Manager, EC-12 Policy

The Commit Partnership • Dallas/Austin, TX

31d • $80,000 - $94,500

About The Position

The Commit Partnership, the largest regional educational “backbone” organization in the country with more than 70 employees and an annual operating budget exceeding $40 million, is seeking a passionate, strategic, and policy-driven team member to serve as Manager of Early Childhood Education-12th Grade (EC-12) Policy. Under the general supervision of the Director of EC-12 Policy, the Manager will work to improve educational outcomes across the early childhood through high school continuum by advancing strategic investments in policies that improve student outcomes, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, and helping shape the state’s educational landscape through thoughtful engagement. The Manager will play a pivotal role in executing Commit’s EC–12 policy strategy, most notably within the foundational years (ages 3-8), by leading legislative communication, engaging state agencies on rulemaking, and coordinating policy coalitions. This role is ideal for a mid-career professional with at least 2+ years of direct experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations, preferably in Texas, who is eager to translate local and regional insights into lasting statewide impact. Salary Range $80,000 - $94,500

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• At least 2+ years of experience in public policy, government relations, or advocacy.
• A track record of successful engagement with elected officials and staff and/or state agencies.
• Experience coordinating coalitions or stakeholder groups across diverse sectors.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal), especially when translating research and data into advocacy messaging.
• Familiarity with Texas’ public education landscape, key performance metrics, and policy levers that influence EC–12 outcomes.
• A strong student-centered and a commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Passion for Commit’s mission and the role education plays in economic mobility
• Ability to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate.
• Ability to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Ability to describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
• Ability to read and write in Standard English.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Ability to interact with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to listen perceptively and convey awareness.
• Ability to interact diplomatically with the public in a continuous public contact setting.
• Ability to work as part of a team and in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain level-headedness in the face of resistance and contrary opinions.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Nice To Haves

• 3–5+ years of experience in legislative advocacy, education policy, or nonprofit/government relations
• Prior experience working in or with Texas state agencies, legislative offices, or school districts
• Proficiency in using policy analysis tools, stakeholder management systems, or legislative tracking software
• Experience synthesizing data for storytelling in education, policy, or equity contexts
• Familiarity with Commit Partnership’s ecosystem or similar collective impact initiatives

Responsibilities

• Legislative Communication and Engagement Monitor and analyze relevant EC–12 education legislation, with an emphasis on early childhood and elementary policy issues. Lead development of clear, persuasive policy briefs, testimony, and legislative updates. Build and maintain constructive relationships with legislative staff and key committee members.
• Rulemaking Engagement with State Agencies Track relevant state agency rulemaking processes that impact EC–12 education. Support input during public comment periods and serve as a liaison with agency staff to communicate stakeholder insights and recommendations. Support Commit’s engagement in state workgroups and advisory committees, when applicable.
• Advocacy Coalition Collaboration Lead coordination and facilitation of the InvestEdTx public education coalition, including agenda setting, partner communications, and shared policy platform development. Cultivate trusted relationships with a diverse set of practitioner stakeholders across the state. Align coalition efforts with Commit’s broader advocacy campaigns, ensuring a coherent, strategic push for student-centered policy reforms.
• Policy Research and Development Stay informed on state and national trends in early childhood education, educator workforce issues, assessment and accountability, curriculum and instruction and other areas impacting student outcomes. Collaborate with Commit team members working directly with school systems to identify potential policy solutions and support their work with policy expertise. Translate complex policy concepts into actionable recommendations for feedback from Commit team members and external audiences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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