Texas P-20 Education Policy Fellow

ROLE: P-20 Education Policy Fellow

LOCATION: Austin, TX

DURATION: September 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

POSITION TYPE: Part-Time Non-Exempt, Temporary, 9-month commitment starting in September

REPORTS TO: Policy Manager

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 15, 2024

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Pre-K to Grade 20 (P-20) Education Policy Fellow will play a crucial role in supporting the advancement of the organization's policy agenda for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about education policy and reform, offering hands-on experience in shaping and influencing educational policies at the state level. The P-20 Education Policy Fellow will report to the Policy Manager and will work with policy analysts, researchers, and advocacy organizations to create and pass meaningful policy changes  in the following focus areas:

• Educator Workforce
• Early Learning
• Assessment & Accountability
• Equitable School Funding
• Postsecondary Readiness & Higher Education
• Innovation

WHO WE ARE

Democrats for Education Reform Texas (DFER TX) is a political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. We are education progressives who prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color who should be better served by our country’s public education system.

DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy Texas (ERNA TX) is an advocacy group that advances education reform measures through empowering community leaders to support our legislative and political advocacy work. ERNA keeps constant pressure on legislators to champion high-quality public education.

DFER partner Education Reform Now Texas (ERN TX) is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families.

WHAT WE DO

Support for Progressive Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. Our partner organization, Education Reform Now, does work that involves policy research, analysis and education that helps policy makers at all levels understand complex education issues and make informed decisions.

Informing the Education Debate — Our coalition work reflects the breadth of our policy priorities. We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system that is held accountable to all kids and families.

Targeted Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER’s reach from the most local district relationships to state and federal policymakers, enables us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research on K-12 and higher education policies, practices, and trends. Analyze policy proposals and their potential impacts on educational systems and stakeholders.
• Data Collection and Management: Source, collect, manage, and analyze data relevant to education policy issues. Maintain accurate records and databases.
• Report and Memo Writing: Draft reports, policy briefs, and memos summarizing research findings and providing actionable policy recommendations.
• Advocacy Support: Support the organization’s advocacy efforts by preparing materials, coordinating campaigns, and engaging with legislative bodies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in organizing and participating in meetings, workshops, and conferences with policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders. Present research findings and policy recommendations.
• Communications: Assist in developing communication materials, including blog posts, social media content, and newsletters to disseminate policy findings and recommendations.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

• Educational Background: Degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in public policy, education, social sciences, law, or a related field. Recent graduates are also eligible to apply.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate policies and their impacts, identify key issues, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Research Skills: Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including the ability to analyze complex data sets and synthesize information from various sources.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical and complicated information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in research, writing, and data analysis.
• Commitment to Education Equity: A demonstrated commitment to improving educational outcomes and advancing equity in education.
• 1+ years experience in education policy research, advocacy, law, or a related field preferred. Prior legislative experience preferred, though not required.

• Education Policy Knowledge preferred: In-depth understanding of current K-12 and higher education education policy issues and the policymaking process at the local, state, and federal levels. Demonstrated knowledge on the organization’s policy focus areas will be prioritized.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply as soon as possible, even if you are not available to start immediately. All applications are held in strict confidence. Interested applicants can apply here. References will be requested in a later stage of the selection process.

Benefits

COMPENSATION

The base pay for this position is $20-30/hour, with hours typically ranging from 20-25 hours of work per week, with a maximum of 30 hours per week. We are looking for someone who can commit to this part time role for 9 months. This role is not eligible for benefits (health and dental coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability, etc) nor paid time off.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Democrats for Education Reform welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees & LGBTQ people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of the students we serve.