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Employment Opportunities

Federal Policy Institute Program Manager

(5-month contractual appointment)

The Federal Policy Institute (FPI) is a course offered by Teachers College, Columbia University, for graduate and doctoral students to learn about the key players and issues in federal education policy. One week of this course each January takes place in Washington, D.C. for students to learn first-hand from senior-level leaders in Congress, the executive branch, and various other organizations, and to network with these leaders. Note: Due to the ongoing pandemic, FPI may occur as a virtual or hybrid event in place of in-person; this decision will be made by early fall 2021.

Job scope:

  • Develop the FPI agenda in conjunction with Teachers College, including schedule, format, session topics and objectives, and speakers
  • Secure meeting spaces for sessions and site visits (If the event is virtual, work with IEL staff to secure Zoom meeting rooms and prepare Teachers College and all speakers and moderators for the virtual format.)
  • Secure and prepare speakers and moderators for all sessions (~ 30 speakers)
  • Develop the FPI program book and order associated supplemental materials
  • Participate in sessions as needed and ensure all FPI sessions and events run smoothly
  • Participate in debrief call(s) with Teachers College following the event
  • Other associated duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in education policy, public policy, or a related field strongly preferred
  • At least five years of experience working in a non-profit environment
  • Organized with ability to multi-task, deliver high-quality assignments on time and in time-sensitive environment
  • Self-motivated, self-starter, who can work both independently and in teams
  • Relationship-builder and collaborator with solid customer service skills
  • Critical thinker and problem-solver
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong project management skills and attention to detail
  • Proven record in running and/or managing multi-session, high-quality convenings
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and experience with Zoom
  • Ability to adapt and adjust as needed (e.g. whether the event is held in-person, virtual, or as a hybrid)
  • *The individual must be available to participate in Federal Policy Institute January 3-7, 2022 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm EST in Washington, D.C. (if in-person) and from 10:30 am-5:30 pm EST if the Institute is virtual

Compensation: This position is a part-time 5-month contract (September 1-January 31) with a flat compensation of $11,000 in monthly installments through duration of the contract.

Approximate Hours: The expected time spent on this project will be 1.5 days per week, on average, except for the week of the event, January 3-7, 2022, which will be the entire week, from 8:30am-5:30 pm EST if the Institute is held in-person and from 10:30 am-5:30 pm EST (with possible evening activities as well) if the Institute is virtual.

Direct supervisor: Mary Kingston Roche, Director of Policy

Work requirements: This is a contracted position without benefits. Given the ongoing pandemic and related federal CDC and local health guidelines, the work will be completed remotely. If/when IEL’s offices open during the period of this scope of work, individual will have the option to complete the work from the IEL’s office at 4301 Connecticut Ave., Suite 100, Washington, DC 20008.

Those interested should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Mary Kingston Roche at rochem@iel.org with the email subject title “FPI Program Manager.”  Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

IEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status or disabled veterans’ status. IEL is implementing a diversity and supported inclusion strategy and is actively and intentionally encouraging applicants of color, of diverse backgrounds, and with disabilities to apply.