StudentsFirst is a comprehensive and uncompromising national movement to build upon, connect, and accelerate reforms that defend the interests of America’s students.  Specifically, the organization will articulate a gold standard for education reform, based on the best evidence on what works in teacher professionalism, student choice, and system-wide accountability.  We will provide tools and services to local leaders who want to implement change and we will build a membership movement with a national voice.  We will deploy resources to defend students’ interests with litigation, mobilization, advocacy and direct political activity.  Fighters for reform will know that they are not fighting alone.  Our organization’s Founder and CEO is Michelle Rhee, former Chancellor of DC Public Schools.  

Position

The Legislative Analyst, under the direction of the Director of Legislative Support in the StudentsFirst National Policy department, will support the state legislative efforts of StudentsFirst by reviewing, drafting, and analyzing current and proposed state policies as enacted through legislation and regulations. The Legislative Analyst will work as directed by the Director of Legislative Support. 

Key Responsibilities:

•  Maintain relentless commitment to creating and enabling policy practices that prioritize student achievement and educational opportunity;
•  Review current and proposed laws and regulations and analyze the potential alignment and impact with respect to the StudentsFirst policy agenda;
•  Draft model statutory language and state-specific amendments to proposed legislation being considered in states in which StudentsFirst is engaging;
•  Support state engagement teams, including providing legislative analysis and making recommendations regarding changes to existing and proposed laws that would strengthen state policies related to education;
•  Review laws, regulations, and other research materials as applicable on a state-by-state and national level to determine how policies affect implementation of reform strategies;
•  Collaborate with StudentsFirst state engagement teams, national and local partners, and others to ensure StudentsFirst-endorsed policies are enacted with broad support among state and community stakeholders. 

Education/experience:

•  At least 5 years experience working in a role associated with legislative, regulatory, and/or political processes;
•  Familiarity with providing legislative analysis and editing and providing comment on statutory and regulatory language;
•  Familiarity with education reform issues and teaching experience a plus;
•  Bachelor Degree: Political Science, Public Policy, or in a related field.  Juris Doctorate candidates encouraged to apply.

Skills and Knowledge required:

•  Ability to read and interpret complex statutory and regulatory language, both current and proposed;
•  Ability to synthesize statutes and best practices and to prepare guidance memoranda explaining multiple perspectives and issues;
•  Ability to write and clearly communicate complex policy and legislative issues and concepts to audiences and constituents of diverse backgrounds
•  Ability to manage multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and prioritize work as necessary;
•  Ability to work independently and as a key member of multiple small project teams. 

 Please apply at www.StudentsFirst.org/Jobs

SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 04/03/12