Deputy Director of Public Policy, Legislative Engagement

Alliance for Decision Education•Lower Merion Township, PA

13d•$110,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Public Policy, Legislative Engagement is a senior role responsible for advancing the Alliance’s state and national policy agenda through legislative engagement, policy-aligned outreach, and coalition and stakeholder activities that advance Decision Education. This position focuses on legislative strategy, policy development, state-level lobbying and advocacy, relationship-building, and communication with policymakers, external partners, and internal teams. The Deputy Director will report to the Director of Public Policy within the Public Policy Department.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive experience leading legislative advocacy, public policy formulation, and lobbying initiatives, with a clear focus on the education sector.
Deep expertise in legislative processes, state-level education governance, and public K-12 financing structures.
Experience contributing to strategic planning and organizational alignment.
Experience managing complex cross-sector initiatives, public policy campaigns, and education policy lobbying initiatives.
Strong project management skills, including experience tracking goals and metrics.
Ability to represent the Alliance at conferences, legislative meetings, and national events.
Experience using a CRM system.
Excellent communication, judgment, and organizational skills.
Employment is contingent upon completion of the Form I-9 and verification of authorization to work in the United States, as required by federal law.
Successful completion of the pre-employment screening process.
Compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
Ability to understand and demonstrate safe work practices to ensure a safe work environment.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.
Applicants must have authorization to work in the U.S. and must not require current or future visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a national nonprofit or mission‑driven organization.
Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, and education leaders.
Experience navigating complex policy initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
Interest in decision science, behavioral economics, psychology, cognitive science, or related fields.

Responsibilities

Lead the Alliance’s direct and indirect lobbying strategies with the Director of Public Policy, cultivating relationships with governors' offices, state departments of education, state boards of education, and state legislative bodies, as well as with relevant think tanks, coalitions, advocacy organizations, and trade associations.
Proactively monitor and analyze policymaker activity and legislation at the state and regional levels and identify opportunities for engagement and influence.
Draft legislative memos, policy memos, and legislator education and communication materials.
Translate complex federal and state education bills, administrative rules, and public budget allocations into actionable policy briefs, testimony, and memos.
Engage current and past Policymaker Fellows in the design and implementation of legislation, regulations, and pilot programs in collaboration with the Senior Manager, Public Policy.
Manage relationships and contracts with retained lobbying firms in key states.
Build regional policy, advocacy, and lobbying plans with the Director of Public Policy, contracted lobbyists, and regional partners.
Support the development and monitoring of department-level Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) related to policy development and adoption.
Collaborate with the Communications team, DPP, and other teams to design research briefings and public-facing toolkits that shape the national narrative around the importance of Decision Education in K-12 education policy.
Support senior‑level relationship management with key strategic policy leaders, including preparation, alignment, and follow‑up for high‑value engagements.
Track staff and stakeholder engagement efforts in Salesforce, Wrike, and other project management tools.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure public policy activities are aligned, supported, and communicated effectively.
Design and facilitate legislative training and professional development for staff and volunteers who engage in public policy opportunities and engagements.
Represent the Alliance at events, conferences, and in key coalitions and coordinated advocacy campaigns.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer paid)
Basic life insurance and AD&D (100% employer paid)
Short-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
Long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
Employee Assistance Program
401 (k) retirement plan with up to a 5% employer match (100% vested)
Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
Up to 20 days of Paid Time Off per calendar year (prorated the first year based on hire date)
Unlimited paid sick time
Paid lunch stipend while working on-site