Senior Director, State Partnerships

Accountabilities

• Lead State Education Partnerships:Build and sustain multi-year partnerships with state education agencies, regional centers, and school systems to strengthen instructional leadership and promote lasting system-wide improvement.

• Develop Strategic Implementation Plans:Collaborate with state leaders to create actionable roadmaps, initiative frameworks, alignment processes, and communication strategies that support shared educational priorities.

• Shape Research-Informed Resources:Develop publications, diagnostic frameworks, toolkits, and service resources tailored to state education agency needs and designed to support practical implementation.

• Monitor Partnership Performance:Establish data-informed monitoring, reflection, and accountability systems to evaluate progress, measure impact, and continuously improve partnership outcomes.

• Lead Strategic Service Development:Refine and integrate state consulting services, transforming pilot initiatives into sustainable, scalable service models aligned with long-term organizational goals.

• Guide Change and Innovation:Anticipate shifts in the education sector, navigate ambiguity, and adapt consulting approaches to evolving partner needs while supporting long-term service sustainability.

• Support New Partnerships and Growth:Develop proposals, service outlines, and diagnostic materials; cultivate relationships with senior state officials; and support partnership renewals and expanded collaboration.

• Provide Executive-Level Advisory Support:Serve as a trusted advisor to state leaders, helping navigate complex policy environments, stakeholder priorities, and system-wide change.

• Manage and Develop Teams:Coach consultants and team members, build leadership capacity, foster an inclusive and accountable team culture, and align staff development with strategic priorities.

Requirements:

• Relevant Professional Experience:At least 10 years of professional experience in education, including leadership within a state education agency or direct experience supporting senior state officials.

• State Education Systems Expertise:Strong understanding of state administrative structures, funding mechanisms, policy environments, and governance levers used to support school district improvement.

• Instructional Leadership Knowledge:Advanced knowledge of effective instructional leadership practices, high-quality instructional materials, and system-wide strategies for improving classroom instruction across content areas.

• Strategic Planning and Implementation:Proven ability to translate complex strategies into actionable implementation plans, identify systemic gaps, and develop scalable solutions.

• Executive Partnership Development:Demonstrated success building trusted relationships with senior state officials, navigating political dynamics, and expanding strategic partnerships.

• Consultative Facilitation Skills:Expertise in facilitating complex discussions and decision-making among diverse state and regional stakeholders while supporting alignment and sustainable change.

• Service Design and Adult Learning:Experience developing data-informed diagnostic frameworks, adult learning experiences, and adaptable tools that address state agency needs.

• Leadership and Team Development:Ability to coach and develop professionals, guide cross-functional teams, manage organizational change, and maintain high standards of service delivery.

• Strategic and Analytical Thinking:Strong judgment, adaptability, and the ability to connect long-term system goals with practical execution and measurable results.

• Travel Availability:Willingness and ability to travel nationally up to 50% of the time.

Benefits:

• Annual Salary:$143,750.

• Remote Work:Full-time remote position available anywhere in the contiguous United States.

• Retirement Planning:Access to private retirement investment options.

• Paid Time Off:Generous vacation policy.

• Competitive Benefits:Additional benefits are available; specific coverage and plan details are outlined in the benefits package.