Education Research and Policy Institute (ERPI) Executive Director

Education Research and Policy Institute (ERPI)
Executive Director
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Education Research and Policy Institute (ERPI)1, a newly created think tank that will develop
and advance education policy solutions grounded in rigorous research, seeks a dynamic leader and
organization builder to serve as Executive Director (ED). ERPI is well-positioned to strengthen the
evidence base for policies and approaches that foster an equitable, quality public education system
that allows all students to thrive. The ideal candidate will combine a passion for ensuring that all
children have a high-quality education with exceptional talent for managing high-performing teams
toward ambitious and multifaceted objectives and building strong, flexible organizational systems
and infrastructure. The ED will report to the President and work closely with an engaged Board of
Directors. The President will lead the development of EPRI’s strategic vision, actively engage with
policymakers and key partners, and collaborate closely with the ED in setting internal organizational
policies and practices.
ERPI has long-term philanthropic support and will be headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area
with an office in Washington, DC. In concert with the senior leadership team, the Bay Area based
ED will oversee and coordinate three primary areas of programmatic work: (1) research and policy
development, (2) communications and dissemination, and (3) external relations and network
building. S/he will also oversee the finance and administration team managed by the Director of
Finance and Administration. S/he will be a high-energy and self-directed leader with a broad and
deep knowledge and fluency in education research and policy, and highly-developed skills in:
developing and retaining diverse, top-flight talent; managing high-performing teams; moving ideas
from concept to implementation; and stewarding the financial and operational health of a complex
and fast-growing enterprise.
This search is being conducted with support from Laura Gassner Otting, Allison Kupfer Poteet, and
Callie Carroll of Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group. Application instructions and contact
details can be found at the end of this document.
BACKGROUND AND VISION
The education systems of high-performing and equitable nations share a set of common
characteristics. These include:
 An even start in life (i.e., adequate health care, housing, food security, and early learning
opportunities)
“Education Research and Policy Institute” (ERPI) is a placeholder until the organization name is
formally chosen.
1





Equitable access to quality public education for all students
Well-trained, culturally skilled, and professionally committed educators
A focus on meaningful learning goals and associated curriculum and assessments that
engender authentic and engaging learning for life, work, and democratic participation
Schools designed to care effectively for students and to support 21st century learning
Well-functioning pathways to college and career training
These characteristics, however, are not reflected in the current public education system in the United
States. Moreover, policymakers seeking to transform the US public education system do not
consistently have access to relevant research and related policy briefs to inform their decisions. To
address this need, ERPI seeks to get rigorous research and policy analyses that can inform the
development of equitable, quality public education systems directly into the hands of policymakers
and other key influencers. To accomplish this, ERPI will marshal research and evidence, produce
policy analyses, and engage in robust communication and networking with education stakeholders
and policymakers.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reporting to the President and working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the
Executive Director will lead the day-to-day execution of ERPI’s strategy by building a highperforming team of collaborative experts and ensuring the integrated, aligned, and timely fulfillment
of an ambitious set of goals and objectives. Driven by a commitment to ERPI’s mission and vision,
s/he will work alongside a tight-knit team at the forefront of an organization that is poised to leverage
and inform broad-based shifts in the way the US approaches public education.
Specifically, the Executive Director will:

Build and manage a team to ensure the coordinated execution of ERPI’s strategy.
o Recruit and knit together top talent to drive the creation and day-to-day execution of
innovative program approaches across three key teams: Research and Policy,
Communications, and Outreach and Networks;
o Ensure the development of a workplace culture and management processes that
support the recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and growth of a talented, productive
staff; and
o Provide rigorous oversight and evaluation of programs and build a culture of
continuous and collaborative learning across teams.

Partner with the President to develop strategy while leading alignment of execution plans,
benchmarks, and timelines.
o Regularly convene and direct the senior leadership team in order to identify
opportunities for increased impact and collaboration, address ongoing and new
challenges, and respond to shifting currents in the field;
o Partner with the President and leadership team to prioritize allocation of the
organization’s time and resources; and
o Actively engage the Board on progress and potential course adjustments.

Develop and maintain an operational infrastructure that supports strategic and innovative
program work.
o Support the Director of Finance and Administration to build and maintain human
resources, grants management, funder stewardship, information technology,
facilities, and other operational systems; and
o Ensure the overall financial health of the organization, including compliance,
continuous monitoring, forecasting, and timely budgeting and analysis in concert
with the senior leadership team and the finance committee of the Board.
QUALIFICATIONS
While no one person will embody all of the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate will
possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

A deep commitment to a strong, equitable public education system and an evidence-based
policy and research approach; Values, perspectives, and goals that are well-aligned with the
those of the organization;

A minimum of 5 years of experience managing 20-50 people with a demonstrated capacity
to lead work of the scope and programmatic complexity of ERPI; An uncompromising
commitment to excellence and a proven ability to lead and manage a team in pursuit of
ambitious goals;

Significant experience in and affinity for hiring, managing, developing, mentoring and
evaluating talented and committed senior staff members; A collaborative, accessible, and
effective management style supporting the development of high-quality products;

A keen understanding of how ideas are transmitted and how organizations work together to
successfully bring about policy change;

The maturity and savvy to balance strategic collaboration with the President while leading
the internal mechanics of a high-performing organization; Ability to proactively staff and
wisely “manage-up” to leverage a high-profile leader effectively;

Substantial experience in creating and furthering excellence in organizational systems and
infrastructure, including financial planning and reporting, human resources, development
and grants management, information technology and other operations-related functions:

A high degree of financial and operational acumen and the planning, budget management,
and financial operating skills to effectively steward a multi-million dollar enterprise;

A proven capacity to deliver, solicit, and respond to candid feedback respectfully;

Strong project management and motivational skills and the ability to ensure that tasks and
activities are properly organized and cross-coordinated to meet benchmarks and timelines;

Highly developed interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to work in a fastmoving environment; A collegial nature and impeccable writing, presentation and oral
communication skills;

Proven ability to anticipate obstacles and develop creative solutions; The perspective,
judgment, and analytical skill to think critically, make decisions, and justify
recommendations with data; and

Experience in a start-up or rapidly growing organization is preferred.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS
This search is being conducted with assistance from Laura Gassner Otting, Allison Kupfer Poteet,
and Callie Carroll of Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group. Applications, nominations, and
inquiries may be sent in strict confidence to [email protected]. Applications
should include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word
format), salary history, and where you learned of the position. ERPI is an equal opportunity
employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.