Managing Director, Policy and State Coalitions

The Commit Partnership • Austin, TX

116d • $150,000 - $182,000

About The Position

The Commit Partnership (“Commit”) seeks an outcomes-driven, experienced, and solutions-oriented leader to serve as the Managing Director of our Policy and State Coalitions (PSC) team. This role reports directly to Commit’s Chief State Impact Officer and serves as a member of the organization’s executive leadership team. Commit is the nation’s largest collective impact organization, dedicated to increasing both educational attainment and access to living-wage careers in Dallas County and across Texas. Through policy development, advocacy, and implementation, Commit works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. The Policy and State Coalitions team has successfully advanced student-centered, data-driven policies at the Texas Legislature that serve students statewide, while prioritizing our North Star goal: increasing the percentage of young adults in Dallas County earning a living wage to 50% by 2040. Our 2025 Legislative Agenda can be viewed here as an example of the bold, strategy-driven policies we champion. The Managing Director will lead a high-impact team responsible for research, policy development, coalition building, and state-level advocacy. This leader will collaborate closely with Commit’s senior leadership, influential stakeholders, state agency staff, and elected officials to advance policy decisions that expand opportunity and improve outcomes for Texas students from early childhood to postsecondary completion. At Commit, we set bold goals for impact—and we equip our leaders with the tools to match. The PSC Managing Director will be a key player in our integrated advocacy strategy that includes the Policy and State Coalition team, the Commit to Students 501(c)(4), and the Texas Impact Network policy implementation arm. In addition to the PSC team members, the Managing Director will have access to contracted lobbyists, an experienced communications team, dedicated data analysts, and a robust fundraising team that support the organization’s efforts.

Requirements

• Track record of influencing policy outcomes at the state level
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling messages
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, collaborate across departments, and work with senior leadership and external partners
• Exceptional communication skills to both humbly and effectively influence executive leaders, investors, and policymakers
• A strong commitment to providing equal student access to opportunity and an understanding of the barriers faced by first-generation and low-income students
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government affairs, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven success in managing complex initiatives that engage multiple stakeholders and achieve measurable results
• Direct management experience and a defined management style that includes fostering professional growth, driving accountability, and cultivating a collaborative workplace

Nice To Haves

• Deep understanding of education and/or workforce policy, preferable in Texas or similar contexts

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year, comprehensive policy and advocacy strategy aligned with The Commit Partnership’s mission and long-term goals
• Shape the organization’s strategic vision and talent strategy to advance progress toward the North Star goal as a member of Commit’s Executive Team
• Lead the team in identifying, analyzing, and promoting evidence-based policy solutions that advance student achievement and economic mobility
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, education leaders, and key partners to inform and influence decision-making
• Convene stakeholders, including school districts, institutes of higher education, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and advocacy partners, to drive collective action on shared priorities
• Manage and develop a team of policy, research, and advocacy professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and impact
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and thought leader for The Commit Partnership on education policy issues in Dallas County and beyond
• Establish and monitor metrics to track progress, ensure accountability, and communicate outcomes to funders and stakeholders

Benefits

• Salary Range: $150,000-$182,000

What This Job Offers

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