Leads ELSF’s national strategy for multilingual learner-centered instructional quality, coalition building, external partnerships, policy influence, and impact communications. Serves as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and external representative to funders, policymakers, education leaders, and advocates. Oversees cross-sector forums, thought leadership, calls to action, dissemination strategy, and organizational alignment while managing staff and consultants.
This is a remote position.
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Full-time, exempt
Department: Field Building
Pay Range: $152,000 - $228,000
Supervisory Responsibilities: Management of ELSF staff and consultants
Travel Requirements: Up to 40%
About ELSF
The English Learners Success Forum (ELSF) is a collaboration of researchers, teachers, district leaders, and funders who are passionate about improving the quality and accessibility of instructional materials for multilingual learners (MLLs). Our mission is to expand educational equity for multilingual learners by increasing the supply of high-quality instructional materials that center on their cultural and linguistic assets.
To be considered for this role, you'll need to complete both parts of the application, including all questions in the second section. You may receive a confirmation email before finishing that section -- that email confirms we've received your initial submission, but your application won't be complete (and won't be reviewed) until the second part is filled out as well.
Position Summary
The Chief, Strategic Engagement & Impact (CSE&I) serves as a trusted partner to the Executive Director leading the visioning, strategy, and execution of ELSF’s work that make MLL-centered design a non-negotiable in policy, practice and procurement. The CSE&I also drives how ELSF communicates its impact to key stakeholders, partners, and the broader education ecosystem.
This role will serve as an external representative of ELSF and requires a blend of high-level policy knowledge and the ability to build strong external relationships necessary to lead a diverse coalition of education system leaders, experts, and advocates, translating complex policy goals into wins through consensus-building and strategic advocacy.
The CSE&I will create and drive a national strategy for field building, sharing ELSF’s impact story, and cross-sector coalition building, so that ELSF’s efforts are cohesive, credible, and catalytic across the education ecosystem. As a member of the leadership team, the CSE&I will partner with teams across ELSF to keep our work connected and consistent, and will serve as the face of the coalition and ELSF’s external voice with funders, policymakers, and field partners.
This role will serve as an external representative of ELSF and requires a blend of high-level policy knowledge and the ability to build strong external relationships necessary to lead a diverse coalition of education system leaders, experts, and advocates, translating complex policy goals into wins through consensus-building and strategic advocacy.
The CSE&I will create and drive a national strategy for field building, sharing ELSF’s impact story, and cross-sector coalition building, so that ELSF’s efforts are cohesive, credible, and catalytic across the education ecosystem. As a member of the leadership team, the CSE&I will partner with teams across ELSF to keep our work connected and consistent, and will serve as the face of the coalition and ELSF’s external voice with funders, policymakers, and field partners.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Strategy and Coalition Building
Strategy and Coalition Building
- Lead the design and execution of ELSF’s strategy to define and promote a shared national vision for MLL-centered instructional quality across the education ecosystem.
- Launch, convene and manage a cross-sector forum of state, district, and advocacy partners to build consensus and drive collective action.
- Develop and publish annual Calls to Action, in partnership with the forum, that drives change in the MLL instructional materials market and measures progress toward ELSF’s ecosystem vision.
- Position ELSF as a national thought leader shaping the conversation around multilingual learners, HQIM, and equitable instructional design.
- Oversee development of a strategy and framework to regularly share ELSF’s impact on the instructional materials market with the field; work with the Communications Team to develop a broad-reaching dissemination strategy.
External Affairs and Partnerships
- Build and sustain high-impact partnerships with leaders from states, districts, coalitions, and organizations focused on HQIM to drive alignment and influence policy and practice.
- Engage strategically with national and regional coalitions, advocacy groups, and education networks to strengthen the movement toward MLL-centered design.
- Represent ELSF at conferences, convenings, and other external events as a credible and trusted voice for multilingual learners.
Leadership and Organizational Integration
- Serve as a member of the Leadership Team to ensure a shared accountability for results.
- Work cross-functionally with Services, Communications, Business Development, and Operations teams to align messaging, implementation, and impact.
- Build and lead a high-performing team of seasoned internal leaders and external consultants, providing the visionary leadership needed to align and expand the team’s collective impact.
Education, Experience, and Ability
- Proven ability to design and execute large-scale national strategies that engage a diverse group of stakeholders and drive measurable outcomes.
- Deep understanding of the MLL national education landscape, including instructional materials, policy, and market dynamics.
- 10+ years of senior-level leadership experience in education or education policy, with a focus on multilingual learners and curriculum.
- Strong record of coalition building and influence, with demonstrated success managing complex partnerships across a broad group of stakeholders around important educational issues deeply affecting underserved student populations.
- Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, with an ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives for multiple audiences.
- Skilled at navigating political contexts, managing reputational risk, and fostering alignment amid competing priorities.
- Experienced manager who inspires, develops, and empowers staff to deliver high-impact results.
- Proven ability to think analytically and strategically, and with agility to translate ideas and insights into action through coherent and viable project work.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects while simultaneously meeting deadlines.
- Commitment to the English Learners Success Forum’s mission, vision, core values, theory of change, and unique positioning in the field.
Hiring Process
We are committed to a thoughtful and respectful candidate experience. Our process is designed to be transparent and reflective of the collaborative culture at ELSF. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to complete a performance task, which should take about two hours. Those who advance will participate in a 30-minute introductory interview, followed by two panel interviews of 60 to 90 minutes each with different members of the ELSF staff. Finalists will be invited to meet with us in person.
Compensation
A salary within the range of $152,000-$228,000 will be provided to the successful candidate having met the minimum requirements for the position consistent with the ELSF compensation philosophy. Salary is based on experience, and to ensure equity within the organization, ELSF does not negotiate salary. Candidates can typically expect a salary offer around the midpoint of the salary range. In addition, ELSF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays; and vacation and sick leave.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
English Learners Success Forum is a 501(c)(3) and is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. ELSF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
English Learners Success Forum is a 501(c)(3) and is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. ELSF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you'll need to complete both parts of the application, including all questions in the second section. You may receive a confirmation email before finishing that section -- that email confirms we've received your initial submission, but your application won't be complete (and won't be reviewed) until the second part is filled out as well.
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