Program Coordinator, State Engagement

The Hunt Institute•Cary, NC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Hunt Institute seeks a Program Coordinator for State Engagement (PC-SE) to support its growing state-based work. As The Institute expands its State Legislators Retreat (SLR) model, this position will play a critical role in supporting the program development, coordination, and implementation of The Institute’s SLR model in states across the country. The PC-SE will also support the Hunt State Policy Fellows (HSPF) program, a cohort-based leadership program for local elected officials currently operating in various states. The PC-SE will serve as a key program support for State Legislators Retreats and supporting state engagement convenings/programs such as legislative policy dinners and site visits. The Program Coordinator will support agenda development, identifying and preparing resource experts, timeline of material development, and coordinating the full project timeline. In this role, the PC-SE will help execute The Hunt Institute’s state engagement programs from start to finish, fostering bipartisan collaboration among legislators, policymakers, and resource experts during both the planning and implementation phases. Key responsibilities include communicating with resource experts and their administrative colleagues, creating and updating agenda templates, and assisting with the planning and management of assigned programs. The PC-SE will also support outreach efforts by connecting with legislators’ staff, resource experts, and policymakers to encourage event participation, assist with recruitment for cohort models, and enhance overall engagement strategies. The PC-SE will also support policy tracking for state legislative and local leaders, maintain tracking systems, and monitor elections relevant to leaders engaged by the State Engagement Team. The PC-SE will be based out of The Hunt Institute’s office in Cary, North Carolina. The current hybrid schedule is three days in the office each week, and two days’ work from your home office within 45 minutes of our Cary, NC office. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Office hours: 8:30am-5:00pm. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by March 4, 2026.

Requirements

Commitment to the mission and vision of The Hunt Institute, alongside a bipartisan passion for challenging entrenched systems of educational inequity towards the bettering of public education for all children.
Awareness of the education continuum (early learning, K–12 education, and higher education/workforce development). Demonstrated program management experience.
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Excellent relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Passion for investing in the growth of colleagues; able to motivate and rally support in service of organizational mission and goals.
Ability to handle multiple assignments and accomplish deadlines; ability to pay attention to accuracy and detail while thinking broadly.
Ability to anticipate and identify challenges before they happen and take the initiative to address the issue in an appropriate manner.
A strong work ethic, with a results-oriented philosophy and personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Bachelor’s degree required.
3 - 5 years of relevant work experience preferred.
Ability to travel (15 - 20% estimated)

Nice To Haves

Experience working for elected officials, political campaigns, PACs, advocacy campaigns, or political committees a plus.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the design and development of major Institute policymaker convenings around the country, including State Legislators Retreats, Hunt State Policy Fellows meetings, and other learning experiences for state legislators and local policymakers.
Serve as a critical support to the State Engagement team, taking regular meeting notes, providing content support and tracking, and managing key dates and deadlines.
Develop and regularly update program management documents and work with the State Engagement team to ensure everything is on track.
Communicate with external partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to support their attendance at and participation in Institute programming.
Develop materials (grant reports, issue briefs, key takeaways, PowerPoint presentations, web content, etc.) to support The Hunt Institute’s strategic plan and mission.
Participate and support meetings with external partners and policymakers, as directed by the Director of State Engagement
Provide meeting summaries and analysis of major issues impacting education around the country.
Identify and recommend potential funders for programs to support the development, longevity, and success of programs.
Monitor action and issues in partner states in order to provide the most relevant content possible to legislators.
Support and work on multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and prioritize work as necessary.
Serve as a thought partner on a growing team that is working to develop high-quality systems and policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.