Deputy Executive Director, Data Quality Campaign
Mission: The Data Quality Campaign works with policymakers to advocate and support the development and effective use of statewide longitudinal education data systems which provide robust, timely information across the early learning, K-12, postsecondary and workforce sectors.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Data Quality Campaign (DQC) is a national, collaborative effort to encourage and support state policymakers to improve the availability and use of high-quality education data to improve student achievement. In November 2005, with the help of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the founding funder, ten organizations launched the campaign to improve the collection, availability, and use of high quality education data. The DQC expanded to include 14 managing partners and many more endorsing partners. Since then, additional support has been provided by the Casey Family Programs, the Lumina Foundation for Education, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Ultimately, the work of the DQC is the result of a collaborative effort involving over 90 organizations across the country.
The primary focus of the first three years of the campaign was on building the political will for states to implement the 10 Essential Elements of a longitudinal data system. The second phase of the Campaign, launched in early 2009, reflects continued emphasis on providing support and information about building robust student-level longitudinal data systems via the 10 Essential Elements, but shifts focus toward helping states identify and put in place the necessary policies and practices so that key stakeholders actually use longitudinal data to help students succeed. The campaign has just concluded a 5 month strategic planning process to chart the future of the campaign. This process provided the mandate for the DQC to continue beyond the planned sunset in 2012 and to accordingly transition from its current fiscal sponsorship status to an independent non-profit organization and also provided renewed clarity on the mission, roles and goals of the organization given the monumental political and landscape changes of the past 18 months. Specifically, moving forward, DQC will promote the effective use of data by focusing on:
- National, Federal and State Advocacy: being a credible and challenging voice on data issues in national, federal and state policy discussions, ensuring that data use remains a policy priority, and constantly building champions and partners;
- State Policy Counsel and Coaching: providing policy assistance to states (in varying levels of intensity) to support implementation of the policies necessary to support effective data use; and
- A National Forum for Building and Sharing Knowledge: continually expanding a clearinghouse of best practices, tools, and resources to ensure the effective use of data and creatively communicating effective approaches through tailored messaging.
THE POSITION
This is a hands-on, senior-level role in a small yet rapidly growing organization and therefore the Deputy Executive Director must bring both top-level strategic insight and a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. Internally, the Deputy ED will be part of a 15-member team and will report to the Executive Director, serving as a thought-partner on all strategic matters regarding the Campaign, including current and future direction and management. This position is particularly vital now as the Campaign finalizes its strategic planning process and commits to meeting the needs of the field looking toward the future. Equally if not more importantly, the Deputy ED will support the DQC’s growing team and oversee all internal Campaign operations. Externally, this person will build and nurture relationships with Campaign stakeholders including policymakers, data managers, funders and partners. This position also encompasses all essential job functions, supportive job functions, knowledge, skills and abilities, education and working conditions referred to on the general Director’s job description. The role is best summarized through the following activities and responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Leading strategic planning efforts and ensuring that the strategic plan is implemented successfully;
- Convening DQC leadership team for regular reflection and planning/leading quarterly staff retreats;
- Articulating the strategic connections/message of the Campaign across all DQC work strands; and
- Ensuring DQC work plans and program activities align with DQC’s mission and are on course to help DQC accomplish its short, medium and long term goals.
Policy and Advocacy
- Serving as a thought partner with staff Directors and Program Managers to support DQC’s work advocating for the 10 Essential Elements and 10 State Actions;
- Leveraging the specific areas of the Campaign to create key advocacy messages (working with Communications Manager) and translate into policy actions;
- Directing and managing timely topics allowing the DQC to remain proactive while addressing current and timely needs of the field; coordinating with other staff; and
- Representing DQC externally; supporting the Executive Director with relationships and connections.
Operations and Management
- Directing the internal management of DQC, including hiring and managing staff, developing and managing grants, overseeing operations/administration including the DQC’s $4m operating budget;
- Identifying capacity gaps and needs and creating hiring plans that acknowledge and plan for both growth and shrinking. Establishing comprehensive employee position bands, with better delineation of career paths, specific job responsibilities and related salary ranges;
- Providing coaching and expertise to the full 15-person DQC team; developing professional development plans for all staff; and
- Overseeing DQC’s Operations Manager in tracking spending, preparing monthly invoices and monitoring accounts receivable.
REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for the position must bring experience in the following areas:
- 15+ years in both state policy development and strategic organizational management;
- A track record of attracting, recruiting, retaining, and developing excellent staff; and
- Tested external tactical planning experience on behalf of an organization or major division.
Next, candidates for the position must have the following skills and abilities:
- Political savvy and instincts sharp enough to navigate the complexity of national education policy community and political landscape;
- Ability to assume responsibility for the organization’s efficient management, staff and infrastructure, and a projected operating budget over the next 2 years of 8 million dollars;
- A sophisticated understanding of the process of making public policy change;
- Ability to effectively convey ideas and positions to numerous audiences – externally to technical and non-technical audiences at various levels (e.g., partners, states, federal government), and internally in management situations – both orally and in writing;
- Ability to work typical weekday hours at the Washington, DC office near Metro Center;
- Ability to travel approximately once per month; and
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Finally, candidates for the position must possess the following personal characteristics:
- Passionate belief in the power of data to improve student achievement and system performance across the P-20/Workforce pipeline;
- A demonstrated commitment to working with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives;
- The presence to inspire confidence and passion both internally and externally;
- Capacity to work well under pressure and in a rapidly changing environment; and
- A reputation for being entrepreneurial, partnership-oriented, energetic, positive and focused.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ideally, candidates for the position would possess the following characteristics:
- Proven leadership in the education field;
- Deep knowledge of education policy (the players and the politics), and familiarity with early childhood, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce policy; and
- A master’s degree.
START DATE
As soon as possible
LOCATION
Washington, D.C.
COMPENSATION
Competitive and commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications should be submitted electronically and should include a letter of interest and a current resume. Nominations, applications, or inquiries about the position and/or the search process should be directed to:
Monisha Lozier
Partner, Talent Services
Bellwether Education Partners