Senior Managing Director, Government Relations

Posted Jun 29

COMPANY PROFILE

Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in K-12 schools and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. Our vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as part K-12. The leading provider of K-12 computer science solutions in the largest school districts in the United States, Code.org also created the annual Hour of Code campaign, which has engaged more than 15% of all students in the world!

JOB SUMMARY 

Code.org is a leading voice in the national dialogue on expanding access to K-12 computer science education. We are looking for an experienced professional with leadership experience in state government affairs and/or policy development to lead the transformation of the K-12 US education policy landscape as it relates to computer science. 

Our team is working with policymakers and education leaders to advance policy reforms that reduce barriers or boost access to K-12 computer science courses. We’ve helped build a movement for K-12 computer science that has changed policies across dozens of states. This is a unique opportunity to harness unprecedented bipartisan support for this important issue to shape education policy at the state and local levels. You will manage a high-performing, experienced team, shape and innovate state and federal education policies, and contribute to the leadership of the organization and movement for computer science education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role for this position is managing a dynamic, high-performing team of Government Affairs directors responsible for advancing computer science education policy with governmental leaders (US Department of Education, state departments of education, state boards of education, legislators and governors) nationally. You will also develop and manage an overall strategy for engagement in state and federal K-12 education while leading and carrying out the tactics associated with the strategy. 

 In this role, you will be responsible for: 

  • Managing our government affairs and state policy team
  • Setting vision, strategy, and tactics for achieving a policy environment where all K-12 students have the opportunity to learn computer science
  • Managing high-level relationships and strategy with partner organizations and stakeholders across the country
  • Collaborating across Code.org teams and serving as a leader within the organization
  • Developing and managing campaigns and state-based coalitions in states that you are responsible for
  • Developing and updating policy positions
  • Public speaking at events, including testimony before state authorities and interviews with the media
  • Communicating policy agenda to various audiences (stakeholder groups, legislators, Governors and staff, educators, media, etc.) and tailoring messaging for each
  • Developing relationships with institutions of higher education and other relevant organizations that are building a K-12 computer science teacher pipeline
  • Creating, organizing and managing policy-related events with policy makers and/or partner organizations
  • Developing and managing relationships with the computer science community including educators, leaders, corporate partners, and non-profits with shared goals
  • Creating and managing grassroots support for policy-related efforts
  • Coordinate state and federal policy efforts internally and with partners

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

We seek candidates who have:

  • Passion for our mission
  • At least a Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree desired
  • 5-8+ years of experience in government relations/advocacy/policy development in education, preferably at the state level
  • 3-5+ years of formal leadership experience, including organizational management (e.g., budget management, development of internal/corporate policy) and team management 
  • Ability and willingness to travel. You will be managing multiple states and should expect to travel up to 30% time. 
  • Experience in developing K-12 computer science education policy (nice to have, but not required)

In addition, candidates must:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Pass a pre-employment background check
  • Be willing to travel a minimum of two times per year for team events 

WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW PROCESS LIKE?

Step 1: Informational Interview - learn more about the role and share your experience (30 minutes)

Step 2: Homework (~3 hours)

Step 3: Interviews with several members of the Code.org team (~ 3 hours)

Step 4: Final Interview (1 hour)

Step 5: Reference Checks 

All interviews are currently being conducted virtually via Zoom

TO APPLY

The priority application date for this role is July 12, 2024 and preference will be given to applications submitted by this date. Our team will review all applications and if we believe your qualifications would make a great fit, we'll contact you to schedule an informational interview.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE

The expected salary range for this position is $130,500 - $145,000. The actual offer will be at the company’s sole discretion and determined by relevant business considerations, including the final candidate’s qualifications, years of experience, and skillset.

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

  • Technology subsidy consistent with our Bring Your Own Device environment 
  • Flexible, engaging, and remote working environment
  • Paid time off: 3 weeks vacation annually, sick leave, and 'winter break' office closure the two weeks that include Christmas and New Years
  • Medical, dental and vision premiums paid at 100% for FT positions and their dependents
  • Option to participate in 403b retirement plan
  • Annual professional development stipend 
  • The opportunity to help students learn better and change the face of computer science

A unifying approach in a divided world

Code.org's global role in the K-12 computer science movement is only possible because we use a unifying approach across diverse and often divided stakeholders. At a time of increasing polarization, the idea of increasing opportunity for students unites people from across the political spectrum. Code.org's team members, students, teachers, and supporters have diverse and diverging view points, and they are all welcome in our mission. Read more. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.