Manager, Education & Workforce Policy

TalentRemedy•Bethesda, MD

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Education & Workforce Policy is a high-impact policy and advocacy role leading the organization’s federal strategy across education, workforce, and school-based practice issues. The position drives legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting occupational therapy in K–12 education, early intervention, higher education, and workforce development, and establishes the organization as a thought leader in federal education and workforce policy. An occupational therapy practitioner is strongly preferred, though candidates with comparable experience in special education or related-service fields will be considered. Candidates must have deep knowledge of IDEA and related federal education laws, regulations, and school-based practice policy, and be able to apply that expertise to strategic advocacy. The role requires advanced strategic thinking, long-term planning, policy development, independent judgment, high-level relationship management, and the ability to educate members and external stakeholders about complex policy issues. The position reports to the Vice President of Federal Affairs and Regulatory Policy and requires registration as a federal lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA). The role is primarily remote, with flexibility to work outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Periodic travel is required for advocacy meetings, coalition engagement, conferences, organizational events, and occasional in-person meetings in Washington, D.C. Access to the organization’s Bethesda, Maryland headquarters and Washington, D.C. workspace is available as needed.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education systems, and school-based service delivery.
Understanding of the federal and/or state legislative and regulatory process.
Demonstrated experience engaging with policymakers, agencies, coalitions, advocacy organizations, educational institutions, or professional associations at the state or federal level.
Strong strategic thinking, policy analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting policy materials and stakeholder communications and translating complex policy into clear, audience-specific messaging.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently with sound judgment and executive presence.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Registration as a federal lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA).

Nice To Haves

Occupational Therapy Practitioner (OTP); candidates with comparable experience in special education leadership, school psychology, related services administration, education policy, or school-based practice will also be considered.
Advanced degree in Occupational Therapy, Education, Special Education, Public Policy, School Psychology, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Five or more years of progressive experience in school-based practice, special education, education policy, workforce development, government affairs, association leadership, or a related field.
Experience with coalition leadership, advocacy campaigns, member engagement strategies, or professional association work.
Active involvement with the organization, state occupational therapy associations, education organizations, or related professional associations.

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze, and interpret federal legislative and regulatory activity related to IDEA, ESSA, workforce development, and school-based practice policy.
Develop and execute federal advocacy strategies, including legislative and regulatory proposals, informed by emerging policy trends and strategic analysis.
Represent the organization in meetings with Congressional offices, federal agencies, coalition partners, and external stakeholders.
Independently cultivate and maintain relationships with policymakers, education policy leaders, and national coalition partners.
Serve as the organization’s lead representative in education and workforce coalitions and strategic partnerships.
Translate complex federal policy into clear, actionable information for members and external audiences through presentations, web articles, and member resources.
Lead member education efforts on education and workforce policy issues and support grassroots advocacy engagement.
Support AOTPAC engagement activities as part of strategic relationship-building efforts with policymakers.
Collaborate with internal teams, including State Affairs, Practice, Communications, and Membership, to align policy and advocacy efforts with organizational initiatives.
Attend and represent the organization at advocacy events, coalition meetings, conferences, and federal engagement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.