Michigan Manager of Policy and Programs

What We Do

Teach Plus is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to lead in education policy and practice. Our mission is to advance equity, opportunity, and student success by fostering teacher leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage the Michigan Policy Fellowship, creating high-quality learning experiences and programming that builds fellows' leadership and policy competencies and drives tangible outcomes.
• Recruit and select a diverse cohort of fellows who align with Teach Plus MI's goals, ensuring they have the skills and competencies needed to make a difference.
• Drive continuous program improvement by collecting and analyzing data, delivering actionable recommendations to enhance program effectiveness and impact.
• Equip teacher leaders with the tools to strengthen their skills, deepen their expertise, and advocate effectively for policy changes.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, district leaders, coalitions, and education organizations to advance Teach Plus MI's policy agenda.
• Represent Teach Plus MI at various events and meetings to communicate the organization's mission and priorities, focusing on measurable outcomes.
• Build and maintain meaningful alumni engagement through targeted events, communications, and programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Michigan Policy Fellowship, including planning and executing monthly trainings, retreats, and other program activities.
• Ensure fellows' projects achieve their intended impact by setting clear progress milestones, monitoring outcomes, and driving accountability.
• Identify high-leverage policy issues and opportunities, collaborating with the Michigan Executive Director to develop agendas and scope and sequences for expanded programming.
• Coach and support teachers in developing and advocating for research-informed policy recommendations, ensuring 100% of fellows execute an advocacy plan centered on 2-3 high-impact policy priorities.
• Develop and implement an effective policy advocacy strategy, providing guidance, research, and training to enable teachers to publish op-eds, engage policymakers, deliver testimony, and organize community efforts.
• Represent Teach Plus MI at hearings, meetings, panels, and public events, focusing on measurable outcomes such as the number of engagements attended, quality of interactions, and documented follow-up or results.
• Capture insights around programmatic success and identify connections between Teach Plus, local stakeholders, and funder priorities to strengthen fundraising outcomes.

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 is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Michigan college- and career-readiness policies, systems, and pathways.
• A 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, with the 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.
• A deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

Location, Travel, and Commitment

This remote position will be conducted virtually (primarily from a home office), but 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, with 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. 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.