Reports to: Director of the Public Policy

Location: Washington, DC/DMV region

Annual Salary: $80,000

About GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems and democracy in the United States. Our vision is for students to be able to learn and for teachers to be able to teach, schools must be at a minimum safe from harm. Schools must be places of liberation where young people thrive and reach their full potential and every student completes their education ready to build a multi-racial democracy.

Research is the language of education systems. We conduct research and analyze data and advocate nationally and locally for systems to apply our research on the experience of LGBTQ+ young people in schools and educational practices. Public policies are the upstream supports and ground rules that must empower local communities to implement the four core supports: GSAs and youth leadership, supportive educators and adult allies, inclusive curriculum, and comprehensive policies that prohibit victimization. We educate and influence decision-makers to adopt our policy recommendations that research shows make schools safer and more inclusive. We build power with advocates, educators and students to advance our mission through local and national mobilization.

Through trust and relationships we increase the capacity of our constituents to be catalysts for change by providing the training, resources, and strategic support they need to achieve our vision of positive school transformation in communities across the country.

Role Overview:

The GLSEN public policy team leads the development of inclusive and affirming federal, state and local policies that create positive school climates for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. GLSEN’s policy work strives to advance LGBTQ+, Racial, Gender, and Disability Justice outcomes in K-12 education systems. public policy staff serve as the primary government affairs liaisons for the organization. The policy team supports the leadership of a network of volunteer policy fellows from states and territories across the country.

The Federal Policy Manager works closely with the Director of Public Policy to drive GLSEN’s strategy to advance GLSEN’s public policy agenda at the federal level. The Federal Policy Manager must be motivated by and experienced in analyzing public policy, particularly K-12 Education Justice issues. In a fast-paced environment, they will need to actively engage in providing technical assistance to advocates and policymakers, as well as rapid response communications on public policy matters. To advance and implement GLSEN’s policy priorities, the manager will be in consistent communication with coalition partners, including national and state nonprofit leaders and key K-12 education policymakers. The manager tracks federal legislation and rulemaking processes and supports opportunities to engage in working groups convened by federal agencies.

Responsibilities:

Project Manage GLSEN’s Federal Policy Portfolio

• Monitor the Federal Register and author public comments on issues of concern;
• Manage and coordinate opportunities to engage in working groups convened by federal agencies;
• Maintain relationships with agency staff and coordinate opportunities for testimony and listening sessions for LGBTQI+ youth, families, and educators;
• Support reintroduction of priority federal legislation and mobilize coalition partners to build a broader base of support;
• Represent GLSEN at national policy coalitions that focus on K-12 Education, LGBTQI+ and Two Spirit issues, Civil Rights, Racial, Gender, and Disability Justice outcomes in K-12 Education;
• In collaboration with the Director of Public Policy, surface priorities and support executive team engagement in public policy advocacy.

Policy Analysis and Resource Development

• Author sample regulations, guidance, and legislation to support vertical and horizontal policy diffusion;
• Review and suggest revisions to draft policy language;
• Respond to external requests for technical assistance;
• Draft and proofread documents, including policy memos, testimony, and correspondence;
• In collaboration with the Director of Public Policy, update GLSEN’s public policy agenda;
• Support cross-departmental collaboration with state and locally-based programs and the communications and public voice team.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience:

• Three or more years of federal government affairs experience and/or experience working in the federal government;
• MPP, JD, or similar advanced degree preferred;
• Knowledge of and ability to quickly build subject-matter expertise on K-12 Education, LGBTQI+, and Civil Rights public policy issues;
• Strong alignment with intersectional equity, Racial, Gender, and Disability Justice, and Education Justice frameworks;
• Excellent communications skills and experience authoring public comments, legislative language, policy analysis, and related content is strongly preferred;
• Collaborative approach to working with colleagues in a multi-racial and multi-generational organization;
• Proven ability to work with, students, GLSEN Chapter leaders, and other volunteers in ways that empower them to achieve concrete legislative results;
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills;
• Exceptional organizational skills; ability to work independently, perform multiple tasks, complete tasks on schedule and respond to deadlines, and interact effectively with people inside and outside the organization;
• Rapidly adapt and respond to changes in environment and priorities;
• Excellent leadership, problem solving and analytical skills;
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• An understanding of, and passion for, the mission and goals of GLSEN.

GLSEN offers a generous benefits package, including: paid time off, paid holidays, medical, vision, and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; employee assistance program; and a 401k plan with increasing employer contributions based on staff tenure.

GLSEN seeks to facilitate a healthy and safe work life balance and offers flexible work schedule hours and locations that align with the demands of job responsibilities and employee needs.

To apply, qualified candidates should submit their resume and letter of interest to careers@glsen.org.

GLSEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people of color, of diverse gender identities, women and non-LGBTQ+ persons to apply.