KAP 2026-2027 - Manager of Education Initiatives - Virginia Institute for Public Policy

Stand Together is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing individual liberty and personal responsibility. The Manager of Education Initiatives will coordinate and advance the Virginia Institute for Public Policy's education portfolio, contributing to policy development and legislative engagement to expand education opportunities across Virginia.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, analyze, and advance education legislation and regulatory proposals
• Monitor and interpret legislative and administrative developments impacting education policy
• Develop and execute legislative strategies, including direct engagement with legislators, staff, and executive branch officials
• Prepare policy memos, talking points, testimony, and legislative summaries
• Manage and coordinate coalitions aligned around education freedom, including support for initiatives such as microschools and parental rights efforts
• Serve as a key point of contact for coalition partners, helping ensure alignment on priorities, messaging, and strategy
• Facilitate coalition meetings, briefings, and coordinated advocacy efforts
• Cultivate and expand relationships with nonprofits, community leaders, policymakers, and funders
• Identify and engage new partners, including nontraditional allies, to broaden impact
• Translate policy priorities—particularly parental rights and education transparency—into clear, compelling messaging for policymakers, partners, and the public
• Author op-eds, policy briefs, reports, and public-facing materials
• Draft communications for supporters, partners, and policymakers
• Coordinate messaging across coalitions and internal teams to ensure consistency and effectiveness
• Support digital and social media efforts to expand reach and engagement
• Build and mobilize grassroots networks to support education initiatives
• Conduct targeted outreach to families and communities seeking expanded education options
• Develop strategies to increase awareness of parental rights and available education pathways
• Provide guidance and resources to individuals interested in microschools and alternative education models
• Support development efforts through donor engagement, grant support, and strategic communications
• Assist in cultivating relationships with philanthropic partners and aligned funders
• Contribute to proposals and reporting that demonstrate program impact and growth

Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in education policy, legislative processes, and advocacy strategy
• 2+ years of experience for the right candidate
• Experience in coalition building, stakeholder engagement, or public policy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively
• Experience engaging communities and building broad-based support for policy initiatives
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment
• Tech-savvy and comfortable with tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and communication platforms
• Philosophically aligned with the principles of liberty, free markets, limited government, and the fundamental role of parents in directing their children's education
• Writing sample (e.g., policy memo, legislative testimony, or articles