Policy Strategist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Michigan Manager of Policy and Programs (Remote-based in Michigan; Lansing or Detroit area preferred) What We Do Teach Plus is a national nonprofit whose mission is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success. At the heart of our work is developing teacher leadership and voice in pursuit of student outcomes. We believe that investing in our most talented teachers—developing them into well-informed, persuasive leaders—gives them deep leverage in elevating the most pressing education issues facing students, teachers, and communities while advancing opportunities for students. Learn more at teachplus.org. What You’ll Do Teach Plus Michigan envisions a future where every student has access to and can meaningfully engage in postsecondary-focused courses (such as Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Early Middle College, International Baccalaureate, and Career and Technical Education). We are committed to closing racial and socioeconomic opportunity gaps in access to these courses, which have the potential to set students up for postsecondary success, however students define that for themselves. Reporting to the Michigan Executive Director, you will work alongside teacher leaders, alumni, policy decision-makers, and key local coalition members to equip teachers with the skills and competencies necessary to advance systems change and expand Teach Plus’s regional impact.  Success will be measured by the growth of impactful teacher leadership programs, strong alumni engagement, and measurable influence on district and state policies that improve student outcomes. Key Responsibilities: Program Management Lead and manage the Michigan Policy Fellowship, customizing and facilitating high-quality learning experiences and programming —including monthly trainings, retreats, and other program activities—where fellows demonstrate measurable growth in leadership and policy competencies and produce tangible outcomes, such as policy recommendations and evidence of influence or adoption at the district or state level. Ensure rigorous and equitable fellow recruitment and selection to build a diverse, high-quality cohort aligned with Teach Plus MI goals. Drive continuous program improvement by collecting and analyzing data on teacher experience and efficacy, and delivering actionable recommendations to the Executive Director that strengthen program effectiveness and impact year over year. Ensure fellows’ projects achieve intended impact by setting and managing clear progress milestones, monitoring outcomes against goals, and partnering with the MI Executive Director and Teach Plus staff to drive accountability and successful completion. Identify high-leverage policy issues and opportunities aligned with Teach Plus MI’s strategic goals. In consultation with the Michigan Executive Director, draft agendas and scope and sequences for expanded programming, including an Alumni Fellowship dedicated to Teach Plus MI’s long-term goals, and a Teach Plus MI-led coalition. Equip teacher leaders to strengthen their skills, deepen expertise on their issue, and use research and data effectively to advance solutions and drive impact in their schools and communities Develop Effective Policy Advocacy Strategy Coach and support teachers to influence education policy and advocacy by providing guidance, research, and training that enables them to publish compelling op-eds, engage policymakers, deliver impactful testimony, and lead community organizing efforts at local, state, and national levels. Train and support teacher leaders in developing and advocating for research-informed policy recommendations, ensuring that 100% of fellows in their working groups execute an advocacy plan centered on 2-3 high-impact policy priorities. Build and maintain meaningful alumni engagement by providing leadership and advocacy opportunities, strengthening long-term relationships, and amplifying alumni impact through targeted events, communications, and programming. Stakeholder Engagement Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, district leaders, coalitions, and education organizations to advance Teach Plus MI’s policy agenda and expand the organization’s influence. Represent Teach Plus MI at hearings, meetings, panels, and public events to advance the organization’s mission and policy priorities, with measurable outcomes including the number of engagements attended, quality of stakeholder interactions, and documented follow-up or results. Strengthen fundraising outcomes by capturing insights around programmatic success, identifying connections between Teach Plus, local stakeholders, and funder priorities. What You’ll Need to be Successful A minimum of 5–7 years of experience in education, policy, advocacy, or a related field; Classroom teaching experience is highly preferred. Experience in education policy, legislative advocacy, and systems change work strongly preferred. Knowledge of Michigan college- and career-readiness policies, systems, and pathways. Proven track record of designing, managing, and scaling programs or initiatives to achieve measurable impact. Demonstrated success in cultivating and sustaining relationships with teachers, policymakers, and coalition partners. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead cross-functional projects, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to represent Teach Plus persuasively with external audiences, including educators, policymakers, and funders. Skilled in adult learning, professional development design, facilitation, and/or coaching. Deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. Location, Travel, and Commitment Although this remote position will be conducted virtually (primarily from a home office), candidates must reside in Michigan. A residency in or near Detroit or Lansing (within a drivable distance) is preferred.  This role requires flexible work hours, as it demands nights and weekends (approximately 3-5 evenings per month and 2-3 weekends per year) to support policy sessions and meet with teachers and policymakers. The ideal start date is late August/early September 2026. Total Rewards The salary range for this position is $87,000–$106,000. New hires should expect placement between the starting point and the second quartile of the range, up to $93,525, based on experience, skills, and internal equity. To promote equity and consistency, Teach Plus does not negotiate starting salaries. All offers are determined based on job-related criteria and alignment with our established salary structure. At Teach Plus, we believe the people advancing our mission deserve meaningful support in their work and in their lives. We offer competitive salaries and a strong benefits package designed to support well-being, professional growth, and long-term sustainability. Our benefits include generous paid time off, shared summer and winter breaks, Summer Half-Day Fridays, comprehensive health coverage, retirement contributions with immediate vesting, paid parental leave for all caregivers, and a four-week paid sabbatical after five years of service. See Teach Plus’ Benefit Summary for more information.