Director of Government Affairs & School Partnerships

Company Overview:

Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) was founded in 2013 with the mission to increase the number of young men of color (YMOC) to attend and graduate from colleges and universities. We envision a world where men of color are overrepresented in higher education, underrepresented in the criminal justice system, and leaders in their communities. By embodying our Team Values of Teamwork, Service, Character and Liberation we work to combat academic inequities and build a college-to-community pipeline.

Role Purpose:

Leads Improve Your Tomorrow’s national strategy to build and sustain school district, higher education, and government relationships that expand our programmatic footprint and secure long-term funding.

This role drives policy advocacy, equips regional Executive Directors to navigate local funding systems, and represents IYT in coalitions, hearings, and legislative processes to advance education equity and college access for young men of color.

Core Responsibilities:

School & University Partnerships:

• Develop and execute a national strategy to expand IYT’s partnerships with K–12 school districts, county offices of education, colleges and universities across new and existing regions.
• Coach and support Executive Directors in prospecting, pitching, and securing school district contracts, including navigating local approval processes.
• Guide and train EDs in maintaining strong relationships with superintendents, school board members, and education leaders to advocate for IYT’s model and sustain contracts.
• Guide EDs in leveraging public funding sources (e.g., Title I, LCFF, ESSER) to sustain programming.
• Manage the School Partnerships Dashboard in Salesforce to track contracts, partnerships, and funding pipelines.
• Develop training, playbooks, and tools for IYT staff on navigating school funding structures, district policies, and board engagement.

Government Affairs, Policy, and Advocacy:

• Lead the creation and implementation of IYT’s government relations strategy across local, state, and federal levels.
• Train Executive Directors and regional leaders on government engagement, education budgets, and legislative processes.
• Monitor, analyze, and disseminate updates on education policies, legislation, and funding initiatives impacting IYT’s programs.
• Draft policy briefs, testimony, position statements, and legislative proposals aligned with IYT’s mission.
• Represent IYT in legislative hearings, policy coalitions, and stakeholder working groups to advance supportive policies for college access and completion.
• Build and steward relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and education agencies.

Government Relations Dashboard Management:

• Design, launch, and maintain a Government Relations Dashboard to track legislative priorities, funding opportunities, outreach efforts, and engagement metrics.
• Use data analytics to assess government relations performance and inform strategy refinements.
• Provide quarterly reports to senior leadership and Executive Directors to support decision-making and advocacy efforts.

Collaboration & Integration:

• Collaborate closely with Executive Directors, Development/Grants, College Access, College Completion, and Finance to align partnership and funding strategies.
• Actively participate in Shared Services Huddles, Dependency Meetings, and NRAM to drive cross-functional alignment and support.
• Ensure consistent documentation of partnership activities and outcomes in Salesforce.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Education Leadership, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, education policy, or school district/university partnerships.
• Proven experience building and managing partnerships with public agencies or educational institutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in legislative processes, policy analysis, and public funding systems (Title I, LCFF, ESSER, etc.).
• Strong strategic thinking, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and policy writing.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a complex or multi-region environment.
• High discretion, judgment, and ability to manage sensitive information.

Work Conditions:

• Monday–Friday, 8:30–5:00; Sacramento HQ; some evenings/weekends; travel for trainings, audits, and presentations; requires prolonged periods of computer-based work and extended sitting at a desk.

Pay Rate:

• $75,000-$105,000/Year DOE

Benefits:

• Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life AD&D, Voluntary Life AD&D, EAP and a 403(b) retirement with 3% employer match after one year of employment. We also provide 2 weeks of accrued paid vacation and paid time off for school breaks.  

IYT is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.