Associate I, Policy & Advocacy

The Education Trust • Boston, MA

12h • Remote

About The Position

EdTrust seeks an Associate I, Policy & Advocacy on our EdTrust in Massachusetts state team. The Associate I will join a staff committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

The Associate I works closely under the supervision of the EdTrust in Massachusetts State Director to support the team’s efforts to advance EdTrust's priority policy issues with state advocates and coalitions in Massachusetts. This position provides support across multiple areas, including policy analysis, research, and writing, communications, and coordination of our coalition work with the Massachusetts Educational Equity Partnership (MEEP). This role is ideal for candidates who are excited to grow, thrive on a small and dynamic team, and have a passion for educational equity.

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

This role, available immediately, is based in Massachusetts and works 100% from a home office in Massachusetts or Rhode Island with some in-person meetings required. EdTrust makes a $150 home office stipend available to those who are 100% telework. The Associate I for Policy & Advocacy reports to the Massachusetts State Director.

Requirements

• At least a bachelor’s degree
• Valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of organizing and advocacy and/or policy analysis
• Ability to translate policy into practical applications for impacted communities
• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on race equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building skills, particularly working across differences; highly collaborative with both internal and external partners
• Creative problem solving
• Strong social media and digital communications skills, including content creation, platform management, and audience engagement.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with or understanding of education policy in Massachusetts preferred

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, support, and participate in MEEP coalition meetings, activities, and related coalition communications.
• Support the development and execution of the team’s digital communications strategies and related content—including day-to-day social media posts and advocacy media toolkits—in partnership with the Assistant Director for Engagement & Communications.
• Support policy and data research, analysis, bill tracking, and the drafting of policy reports, briefs, memos, and other external documents in partnership with the Senior Policy Analyst.
• Support the development and dissemination of collateral releases, including compiling relevant stakeholders, synthesizing information, planning activities that uplift collateral, and monitoring and tracking outcomes and impact as needed and in coordination with our Senior Policy Analyst.
• Coordinate meetings, track project tasks, and help projects move forward according to established schedules and timelines.
• Collaborate with team members in building relationships by participating in coalitions with diverse stakeholders, including members from the business and civil rights communities, education equity organizations, policymakers, state-based and grassroots organizations, and educators.
• Stay current and knowledgeable on organizational priorities and recent research from Ed Trust and our partners.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.
• We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures.
• To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break.
• Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level