Director, College Savings Initiative in DC

Job Title : Director, College Savings Initiative
Organization : New America Foundation
Job Location : Washington, D.C.
Company URL : http://newamerica.net
Salary Range :
Job Description :

The New America Foundation seeks a Washington, DC-based Director for the newly launched College Savings Initiative. The Initiative is a joint venture of the Asset Building and Education Policy Programs of the New America Foundation and the Center for Social Development (CSD) at Washington University in St. Louis: http://gwbweb.wustl.edu/csd |

The Asset Building Program is a leading voice on innovative, market-oriented public policies to enable low- and moderate-income families in the U.S. and around the world to (a) accumulate savings; (b) access wealth-building financial services and financial education; (c) better manage their debts; and (d) build and protect lifelong, productive assets-a home, higher education, a small business, investments, and a nest-egg for retirement. The Education Policy Program focuses on developing new ideas to advance the cause of equity, access, and excellence in public education. The program proposes comprehensive changes to education policy from pre-kindergarten to graduate school with the goal of closing multiple opportunity and achievement gaps nationwide.

The College Savings Initiative is centered on developing and advancing progressive 529 college savings plans at the state and federal levels. The Initiative seeks to achieve this through study and promotion of existing progressive state-based 529 plans; modernization of existing federal college aid programs, including federal income tax-based aid programs; policy research and design; communications; and policymaker education. Ultimately, the Initiative aims to increase post-secondary education access and completion rates among lower-income, disadvantaged students through innovative public policy and other reforms to 529 college savings plans.
Primary Responsibilities
In consultation with the Asset Building and Education Policy Programs, and in partnership with CSD, the Director will:

* Lead and manage all aspects of the Initiative.
* Develop and implement a policy research, communications, and legislative strategy to advance innovative and progressively funded 529s at the federal and state levels.
* Serve as the chief spokesperson for the Initiative with policymakers, the media, and others.
* Publish high-profile issue briefs, op-eds, articles, etc., to raise the overall visibility and credibility of the Initiative.
* Hire and professionally develop staff for the Initiative.
* Maintain and strategically grow the Initiative's funding base.


Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have:

* Solid knowledge of higher education policy, especially tax and financial aid policies.
* At least five years of experience with Capitol Hill lawmakers, ideally with the tax-writing and education committees.
* Proven leadership and project management skills.
* Proven ability to write, publish, and communicate complex ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
* Experience working successfully with multiple partners.
* Advanced degree in public policy, economics, education, or related fields.

How to Apply :

Mail, fax, or email a resume and cover letter (maximum two pages) summarizing your interests and qualifications to: Human Resources, New America Foundation, 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20009. Fax: 202-986-3696. E-mail: jobs@newamerica.net . Please state "Director, College Savings Initiative" in the e-mail subject line. No phone calls, please.

Generous salary package commensurate with experience; excellent benefits. The New America Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.