Policy Manager

Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is seeking a full-time Policy Manager to support and drive a portfolio of high-impact projects relating to college and career readiness policy and practice, as well as lead EdSystems organization-wide project management efforts. Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Policy Manager will drive or support interrelated project areas across EdSystems’ portfolio, including, but not limited to:

• Policy development support for college and career pathways in alignment with the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act and related state policies and funding streams, as well as program implementation support for sector-specific pathway initiatives.
• Policy development and program implementation support to help students build bridges to postsecondary, including early college credit access and transitional instruction initiatives.
• Policy development and cross-stakeholder convening support to facilitate strengthening state- and community-level data capacity and systems and facilitating engagement with various quantitative and qualitative data resources.
• Organization-wide project management systems development and related reporting within the EdSystems team.
• Statewide committees, interagency structures, and collaborations with state agencies to drive policy across EdSystems’ priority areas, including:
  • Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee: This committee provides space for local practitioners and policy leaders to collaborate and learn from one another, elevates local practice to inform state policy, and supports local practitioners to take advantage of policy windows. The Policy Committee is composed of a range of education, workforce, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and state agency stakeholders spanning the P-20 pipeline.
  • Transitional Instruction: EdSystems leads interagency collaboration between the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Community College Board focused on the implementation of transitional instruction throughout the state.

Collectively, these projects enable the Policy Manager to play a critical supporting role in shaping the strategic vision for the growth of equitable and quality college and career readiness systems and related pathways in the State of Illinois and the other geographies where EdSystems works. Over time, the Policy Manager is expected to expand existing projects and lead new projects that strategically maintain EdSystems’ leadership position in this field.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and execute projects across EdSystems’ portfolio of statewide policy efforts.
• Conduct desk research on effective college and career readiness policies and practices, including those pertaining to governance and funding models, vocational education in correctional settings, and early college credit.
• Lead relevant meeting preparation, coordination, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Assist in developing state-level policies and strategies to enhance college and career readiness systems to drive equity.
• Remain current on national best practices and emerging research in the fields of college and career readiness, work-based learning, early college credit, transitional instruction, and postsecondary transitions, and apply that research to EdSystems’ work with an eye toward equity.
• Develop strong relationships with state agency staff to effectively coordinate EdSystems’ projects with related state policies and initiatives.
• Engage with team members to identify strategic policy priorities grounded in data gathered and lessons learned through EdSystems’ project portfolios.
• Develop project scopes and budgets for inclusion in proposals to public and private project funders.

Qualifications

Desired Competencies

• Passion for EdSystems’ mission and expanding opportunities for young people and adult learners through equitable and quality college and career preparation.
• Policy expertise in education, workforce development, or a related field, including experience with research, writing, and advocating for policy positions.
• Strong project management and analytical skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects, collect and analyze information, remain execution-focused, and troubleshoot challenges as they arise.
• Competency in using tools such as Asana for managing complex projects.
• Familiarity with state government and policy context; familiarity with the State of Illinois’s systems and structures is preferred.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to large and small groups.
• Problem-solving and innovation skills to develop creative solutions to policy challenges and streamline project workflows.
• Collaboration and partnership-building skills to work effectively with external partners, stakeholders, and team members.

Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, education, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree, particularly in public policy, public administration, or project management, is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in policy development, analysis, or advocacy, preferably in education, workforce development, or a related sector.
• 2+ years of experience driving complex projects requiring significant stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration. Project Management Professional (PMP) or other project management certifications are ideal.

Why Join EdSystems?

EdSystems helps create a world where students have clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities that equip them for meaningful participation in the global economy. We collaborate with state and local education agencies, workforce boards, community colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate policies and practices that ensure successful transitions to and through postsecondary and career opportunities for students, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized populations.

• Impactful Work: Be part of a team that is dedicated to driving systemic change and improving educational and workforce outcomes for students and communities.
• Collaborative Environment: Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and innovation is encouraged.
• Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and development through training, workshops, and conferences.
• Flexible Work Options: Enjoy a flexible work environment that promotes work-life balance, including a hybrid work schedule.
• Competitive Benefits: NIU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition waivers, and more.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and resume to LaTonya Hicks at lhicks@niu.edu. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with public policy or related field and project management.

Northern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.