, including policymakers, academics, and practitioners.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the policy-making process related to higher education, with expertise in policy interventions, research programs, and key stakeholders across the education sector, especially in higher education.
• Experience managing and overseeing complex initiatives and programs, including budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring the effective implementation of strategic goals.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on driving systemic change in education.
• Experience with writing and collaborating on publications, research, and reports that influence educational policy and practice, with the ability to present findings to a variety of stakeholders, from academic audiences to policymakers.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with diverse constituencies, including educational leaders, policymakers, and community organizations, and a strong commitment to equity in all initiatives.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of leading impactful programs and initiatives, managing staff effectively, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Experience mentoring and developing direct reports to help them achieve their professional goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership and Influence: Proven ability to elevate an organization’s national presence by shaping thought leadership, advancing strategic initiatives, and fostering impactful engagement across education, policy, and civic sectors.
• National Coalition Building: Demonstrated success in cultivating and leading national coalitions of diverse stakeholders, including higher education institutions, business leaders, non-profits, government agencies, and policymakers, to address critical educational and societal challenges.
• Strategic Counsel and Executive Partnership: Experience serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic guidance to advance institutional goals and high-profile initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development: Exceptional ability to engage, convene, and build meaningful partnerships with funders, educational and policy institutions, and other key stakeholders to amplify the Academy’s mission and impact.
• Resource Development and Sustainability: Successful track record in securing funding, including grant writing and developing long-term relationships with private foundations and other funding sources to sustain and expand educational initiatives.
• Educational Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of higher education and K-12 systems with a demonstrated commitment to advancing education as a vital force for strengthening democracy, removing systemic barriers, and transforming student lives.

Location and Work Environment: The position is a hybrid role requiring in-person presence at the Academy Headquarters in Cambridge, MA. Occasional travel and night and weekend hours are required to support project activities.

Application: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a brief cover letter and CV.