Portfolio Lead: K-12 Fieldbuilding and Policy Transformation

The Portfolio Lead:K-12 Fieldbuilding and Policy Transformation serves as a pivotal connector and strategist, advancing policy and public discourse that supports student-centered, equitable education systems. This leader will develop and implement strategies that amplify the Foundation's mission through strategic communications, government relations, public relations, and coalition engagement across New England. Reporting directly to senior leadership, this position requires an expert in messaging and communication strategies, unifying and centering community voices, and navigating government affairs.

With a deep understanding of the policy environment and the power of public narrative, this role drives transformative change by shaping public opinion, educating stakeholders on the implications of budget and policy on students and children, and building cross-sector alliances. The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic communications acumen and success advancing equitable outcomes through public policy and storytelling.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Communications and Narrative Change

• Develop and execute communication strategies that build will for NMEF's education justice strategy and elevate the voices of youth, families, and communities.
• Craft public narratives that challenge deficit-based education frames and promote justice-oriented reforms.
• Manage external communication channels, media engagement, and issue-based campaigns aligned with NMEF's vision.
• Collaborate with partners to amplify stories that influence policymakers and public sentiment.

Government Relations and Advocacy Strategy

• Lead government affairs initiatives and advocacy campaigns across state and local education policy arenas.
• Build relationships with legislators, education agency leaders, and policy influencers to advance legislative priorities.
• Track and analyze education policy trends, providing timely insights and recommendations to inform strategy.
• Represent NMEF in policy forums, hearings, and coalitions to advocate for student-centered reforms.
• Manage budget allocations for assigned initiatives, ensuring financial accountability and strategic alignment.

Coalition Building and Stakeholder Engagement

• In collaboration with the Coalitions Portfolio Lead, foster relationships with grassroots and grass-tops organizations, advocacy networks, and public affairs partners.
• In partnership with community leaders, coordinate aligned messaging and mobilization across coalition partners to influence policy and public awareness.
• Convene communications strategists, community organizers, and education advocates to amplify shared goals.
• Lead collaborative initiatives that unify stakeholders around a liberatory K-12 vision and systemic change agenda.

Philanthropic Leadership and Alignment

• Ensure grantmaking strategies align with NMEF's policy and fieldbuilding goals to amplify grantee impact
• Invest in capacity-building for grantees to lead narrative change and public engagement strategies.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for investments in learning, evaluation, and research
• Monitor campaign impact and public perception shifts, adjusting strategies for increased influence and alignment.
• Serve as a liaison to relevant board committees (e.g., equitable outcomes, education strategy) and present strategic recommendations and impact updates to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Leverage philanthropic influence to shape the discourse around educational equity and racial justice.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the Director of Grantmaking.

You will frequently collaborate with NMEF Program Staff, NMEF Grants Administration & Operations Staff, Anchor Partners, and external field actors.

• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in K–12 education, education policy, government affairs with a sustained focus on equity and systemic change.
• Expertise or experience in community organizing, philanthropy, and/or youth development is preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in shaping justice-oriented public narratives that challenge deficit-based frames and elevate community voice in education policy and practice.
• Proven success leading coordinated advocacy and communications campaigns designed to influence public discourse, mobilize stakeholders, and advance policy change.
• Deep knowledge of local, state, and regional education policy landscapes, with extensive experience in policy engagement, coalition-building, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong track record of building and sustaining relationships with government entities in a way that centers the experience of impacted communities.
• Substantial experience in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership, with demonstrated capacity to design, manage, and evaluate large-scale, impact-driven initiatives.
• Skilled at navigating complex political and policy environments, with a strategic understanding of how to drive systems-level change through policy levers and partnerships.
• Proficient in tracking and analyzing advocacy outcomes, policy shifts, and public sentiment, and using insights to refine strategy and strengthen narrative effectiveness.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience engaging and presenting to senior executives, funders, school leaders, and policymakers.
• Direct experience collaborating with school districts, advocacy organizations, philanthropic institutions, and policy decision-makers to advance educational equity.
• Deep commitment to racial justice, continuous learning, and equity-centered philanthropy, with a demonstrated focus on driving measurable, community-informed impact.
• Master's degree in education, public policy, social justice, nonprofit management, or a related field strongly preferred—or equivalent lived and professional experience.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $125,000 to $175,000 and will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Travel and Work Environment

This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives while maintaining strong connections with communities and stakeholders across New England. It combines flexible work arrangements with purposeful travel, empowering a senior leader to advocate for a shared vision for student success, equitable student outcomes, and policies and practices that set enabling conditions for all students.

Candidates must maintain residency in the target geography, New England, and are expected to participate in in-office meetings on Mondays and during the monthly Home Week (calendar published annually). You can expect to travel up to 40% in order to be in community with local, regional, national, grantees, partners, and stakeholders.

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or current employment status, in alignment with federal, state, or local law.