Senior Manager, Federal Policy

SchoolHouse Connection•Washington, DC

4d•$90,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Federal Policy, helps advance SchoolHouse Connection’s (SHC) federal policy and advocacy agenda on behalf of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This is a key role for a strong federal policy professional with substantial Capitol Hill experience who can build bipartisan relationships, navigate fast-moving federal developments, translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive strategies and materials, and help connect SHC’s network directly with federal policymakers to advance change. You will work across a wide range of issues related to early childhood, K-12 education, higher education, housing, and homelessness, helping ensure that SchoolHouse Connection’s federal advocacy is strategic, responsive, and grounded in the realities facing children, youth, families, and practitioners. We seek a highly effective federal policy professional who combines strong Hill experience, policy analysis, and writing with excellent judgment, relationship-building, and follow-through. Successful applicants will be skilled at both high-level policy strategy and the practical work of mobilizing networks, coordinating advocacy opportunities, and helping people engage effectively with federal policymakers.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in federal public policy, including substantial experience working with Congress and congressional staff, and preferably direct Capitol Hill experience.
Strong knowledge of federal legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes.
Substantial knowledge of the federal education policy landscape, from early childhood through postsecondary education, as well as housing and homelessness policies.
Demonstrated experience writing clear, persuasive policy and advocacy materials for varied audiences.
Experience building bipartisan relationships and working effectively with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders across a wide range of viewpoints.
Excellent nonpartisan relationship-building skills and diplomatic judgment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: precise, clear, accurate, and persuasive.
Strong strategic thinking, including the ability to identify creative pathways in changing or difficult policy environments.
Ability to learn new issues quickly and work across multiple policy areas.
Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines at once.
High standards, strong initiative, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with others.
Ability to motivate and engage others in advancing SHC’s policy goals.