Director, K-12

The Hunt Institute’s mission is to secure America’s future through quality public education.
Since its establishment in 2001, the organization has emerged as a recognized and credible
leader in the movement to transform American public education and a go-to source for reliable,
objective, and timely information. The Institute works at the intersection of education policy
and politics, supporting state and national officials and empowering them to drive education
reform. Its mandate is to inspire and equip elected officials and senior policymakers to make
informed decisions that improve the lives of all children. The Institute’s primary audience
consists of governors, legislators, and other elected and state-level policymakers.

Position
The Director, K-12 is responsible for engaging and supporting educators and school leaders
across states. The Director, K-12 will play a critical role in coordinating and driving progress on
the Institute’s strategic priorities. The Director, K-12 will ensure coordination, communication,
and forward progress across various programmatic work streams. The Director, K-12 will
collaborate with school leaders across states regarding the development and implementation
of effective and efficient practices and strategies to drive equity in schools. The Director, K-12
will also provide information for grant reports, policy briefs, primers and case studies for
dissemination.

The Director, K-12 reports directly to the Chief of Staff and serves on the Leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Builds relationship with local-level school leaders in Hunt Institute partner states.
• In partnership with other Institute staff, consults with schools, districts, state leaders, and policymakers to offer professional development and policy and research support that is tailored to local contexts.
• Provides leadership on K-12 initiatives in policy and research and fosters internal and external relationships that expand the reach of the Hunt Institute’s programs, products and expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver information on an array of K-12 educational topics to small and large groups.
• Contribute to the design and development of major Institute policymaker convenings, including state legislative retreats and cross-state and national events for senior state policymakers.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of the Institute’s Regional Visits and School Site Visits for Hunt-Kean Fellows and state legislators.
• Knowledge of K-12 curriculum; knowledge of federal and state programs; and knowledge of current research in K-12 curriculum and school leadership.
• Assist with fundraising efforts, strategy and processes, including grant application and proposals, assessing impact of new funding on current work, participating in funder calls and developing relationships in the field.
• Accept and complete any other task or duty as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• Interest in working with K-12 educational issues.
• Minimum of five years’ work experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment.
• Hands-on, leads by example.
• Values diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining impeccable attention to details.
• Integrity/ethics beyond reproach.
• Constantly seeking to apply best practices.
• Willingness to work collaboratively and consider new ideas.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission, financial stability, and success.

Equal Employment Opportunity
At The Hunt Institute, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation.

To apply, please submit cover letter, along with a résumé and a writing sample (no more than 5 pages; sections from a longer paper can be submitted) to applicant@hunt-institute.org with the subject line “Director, K-12 – your last name.” Position is open until filled. No phone calls, please.