Education Advisor

*** THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THIS POSITION IS NOW CLOSED***

Please direct any general questions to John McGurk, Chief of Staff, 816.513.3500

The Mayor’s Office in Kansas City, Missouri is hiring an Education Advisor. This newly created position will work with the Mayor and his staff to help create better conditions for the growth and replication of high performing schools in Kansas City, Missouri. The Education Advisor will play a central role in setting community priorities and attracting talent, proven and emerging programs, and school operators with track records of success to Kansas City.

A successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of effective practices and policies in schools and communities around the country that are achieving extraordinary academic and life outcomes for low-income students.

This position reports to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff and is funded through the remaining two years of the Mayor’s first term in office. Future funding is contingent on the Mayor’s re-election in 2014 and the candidate’s demonstrated record of success.

The Education Advisor will support the Mayor’s Office in three critical capacities:

Policy Research and Strategy Development (40%)

Identify systems, models, strategies, and resources that need to be in place for Kansas City to develop a system of schools that provide quality educational opportunities for students and families.
Elevate the Kansas City community into national education conversations while promoting innovation and balancing education reform, political dynamics, and research-based best practices with the goal of gaining valuable access to premiere institutions, expertise, and networks.
Explore innovative policy solutions to challenges regarding recruitment, retention, and development of educator talent in Kansas City.
Researching and advising the mayor on creating the conditions for leveraging technology to improve teaching and learning

Community Alignment and Strategy Execution (30%)

Identify and work with innovative local organizations and key stakeholders to build partnerships that expand the reach and impact of successful programs.
Collaborate with KCMO school districts, the charter sector and other organizations to develop talent retention strategies to increase the density of effective teachers, school leadership, and other young professionals who have the potential for impact in the education sector
Explore and promote partnerships related to development, enhancement, and expansion of STEM-related educational opportunities.

Capacity-Building for Early Childhood and Post-Secondary Initiatives (30%)

Develop relationships with the state department of education and early childhood providers to advance policies and practices that improve access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs, including utilizing a common assessment tool.
Identify and support initiatives that increase access to (and completion of) post-secondary programs of study by Kansas City students and young adults.
Oversee and Collaborate with Turn the Page Kansas City, the Mayors’ signature third grade reading initiative, on aligning birth to third-grade education policies

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/skills at building coalitions and convening multi-stakeholder events

Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment.
Understanding of effective practices and policies in schools around the country achieving extraordinary academic and life outcomes for lower-income students.
Significant background and work experience in education reform policy settings.
Experience in analyzing data sets and quantitative research.
Critical thinker who takes initiative in seeking opportunities and proposing solutions
Ability to develop, implement, and maintain systems and strategies.
Excellent verbal communication and writing skills.
Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Education, or related field preferred.