Title: Lead, US Policy and Practice Architecture
Department: US Policy & Practice
Reporting to: Deputy Director, US Policy & Practice
Compensation: $107,000 - $140,000 USD
Location: Remote - USA (candidates based in the US only)
Who We Are:
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale. From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, we partner with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change. Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places. For more information about WES, please visit our website at www.WES.org.
About the Opportunity:
This role leads a policy and practice team with focus areas including ensuring a humane and pragmatic national immigration and integration infrastructure (including within states), the recognition of immigrants’ occupational credentials (such as in healthcare), and workforce access and inclusion. The Lead will guide a team in the development of model policies and practices, working closely with the Deputy Director, Head, and peers to drive towards desired impact and policy goals. Key areas of focus include team leadership and management, policy and practice development and expertise, project oversight and direction, and relationship management. The Lead reports to the team’s Deputy Director but will be on the USP&P leadership team and work closely and collaboratively with other Department team members and leaders in other WES departments.
What You’ll Do:
Policy and Practice Development (40%)
- Develop policy recommendations and practice models aligned with our overall narrative and policy strategy, including with our evolving national immigrant and integration framework and career pathway workstream, aligning sector-specific initiatives with WES’ good work framework and economic prosperity goals.
- Support WES-wide goals through coherent U.S. policy and practice action plans, and benchmarks and identify opportunities to exceed goals through strong partnerships.
- Develop and maintain, in partnership with leadership team members and the Strategy, Planning, and Learning team, robust and multi-year learning, monitoring, and evaluation plans that help advance the work of the policy team.
- Work in tandem with peers on the Career Pathways team to lend policy and practice expertise (including policy staff in a matrixed reporting environment) to address barriers that immigrants and others have in accessing good jobs in key industries, such as healthcare (e.g., physicians and direct care).
Technical Assistance and Subject-Matter Expertise (20%)
- Provide expertise and insights on policy and practice barriers, and their remedies, and develop model legislation and best practices to internal and external partners.
- Provide direct technical assistance to legislators, agencies, and implementation partners.
- Collaboratively lead policy and practice-based workgroups, such as those focused on credential pathways and specific policy objectives (healthcare to be seconded in full or part to career pathways depending on work stream needs).
- Maintain and grow policy and practice subject matter expertise.
Team Leadership and Management (20%)
- Create, manage, and mentor a high performing team that builds an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive team culture focused on innovation, results-orientation, accountability, clarity, and prioritization.
- Provide ongoing performance management and support to direct reports to ensure team members are contributing effectively, managing workloads, and developing their skills, knowledge, and experience.
- Set clear expectations to help maintain and foster a positive work environment, both within the team and with internal and external partners.
System and System Actor Engagement (20%)
- Work collaboratively with the Lead, Strategic Influence and Engagement, to identify networks, partners, allies, and individuals aligned with policy objectives to build and steward relationships that move policy and practices forward at scale and help drive policy changes with impact.
- Engage directly with federal, state and local actors when the purpose is technical assistance or policy design and contribute to state-level learning to national policy and framework development.
- Work closely with communications colleagues to identify, develop, and drive the creation of materials for internal and external publications that contribute towards advancing policy goals.
- Represent policy issues and WES in general at key conferences, webinars, meetings, and coalitions.
Your Experience:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 10 years of experience in public policy, government, government relations, nonprofit or public administration, immigration-related work or campaigns, with express and demonstrated expertise in at least 1-2 in WES’s policy portfolio areas such as internationally trained professionals, workforce access, licensure, immigrants, and refugees. The majority of the experience must be in the US, with a preference for engagement at both the state and federal levels.
- Five+ (5+) years of experience in leading or managing a team, with a preference to those oriented to meet system change goals as part of a wider, matrixed approach. Additional leadership training, such as through degrees, evidence of ongoing learning, or professional leadership training, is also desired but not required.
- Demonstrated expertise in driving policy reforms, such as through policy analysis, stakeholder mapping and engagement, bill or amendment drafting, testimony, communication strategies, and partner engagement.
- Proven track record of successfully leading system change work and engaging policy makers and key stakeholders toward a desired goal or outcome.
- Demonstrated efficiency in managing multiple concurrent diverse tasks and projects with an ability to stay focused despite considerable noise in order to achieve desired outcomes.
- Strong ability to work within ambiguous, dynamic and entrepreneurial environments and see each new challenge as an opportunity for change; be comfortable with risk and failure as a natural part of long-term success.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Thrive in an environment that values transparency, collaboration, and a learning orientation.
- Bring a “can-do” attitude and have a willingness to stretch up and down in their role as needs evolve.
- Communicate efficiently and effectively, with the intention to drive action but also with compassion and understanding.
- This is a remote working role with requirements for team members to travel to in-person meetings upon request, usually in the NYC area and usually no less than three times a year. Travel to DC or other locations may be required. Most WES team schedules reflect Eastern Time, and the candidate will need to make themselves available for meetings and collaborative conversations during this time, although the general work schedule may be flexible to accommodate team members in other time zones.
What We Offer:
Joining our team at WES means embarking on a purpose-driven career with a global impact, where you contribute daily to making a tangible difference in the lives of people worldwide. You'll thrive in an employee-centric environment, with access to learning opportunities, pathways for personal and professional development, and recognition of your achievements. Our inclusive, mission-driven culture values employees and focuses on investing in our people through our culture, people framework, and programming while offering the flexibility of remote work options.
- Work-Life Harmony: We believe that success is all about maintaining balance. Enjoy the freedom of remote work and flexible scheduling, paired with generous time-off policies designed to assist you in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your personal and professional commitments. Our comprehensive wellness programs and work environment are focused on fostering your well-being.
- Rewards and Recognition: Your dedication and achievements are the cornerstone of our success. We recognize the importance of valuing your hard work which is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and tangible rewards to celebrate your contributions.
- Professional Growth and Development: We are committed to nurturing growth within our team, recognizing that growth is essential to providing opportunities for career advancement and ongoing professional development. To prioritize your learning and success, we invest in comprehensive training programs and offer tuition reimbursement opportunities. We promote a culture of continuous learning that empowers you to thrive and evolve in your career.
- Innovation and Impact: Engage in work that directly transforms lives and empowers individuals and communities by expanding access to global educational and professional pathways. Join us in fostering a culture that values innovation, embraces new approaches, and leverages transformation to implement and drive impactful change.
- Community and Connection: Our team is made up of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds who have varying perspectives and ideas. Our diverse workforce reflects the global community we serve, and we take pride in it. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Experience the power of connection by participating in a range of activities, including employee-led resource groups, town halls, collaborative team events, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that promote equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within our organization.
Values:
- Opportunity - We open doors so people can build better futures.
- Inclusion - We become stronger, more creative, and more resilient when we embrace diversity.
- Equity - We uphold fairness and justice in our work and actions.
- Enterprising - We are resourceful, inventive, and driven.
Inclusive Recruitment Process:
We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints. At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.
Our Commitment:
World Education Services is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada. This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. For us, diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
If you require assistance and/or accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at
[email protected], we're here to support you. Our Talent Acquisition team is happy to work with you to find solutions that meet your needs.
For more information about WES, please visit our website at www.WES.org